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Custom AI characters for open-ended creative chat
Visit Official WebsiteProduct Type
Software
Platform
AppleAndroidWeb
Languages
English
Regions
Global
Pricing
Freemium
Price
Free version
Plus $9.99/mo
Free Trial
✓ Trial Available
Free entry point; standard c.ai+ monthly price is US$9.99, subject to region and checkout. The company says existing subscriptions and billing are unchanged for now.
Last updated 2026-10-21· Content established
Data may be delayed — always check the official website for the latest info.
Visit Official WebsiteAbout This Tool
Character.AI is the world's largest AI roleplay platform, where users can chat with millions of AI characters including fictional figures, historical personalities, and user-created originals. Powered by advanced neural language models, it delivers highly natural and immersive conversational experiences across genres from fantasy and sci-fi to everyday chat. Latest update (verified October 21, 2026): Character Technologies, Inc. filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection on October 12, 2026, and is seeking a court-supervised sale of all or substantially all assets. The company says the platform will continue operating during the sale process; if no purchase supports continued operation, it will wind the platform down. The company expects the sale process to conclude in late November or early December 2026. This is an estimated sale window, not a confirmed shutdown date.
Background
Character.AI was founded in 2021 and is operated by Character Technologies, Inc.
Technology
Public features include character conversations, story scenarios and user-managed memory. Story Memory holds background and plot details; official guidance cautions that stored information may not always be used exactly as written. These are documented features, not claims about undisclosed model architecture.
Market
Character.AI focuses on roleplay, storytelling, and fandom. In 2026, the company described its direction as entertainment and fandom, highlighting interactive content such as Books, studio-made microdramas in Series, and Comics. WIRED reported in August 2025 that about 20 million people used the platform each month, with average daily use of about 75 minutes; creators made more than 9 million Characters per month.
Best For
AI roleplay enthusiastsCreative writersUsers who enjoy exploring diverse characters
Editorial Note
A character-creation and interactive-storytelling platform undergoing a Chapter 11 asset sale; continuity depends on the sale outcome.
Strengths
- + Create characters and participate in conversations and story scenarios
- + User controls include Story Memory and pinned memories
Drawbacks
- − No verified completed acquisition of the whole platform or long-term operating commitment
- − Safeguards for sensitive chats in a potential transaction remain an issue in the court process
Value Assessment：Free and subscription access remain available according to the company. Check current announcements, renewal settings and service terms before paying; the bankruptcy filing has not automatically stopped subscription charges.
External Resources
An Update on Character.ai
Character.AI· News ↗
Character.ai Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Proceeding to Facilitate Value-Maximizing Sale Process
Character Technologies Inc. / Business Wire· News ↗
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Asks Court to Protect Kids’ Data in A.I. Company Bankruptcy
North Carolina Department of Justice· News ↗
How do I download my data?
C.AI Help Center· User Guide ↗
Smarter Memory for Smarter Chats
Character.AI· User Guide ↗
Character.AI Gave Up on AGI. Now It’s Selling Stories
WIRED· News ↗
Why Character.AI’s CEO Still Lets His 6-Year-Old Daughter Use the App
TIME· News ↗
The Next Chapter of Entertainment and Fandom
Character.AI· News ↗
Character.AI Guide 2026: The Complete Tutorial for Beginners & Power Users
AI Companion Guides· User Guide ↗
FAQ
Have existing subscription charges stopped?
No. The October 12 company FAQ says subscriptions remain active and billing is unchanged for now. It intends to notify subscribers in advance if changes affect paid features. A Chapter 11 filing is not automatic subscription cancellation.
How do I request an export of my account and chat data?
On the web: Profile → Profile Settings → Account → Manage Account & Data → Export Data. In the app: Profile → Settings → Legal & Privacy → Export Data. Official guidance says processing may take 3–4 weeks; the emailed download link is valid for 7 days.
What does the October 20 privacy development mean?
North Carolina announced that state attorneys general were seeking access and deletion rights before a potential sale and limits on later use of private conversations. These are requested safeguards, not proof that data has been sold, a court-approved transfer, or a final guarantee of data protection.
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