What is Midjourney AI? 2025 Guide to the AI Art on Tap

Want to know what Midjourney AI is and why it’s all over your feed? Simple — it’s an AI art generator turning basic text prompts into cool-looking images. 

We’ll go super in-depth into all there is to know about it. 

But while Midjourney’s cool, it’s not the only tool out there. Weights.com is sliding into the spotlight with free, no-hassle tools that let you create insane AI art without the price tag or learning curve.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is Midjourney AI?
• What is it used for? 
• How does Midjourney AI work?
• Integrations with Discord
• Features
• How much does Midjourney cost?
• Tips
• Pros & cons
• Alternatives 
• Check out Weights: Fast, free, & easy

What exactly is Midjourney AI?

Midjourney AI is an AI image generator that can create jaw-dropping stuff with just a text prompt. 

Drop in a random idea like “a space marine wearing sunglasses in a volcano,” and boom — you’ve got yourself an image. It’s been around since 2022, and people have been using it to create everything from trippy wallpapers to memes that go way too hard.

Unlike other AI art generators, Midjourney isn’t here for basic stuff. Its models make those artsy, out-there visuals that make you question if it’s AI or some underground digital Banksy type. 

At first, Midjourney was all Discord-based — which felt kinda random but gave it this chaotic, community vibe where everyone flexed their weirdest creations. 

Now? They’ve got a web UI too, so you can ditch Discord and just generate art straight from your browser without having to interact with, ugh — people. 

But if you’re not vibing with the price tag (which we’ll get into below; have patience) or want something even easier (and free), Weights has been creeping up as the best Midjourney alternative — without the hassle. 

What is Midjourney AI used for?

Midjourney isn’t just for making AI art or turning your dog into a cyberpunk samurai (though, honestly, 10/10 would recommend). People are using it for everything — from flexing on social media to cooking up professional-level designs without even pretending to open Photoshop. 

Here’s where Midjourney really comes through:

• Digital artists: Forget staring at a blank canvas for hours. Artists use Midjourney to pump out high-concept, gallery-worthy art faster than you can say “Ctrl+Z.” Creativity on tap without the burnout. 
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• Influencers doing the absolute most: Tired of basic selfies? AI-generated art lets creators drop next-level posts — think “Barbiecore meets post-apocalyptic Tokyo” vibes. Perfect for making your followers stop scrolling mid-doom-scroll.
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• Marketing people are people too: Why hire an entire design team when Midjourney can spit out ad visuals, logos, and product mockups that look way more expensive than they are? It’s like Canva on steroids.
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• UX designers that need to speedrun prototypes: Need a design yesterday? Midjourney generates clean, polished visuals in seconds. It’s like having an intern who actually listens and doesn’t ghost you after lunch.
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• Chaos meme lords: Ever wondered what “Shrek as a Victorian aristocrat” would look like? Midjourney’s here for that energy. The weirder the prompt, the better the result.
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• Biz owners faking it till they make it: Running a startup on vibes and iced coffee? Midjourney helps create professional branding assets without blowing the budget.
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• Gamers building whole new worlds: Concept art for your next DnD campaign? Custom character designs? Midjourney’s basically the cheat code for bringing wild game ideas to life.
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• People who just vibe with AI: Some folks just wanna see what happens when you ask an AI for “The Dalai Lama DJing at a 90s rave.” And honestly? Respect.

How does Midjourney AI work?

Midjourney feels like you’ve got a tiny art wizard living in your computer, but really, it’s a wild mix of machine learning, number crunching, and GPU power flexing. It takes your random, chaotic ideas (“a T-Rex in a tutu riding a unicycle”) and somehow spits out a masterpiece like it’s no big deal.

Here’s the chaos under the hood:

• It starts with one thing (your prompt): You type in whatever you’re imagining, from “cyberpunk city skyline at dusk” to “cats dressed as astronauts.” The more specific and weird you get, the more Midjourney leans into it.
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• Turning words into numbers (because AI doesn’t get English): Midjourney doesn’t read your prompt like a person would. Instead, it translates your words into numerical data (fancy term: vectors) that it can actually process. The AI decoder ring. 
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• The diffusion model takes over: This is where things get trippy. Midjourney starts with total randomness — imagine static on an old TV — and slowly cleans it up based on your prompt until an image magically appears. It’s like watching a Polaroid develop, but way faster.
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• GPU power flexing: All of this would take forever on a regular computer. Midjourney uses super-powerful GPUs to process the data at lightning speed, so you get your image in seconds instead of waiting for your laptop to overheat.
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• Refining the final product: Once your image pops out, you’re not stuck with it. You can upscale it for more detail, tweak the style, or create variations to see different takes. Redo buttons, but better. 
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• Discord or web — take your pick: Midjourney works through Discord (for those who love the chatroom vibe) and a web app (for those who prefer things less messy). Either way, you’re still typing prompts and watching art come to life.

