In a significant move affecting millions of users worldwide, leading artificial intelligence companies OpenAI and Google have announced fresh restrictions on their free AI-generation tools. The decision comes in response to unprecedented demand during the holiday weekend, putting immense pressure on their computational resources.
OpenAI Implements Strict Sora Video Generation Limits
OpenAI's popular video generation model Sora now faces substantial usage caps for free users. Bill Peebles, head of Sora at OpenAI, confirmed the new restrictions through a social media post on Friday. Free users will now be limited to just 6 generations per day, a significant reduction that requires careful planning for those hoping to experiment with AI video creation.
Peebles explained the reasoning behind the decision, stating that their GPUs are melting under the overwhelming demand. The company aims to balance accessibility with system stability, ensuring as many people as possible can access Sora without complete service disruption.
Google Tightens Nano Banana Pro and Gemini 3 Pro Access
Google has followed suit with similar restrictions across its AI portfolio. The company's newly launched Nano Banana Pro image generation system now restricts free users to two images per day, down from the previous three-image allowance. The changes were first reported by 9to5Google, with the company warning that limits may fluctuate without notice depending on server load.
The access reduction extends to Google's broader Gemini 3 Pro suite as well. Free users now receive only Basic access where daily limits may change frequently when using Thinking with 3 Pro. This represents a significant shift from the initial launch parameters that offered up to five prompts daily alongside three image generations via Nano Banana Pro.
Industry-Wide Pattern Emerges During Holiday Surge
The simultaneous restrictions by both tech giants highlight a broader industry pattern during peak usage periods. The holiday weekend saw unprecedented demand for generative AI tools, straining GPU resources beyond capacity. While paying subscribers continue to enjoy uninterrupted access and higher limits, casual users face increasing barriers.
Google has implemented a firm cap of 2 images per day on Nano Banana Pro, explicitly noting that image generation and editing services are in high demand. The company maintains that limits may change frequently but will reset daily, offering some predictability for users planning their AI workflows.
The developments underscore the growing divide between paid and free access to cutting-edge AI technology. As companies struggle to manage computational costs and server stability, free users increasingly find themselves at the mercy of demand fluctuations and corporate resource allocation decisions.
