Forget Studio Ghibli, ChatGPT's doll trend has taken over now

Let’s be real – if you missed the Studio Ghibli AI trend, do not spiral into FOMO just yet. There is a new visual trend in town, and it is screaming pink plastic perfection. Say hello to the Barbiecore AI Doll Box aka action figure trend, where social media users are literally turning themselves into Barbie-style action figures using ChatGPT and a sprinkle of imagination.

I asked AI to turn me into a Barbie doll and the results are pretty fun! 💚 #barbie #tracykissbarbie pic.twitter.com/LDJ3SXf3Vo

— Tracy Kiss 🌎 (@misstracykiss) April 9, 2025

Barbie but make it AI – the newest internet obsession has arrived

This is not your average photo filter nonsense. This is next-level, full-blown you-as-a-collectible content. And honestly? It is giving limited edition.

The Ghibli art trend had us all looking like woodland princesses and anime daydreams. But now, it's out with the Studio Ghibli softness and in with the shiny, box-sealed sass. Enter: a trend that turns your selfie into a glammed-up, 90s-style Barbie or action figure. Think of it as your digital unboxing moment, but make it fashion.

You guysss, I made an toy figure pack of myself using CHATGPT

Let me show what prompt to use pic.twitter.com/5Xysf5jYuu

— cupoftee 🇳🇬🇨🇲 (@MarthaYaounde) April 9, 2025

From fairy forests to plastic packaging – why we are ditching Ghibli

It all began in early 2025, when TikTok and Instagram users started flooding the timeline with AI-generated images of themselves sealed inside clear plastic doll packaging. The visuals? Beyond iconic. Each AI Barbie or Ken comes with accessories, quirky taglines, and that signature retro toy aisle aesthetic. Some call it the #BarbieBoxChallenge, but let’s just agree it is the hottest thing on the grid right now.

ChatGPT's new trend | Credit: X

How to make your own Barbie AI action figure – no toy store required

Wanna live out your boxed doll fantasy? Here’s your cheat code:

Head over to ChatGPT.

Upload a fab, full-length photo of yourself—preferably one that screams main character energy.

Use this spicy prompt: Create a realistic action figure (Barbie doll) of the person in this photo. The doll should be full figure and displayed in its original clear plastic box packaging. At the top of the box is the name of the toy '-'. In the packaging, next to the figure are the toy's accessories including…”

ChatGPT's new trend | Credit: X

And voilà, your very own AI-generated Barbie (or Bratz, or Ken, or full glam drag queen doll—go wild, really) will pop out. Add more detail to make it extra camp: pick a box colour, throw in iconic accessories, or add a sassy catchphrase.

One social media user explained how adding more specific details gave their doll “major Bratz meets Y2K diva vibes” – proving that creativity is key in this trend.

Jumping on the viral AI doll trend. Barbie and Ken who? pic.twitter.com/VRWafJvVSj

— The Henry Bible (@TheHenryBible) April 10, 2025

AI, but make it hot

With generative AI tools becoming more accessible, this trend proves that anyone can be a doll—literally. Whether you are team pastel princess, punk Barbie, or chaotic neutral action hero, the AI Barbiecore challenge is the vibe shift we did not know we needed.

So skip the anime, step into your box, and live your doll fantasy.