If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen dreamy, whimsical images that look like they were plucked straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. From serene countryside scenes to soft-focus portraits, people are giving their photos a magical Ghibli twist—and we’re absolutely here for it.
The good news? You don’t need to be Hayao Miyazaki to get that iconic look. Here’s how you can join the Ghibli trend and transform your own images into something truly enchanting.
What Is the Ghibli Style?
Studio Ghibli is known for its lush, hand-drawn animation style—rich colors, natural landscapes, soft lighting, and emotional depth. Think My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Howl’s Moving Castle. These movies don’t just tell stories—they transport you into living, breathing worlds.
The Ghibli style typically includes:
- Pastel and earthy color palettes
- Dreamy backgrounds like forests, fields, or small villages
- Soft lighting and painterly textures
- Expressive character features with gentle outlines
How to Turn Your Photo Into a Ghibli-Style Image
Step 1: Choose the Right Photo
Pick a photo that tells a story or gives a peaceful vibe—this could be a portrait, a landscape shot, or even your pet looking contemplative in the backyard. Natural lighting and scenic backgrounds work best.
Step 2: Use an AI Generator
There are several tools that can turn your photos into Ghibli-style artwork. Here are a few popular options:
- Artbreeder
- Fotor AI Art Generator
- Picsart (Magic Effects)
- DeepAI or Midjourney (if you’re more advanced)
Upload your image and choose a Ghibli-style filter or prompt. Play around with settings until the image looks soft, colorful, and storybook-like.
Step 3: Refine With an Editing App (Optional)
To add an extra layer of magic:
- Use Procreate or Adobe Photoshop to paint in details
- Add grain or blur for a cinematic feel
- Adjust contrast and saturation for softer tones
Bonus Tip: Add Text for a Movie Poster Feel
Once your image is complete, try adding stylized text in a Ghibli-esque font. Include your name or a short, poetic title in Japanese or English. Suddenly, your post looks like the promo art for a lost Ghibli film.
Share It!
Post your new Ghibli-style image to your Instagram story or feed. Use trending hashtags like:
#GhibliStyle#GhibliTrend#StudioGhibliArt#AIArt
Tag your favorite creators and inspire others to try it out too!
Final Thoughts
The Ghibli trend isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about tapping into a moment of calm, nostalgia, and storytelling. With just a few tools and a little creativity, you can capture that magic and make it your own.
Now go on—create your own Ghibli moment.