How does this compare to Stable Diffusion?

Midjourney and Stable Diffusion both use diffusion models, but they approach things differently:

• Midjourney is more “there ya go”: You type in a prompt, and it handles all the complex stuff behind the scenes. It’s designed for people who want instant, polished results without having to put on their nerd goggles. 
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• Stable Diffusion gives you more control: It’s open-source, which means you can tweak models, train your own, and even mess with the code if that’s your thing. But with great power comes great responsibility — it’s more complex to set up and use.
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• Customization: While Midjourney has some flexibility with stylization and version commands, Stable Diffusion lets you dive deeper. You can adjust every little parameter, add custom models, and even use negative prompts to fine-tune your results.
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• Access: Midjourney runs on the cloud, meaning all the heavy lifting is done on their servers. Stable Diffusion, on the other hand, can be run locally on your machine — if you’ve got the hardware for it (a 2000-series card and above, preferably above). 

Midjourney's online interface

If you thought Midjourney was just a Discord thing, surprise — it’s got a web interface now, and honestly, it’s about time. For those of us who’d rather avoid the chaotic energy of Discord servers (because who has time to scroll through a million random chats?), the web UI is a solid alternative.

Here’s how the web version keeps things simple:

• Adios Discord drama: Just head to midjourney.com, log in, and you’re good to go. No need to join channels, dodge spam, or figure out why someone’s role-playing as a medieval blacksmith in the general chat.
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• The Imagine bar is your best friend: At the top of the page, you’ll find the “Imagine” bar. This is where you type your prompts, and Midjourney does its thing. It’s like ordering AI art off a menu — easy and fast.
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• Gallery view = instant inspo: The web UI lets you browse your past creations and check out trending art from other users. You’re actually getting some value out of all that scrolling. 
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• Easy tweaks and downloads: Once your image is generated, you can upscale, make variations, or download it directly from the site. 

Midjourney integrations with Discord

For the OGs who’ve been using Midjourney since day one, Discord is still the main gig. And honestly, it’s kinda fun once you get the hang of it (if you don’t mind the occasional “Can someone rate my dog?” in the chat).

Here’s what makes Discord integration better than it looks: 

• Prompting pro: Just hop into one of the designated channels (usually something like #newbies or #general), type /imagine followed by your prompt, and boom — Midjourney starts cooking up your next image. 
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• Instant community feedback: While your art’s generating, you’ll see everyone else’s prompts and images popping up too. It’s like a live art gallery, but with way more memes and “What the hell is that?”
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• Customization on the fly: Midjourney drops your image right into the chat with options to upscale, make variations, or remix it. Just click the buttons below your image, and you’re off to the races.
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• Learn from the crowd: Seeing what others are creating (and how they’re prompting) is one of the best ways to level up your AI art game. Plus, there’s always someone dropping wild, creative ideas you wouldn’t think of.

Top 4 features of Midjourney

Midjourney is jam-packed packed with tools that let you fine-tune your creations, whether you’re aiming for hyper-realism or trippy Salvador Dali. 

Here’s where Midjourney really shows off:

1. Use different versions to get even more creative

Midjourney’s model versions are different flavors of creativity — from hyperrealistic portraits to wild anime stuff, there’s a version to match whatever your jam is. 

