What is Midjourney's Explorer Feature? Real Experiences and Tips from an AI Creator

Hello. This is Mugiya.

I've recently started using Midjourney in earnest, and I feel every day that it's an amazing tool. But to be honest, I'm still at a beginner level. In particular, questions like "What is the Explorer feature?" and "When should I use it?" kept popping up, so I looked into it myself and actually tried it out.

As a result, I found it to be such an interesting feature that I ended up getting absorbed in it until late at night. This time, for those of you who are also curious about the Explorer feature but don't quite understand it, I'd like to talk about it while sharing my own real experiences and stories of failure.

What exactly is the Explorer feature?

Midjourney's Explorer feature is, simply put, a feature that allows you to browse a list of images generated by other users along with their prompts. It feels like being able to visit a gallery of works created by creators from all over the world for free.

I first discovered this feature when I hit a wall with my prompts. When I was struggling, thinking, "I want to create an image of a cat, but how should I express it?", I stumbled upon it, and I couldn't help but let out a "Wow..." at the many beautiful images displayed there.

Three types of content you can find in Explorer

In Explorer, you can mainly explore the following three types of content.

1. Images: Various images generated by users around the world

2. Videos: Works created with the video generation feature

3. Styles: A new feature added in September 2025

How to use the Image Explorer and real-life experiences

Searching efficiently with the filter feature

There is a convenient filter feature at the top of Explorer.

• Random: Displays images at random

• Hot: Images that are currently trending

• Top Day: Popular images of the day

• Likes: Images you have liked

I often use the "Hot" feature. Looking here, I can see at a glance what the current trends are and which prompts are effective.

Finding target images with the search function

By entering keywords in English into the search box in the top right, you can narrow down related images. For example, if you enter "sunflower," only images of sunflowers will be displayed.

To be honest, at first I thought, "Do I have to use English?" but once I actually used it, I found that using a translation tool alongside it was no problem at all. In fact, English often yields more accurate results.

Accelerating learning with the copy function

When you click on an image that catches your eye, it is displayed in a larger size, and various operation buttons appear on the right side. Especially useful is the "Copy" function.

Using this feature, you can copy the entire prompt used to generate that image. I use this daily to learn, thinking, "I see, so that's how you can express that."

The new "Style Explorer" feature introduced in 2025 is amazing!

The Style Explorer V1 released this September was truly a game changer. With this feature, you can browse through countless styles (art styles) at random.

My impressions after actually using it

When you open Style Explorer, thumbnails of various art styles are lined up. Each thumbnail is generated using an "SREF code (Style Reference)," and each has a different worldview.

What I was particularly impressed by was the "Try Style" feature. Once you find a style you like, you can apply it to your own prompt with a single button. When I actually tried it with a prompt, images with completely different impressions were generated depending on the style I chose.

The search function has also evolved

Style Explorer also supports fuzzy search. If you enter "photo" or "anime," you can narrow it down to only related styles. Furthermore, the number of styles reportedly increased sevenfold in the September 2025 update, further expanding the range of choices.

Ideas for use in side hustles and work

For SNS content creation

When creating thumbnails for YouTube or SNS, the styles found in Style Explorer are truly invaluable. It is perfect for finding a "worldview that catches the eye at once," and you can encounter expressions you would never have thought of before.

For original product development

An acquaintance of mine creates and sells oracle cards based on styles they found in the Style Explorer. It is not uncommon for encountering a new art style to lead directly to new business opportunities.

Points to note and common pitfalls when using Explorer

Understand copyright

While there is no problem with using other users' images and prompts as a reference, you need to be careful if you use them for commercial purposes as they are. In particular, you must exercise caution when dealing with images that imitate characters or the specific style of an artist.

The pitfall of copying prompts as they are

This is a mistake I made when I was a beginner, but I used to just copy and use prompts that I thought were good. However, that alone will not help you develop your own expressive skills. It is important to analyze the copied prompt and understand why that expression is effective.

Losing track of time while browsing

This is more of a common occurrence than a failure, but Explorer is truly fascinating to look at. It is not unusual to realize that several hours have passed. I recommend setting a time limit for your work sessions.

Revealing my actual workflow

I would like to introduce how I use Explorer in my daily routine.

Step 1: Clarify your goal

First, clarify what you want to create today and what kind of style you are looking for.

Step 2: Search and filter

Enter search keywords according to your goal and filter by "Hot" or "Top Day".

Step 3: Save images you like by "liking" them

Make sure to "like" any images you want to look back on later.

Step 4: Analyze the prompt

Analyze the copied prompt and add your own arrangements.

Step 5: Generate and compare

Compare the original image with your own generated results to identify areas for improvement.

Key points for beginners to grasp first

Don't be afraid of English

Midjourney is an English-based AI, but using Google Translate or ChatGPT is perfectly fine. In fact, getting used to creating prompts in English will allow you to generate images with higher precision.

Start by imitating

At first, it's okay to use other people's prompts as they are. However, make it a habit to always think about 'why this expression is being used'.

Utilize the folder feature

I recommend using the 'Organize' feature to create folders for each theme. It will make reviewing your work much more efficient later on.

Cost and time estimates

While the Explorer feature itself is free to use, you need a paid subscription to actually generate images.

• Basic Plan: $10/month ($8/month with annual billing)

• Standard Plan: $30/month ($24/month with annual billing)

• Pro Plan: $60/month ($48/month with annual billing)

I use the Standard Plan, and it provides enough features for side-hustle level work.

Regarding time, there is no limit to browsing images in Explorer, but actual image generation consumes 'Fast GPU Time'. To use it efficiently, I recommend researching thoroughly in Explorer before generating.

Options including alternatives

By using methods like the following in addition to Midjourney's Explorer, you can learn a wider range of expressions.

Comparison with other image generation AIs

• Stable Diffusion: Allows for more detailed control

• DALL-E: Good at photorealistic images

• Bing Image Creator: Available for free

Utilizing reference materials

• Collecting images on Pinterest, etc.

• Watching art-related YouTube channels

• Learning theory through design books

Conclusion: The world of AI creation expands with Explorer

Midjourney's Explorer feature is more than just an image browsing tool. It is a powerful platform for connecting with creators around the world, learning new methods of expression, and improving your own creative skills.

The Style Explorer feature, added in 2025, has significantly expanded the possibilities of expression in AI image generation. Thanks to this feature, I have encountered styles I never would have thought of before, and the range of my work has expanded dramatically.

For those considering a side hustle with AI, it is no exaggeration to say that utilizing the Explorer feature is an essential skill. It is fine to start by imitating others. The important thing is to maintain an attitude of continuous learning.

Why not start using the Explorer feature today to explore the deep world of AI image generation? You are sure to make new discoveries.

If you found this article interesting, please leave a comment or a like! I would love to hear about your own Midjourney experiences as well. Next time, I plan to talk in detail about prompt engineering techniques. Stay tuned!

#Midjourney #AIImageGeneration #TryLiking