Here’s how to get the most out of model versions:

• Version 6.1 for peak realism: The latest and greatest. v6.1 drops insanely accurate, detailed images faster than ever. If you’re gunning for photorealism without waiting forever, this is your go-to. Just add --v 6.1 to your prompt and watch the magic happen.
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• Version 6 for detailed storytelling: The new v6 upped the game with better long-prompt understanding and more coherent visuals. Perfect for when you’re crafting complex scenes and need the AI to get the vibe.
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• Niji 6 for anime lovers: If you’re deep into anime aesthetics, Niji 6 is where it’s at. Midjourney teamed up with Spellbrush to make sure your anime-style art is dynamic, colorful, and packed with that extra flair. Add --niji 6 to your prompts and go full weeb.
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• Version 5 for classic hyperrealism: Still a fan favorite for its photo-like quality, v5 brings out realistic textures and fine details. Great for portraits, landscapes, or anything that needs to look almost too real.
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• Version 4 for artistic flair: Want your images to feel more like digital paintings? v4 gives your art a bold, colorful, and stylized vibe that’s perfect for fantasy or abstract pieces.
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• How to switch versions: It’s simple — just toss --v 6.1, --v 5, or --niji 6 at the end of your prompt. If you’re on Discord, type /settings and pick your version from the drop-down. On the web? Hit the settings button in the imagine bar, and you’re set.
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• Mix and match with other tweaks: Versions are just the start. Pair them with commands like --stylize or --chaos to really push the creative boundaries. Want your hyperrealistic photo to have surreal vibes? You got it.

2. Upscaling for professional quality

Midjourney’s upscaling tool is like giving your art a glow-up. We’re talking crisp details for a gallery print or just needing your meme to pop on Insta, upscaling takes your images from “meh” to a Keanu Reeves-certified “whoa.”

Here’s how to get those pro-level visuals:

• Crank up the rez: Midjourney’s upscaling boosts your image size and sharpens the tiniest details. Think individual strands of hair, realistic textures, and vivid colors that look good enough to touch. Just click U1, U2, U3, or U4 (depending on which image you want to upscale), and watch it transform.
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• Get print-ready without breaking a sweat: Planning to slap your AI art on a poster or T-shirt? Upscaling makes sure your designs don’t turn into pixel soup when printed. High-def clarity means you can blow it up without losing quality.
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• Maintain those juicy details: Unlike some tools that blur everything into oblivion, Midjourney’s upscaler keeps the integrity of your original art intact. Colors stay vibrant, lines stay crisp, and the overall vibe stays true to your vision.
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• Advanced upscalers for extra finesse: Midjourney also has Upscale (2x) and Upscale (4x) options for when you want to zoom way in. Perfect for when you’re working on projects that need insane attention to detail.
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• How to upscale like a boss: After your images generate, you’ll see those U buttons underneath each one. Click to upscale your favorite, and if you’re not feeling it, there’s always Light Upscale for a softer touch.
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• Pro tip: Upscaling works even better when paired with commands like --stylize or --quality. It keeps all those extra details intact while upping the resolution.

3. Variance control for iterative design

Variance control in Midjourney is like giving your AI a creative leash — you decide whether it sticks to your OG vision or goes completely off the rails. Want to fine-tune an idea or let the AI get a little weird? Variance control lets you do both.

Here’s how to play around with variance:

• Keep it consistent or let it run wild: Use the --chaos parameter to control how much your images differ from each other. A lower value (like --chaos 10) keeps things tight and on-brand. Crank it up to --chaos 80, and you’ll get results that are all over the place — in a fun way.
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• Perfect for refining concepts: Got an idea that’s almost perfect? Use low variance to generate subtle tweaks and nail down the details. It’s like having a design team that listens to every nitpicky request.
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• Explore wild creative possibilities: Feeling adventurous? High variance lets the AI take your prompt to places you didn’t even think of. You might end up with something cooler than your original idea.
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• How to control variance: Just add “--chaos” followed by a number from 0 to 100 at the end of your prompt. The higher the number, the more unpredictable the results.
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• Combine with version switching: Different versions of Midjourney react differently to variance. 
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• Use “Remix Mode” for next-level edits: Want to make small changes without starting from scratch? Turn on Remix Mode in your settings and tweak individual aspects of your images while keeping the core idea intact.

How much does Midjourney cost?

Alright, let’s talk pricing — because creating killer AI art isn’t always free, and Midjourney’s pricing is kind of like a Netflix subscription... but for your imagination.

Here’s what you’ll need to shell out to use Midjourney:

• No free rides anymore: Midjourney used to offer a free trial, but those days are over. If you want to generate images, you’ll need to pick a subscription plan. At the moment, there’s a limited trial on the niji · journey app, but that could change at any time.
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• Basic Plan – $10/month: This gets you somewhere around 200 image generations per month give-or-take, depending on your settings, but you’ll be stuck in the slow queue. Good if you’re just dabbling, but if you’re impatient? It’ll drive you nuts.
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• Standard Plan – $30/month: Unlimited relaxed generations and 15 hours of fast GPU time. This is where most people land — you get more freedom without having to sell your parents’ house. 
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• Pro Plan – $60/month: You get 30 hours of fast GPU time, private mode (so your weird art experiments don’t show up in public feeds), and more customization.
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• Mega Plan – $120/month: For the hardcore artists and professionals, this comes with 60 hours of fast GPU time and all the bells and whistles. Great if you’re cranking out art like it’s your full-time job. (Or if it is)

But here’s the catch:

• Fast vs. relaxed mode: Fast mode uses GPU time and gets you quick results. Relaxed mode is slower, and during busy times, you might be waiting a while for your art to show up.
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• No refunds: Midjourney’s pretty clear on this — once you subscribe, you’re locked in for the month.
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• Hidden costs? Not exactly, but if you’re using a lot of fast GPU time, you might end up upgrading your plan faster than you thought.

10 tips for using Midjourney AI

Midjourney can pump out some bangers — but only if you know how to speak its weird little AI language. Otherwise? You’ll get a lot of nightmare fuel (think extra fingers, melted faces, and backgrounds that look like Mass Effect: Andromeda). 

Here’s how to make Midjourney your friend: 

1. Don’t overthink your prompts — AI gets confused too: Tossing too many details into your prompt is like giving someone directions with way too many turns. Keep it simple and clear: “futuristic city skyline, neon lights, rainy night.” Trust the AI to fill in the rest.
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2. Be descriptive, but make it ✨a e s t  h e t i c✨: Swap out boring words like “cool” for something spicier, like “apocalyptic desert landscape, glowing embers, cinematic lighting.” The more specific you are, the less likely you’ll get an image that looks like a toddler’s crayon drawing.
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3. Play with parameters like a mad scientist: Want crazy results? Add --chaos 100 and watch Midjourney go off the rails. Need a perfect Instagram story ratio? Try --ar 9:16 for tall, dramatic shots. Tweak --stylize to make your art look like it belongs in a museum… or on your fridge.
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4. Remix Mode: Ever get an image that’s almost perfect, except for that one weird detail? Remix Mode lets you fix specific parts without starting over from scratch. It’s like Photoshop, but without the stress of learning Photoshop.
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5. Dive into the Midjourney Discord — it's wild in there: The Midjourney community is full of artists dropping insane creations, sharing prompt hacks, and giving feedback. It’s like an art class, but way cooler.
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6. Use reference prompts to keep your style on point: Trying to create a series of images that look great together? Reference your previous outputs in new prompts to keep things consistent. It’s like creating your own visual universe, one prompt at a time.
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7. Upscale your art without making it look like AI barfed on it: Midjourney’s upscaling tool makes your images crisp and detailed, perfect for printing or flexing online. But don’t go overboard — too much can have the opposite effect. 
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8. Skip peak hours unless you love waiting: Midjourney slows down big time when everyone’s online. Avoid the digital traffic jams by generating art late at night or early in the morning. It’s like hitting the McDonald’s drive-thru at 2 a.m. — fast, easy, and no lines.
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9. Stack commands like a pro: Want a hyper-realistic portrait with a surreal background? Combine commands like --v 5 (for realism) and --stylize 1500 (for artistic flair). The more you experiment, the cooler your results.
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10. Save your best prompts for future flexing: When you stumble on a prompt that delivers gold, save it! You’ll want to reuse those magic words later without having to remember exactly what you typed at 3 a.m.

Midjourney AI pros & cons

It’s not all sunshine and pixel-perfect rainbows. Whether you're vibing with its sleek outputs or frustrated with its quirks, knowing what you're getting into can save you a lot of, “Why does this image have seven fingers?” moments.

Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the glitchy:

• Pro: The art looks ridiculously good.
  
  Midjourney’s got that jaw-dropping, hyper-detailed, “Is this even AI?” vibe down. If you’re after polished, mind-blowing visuals that look like they came from a pro, this is your go-to. Think: art that could fool your grandma into thinking you’ve become the next Picasso.
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• Con: It costs more than your Netflix subscription.
  
  Midjourney isn’t here to play nice with your wallet. No free tier, and even the cheapest plan feels like a commitment. If you’re not ready to cough up the cash, you might end up watching from the sidelines while your friends strut their stuff. 
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• Pro: Get constant updates and new features.
  
  The devs are always rolling out fresh updates and tweaks, keeping things exciting. New model versions drop regularly, letting you experiment with different styles and levels of detail. It’s like getting new DLC for your favorite game. (And it costs about as much too.) 
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• Con: Good luck generating art during peak hours.
  
  Trying to make art when everyone else is online? You’ll be waiting longer than it takes to microwave a Hot Pocket. The servers slow to a crawl, and suddenly, your creative flow feels like trying to play Counter-Strike 1.6 in 2002. (Just ask your dad.)
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• Pro: Community vibes are strong.
  
  Midjourney’s Discord community is packed with artists sharing their work, swapping tips, and dropping inspiration. 

• Con: It’s not that flexible outside of art.
  
  If you’re thinking Midjourney can handle other AI tasks (like writing or voice generation), think again. It’s an AI art generator, and that’s it. For anything beyond visuals, you’ll need a different tool.

Feeling like Midjourney’s cool, but maybe a little too much? Weights is here to save the day — free, fast, and packed with tools that don’t make you jump through hoops. Plus, it’s not just for art. You can create voices, train models, and flex your creativity without asking for anyone’s credit card. 

Alternatives to Midjourney AI

Sure, Midjourney’s cool, but it’s not the only player in the AI art game. Whether you’re tired of paying for every pixel or just want to explore other options, there’s a whole universe of AI tools out there ready to flex their creative muscles.

Here’s what’s out there if Midjourney isn’t your vibe:

Weights

If Midjourney feels like it’s draining your wallet and your patience, Weights is the move. It’s free (yes, actually free), super easy to use, and does way more than just image generation. 

You can train your own models, create AI voices, and even collaborate with other creators in the community. There’s a ton to unpack here, and it won’t cost you anything. 

Stable Diffusion

Want total control? Stable Diffusion is like a DIY version of AI art — it’s open-source, meaning you can tweak it, train custom models, and get exactly the look you’re going for. 

But be warned — Stable Diffusion has got a steeper learning curve, and setting it up can feel like trying to assemble a 2000-piece puzzle blindfolded. If you’re tech-savvy, though, the results are chef’s kiss.

DALL-E 3

From the brains behind ChatGPT, DALL-E 3 is all about turning your wildest ideas into cool images. It’s great for generating quirky, fun visuals with solid text integration.

But here’s the catch: It’s pretty basic compared to Midjourney, and the art can sometimes feel a little flat or generic. Good for quick, simple stuff, but don’t expect a galaxy brain here. 

Artbreeder

Looking to create hyper-realistic portraits or landscapes? Artbreeder lets you blend and morph images to create unique, surreal visuals.

It’s less about starting from scratch and more about creatively re-making existing art. Nice if you want to fine-tune specific details, but it doesn’t have the same variety or flexibility as other generators.

Runway ML

Runway ML takes goes the extra AI art mile with green screen effects, and more. It’s ideal for creators who want to mix visuals with motion, but it’s definitely more of a pro tool. If you’re into video editing or content creation, this one’s worth a look.

Check out Weights: Fast, free, & easy AI image generation

So, next time someone asks you, “What is Midjourney AI, anyway?” you can tell them it’s a powerful tool that’s made a name for itself in the AI art space, but let’s be real — it’s not the Sigma gigachad it claims to be. 

The Discord interface can feel like trying to hack into the Matrix, and the subscription fees? Yeah, they add up fast. Plus, those image generation limits? Major buzzkill.

But you don’t have to settle for that. Weights gives you all the creative power without the paywalls. 

Here’s why it’s the ultimate Midjourney alternative:

• F R E E: No weird trials or sneaky restrictions. Generate unlimited AI images without spending a single dime. If you’re tired of limits and looking for something that’s fun, fast, and flexible, Weights is your game.
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• Beyond just images: Create AI voices, chat with AI, make videos, and even train your own models — all in one place.
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• No stress, no setup: You don’t need coding skills or endless tutorials. Just hop in, click, and start creating.
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• Community vibes: Share your work, explore others’ creations, and get inspired by endless possibilities.

Start creating with Weights today and let your creativity run wild.