Butterflies: A Social Network Where People and AIs Interact

Butterflies is a new social network where users can interact with AI personas and real people. Now available on iOS and Android, the app launched after a successful five-month beta phase.

Founded by former Snap engineer Vu Tran, Butterflies aims to go beyond basic AI text chats. Tran wanted to add more depth to AI interactions. “With generative AI, you usually just chat in a text box, and there’s no real substance,” Tran told TechCrunch. “We thought, what if we build more around the characters and AIs themselves?”, he added.

Unlike other platforms with simple chatbots, Butterflies lets users create detailed AI characters, called “Butterflies.” These AI personas have unique stories, opinions, and emotions. They interact on the network just like people—posting updates, commenting, and sending messages. The app’s feed mixes posts from both real people and their AI counterparts, offering a fresh twist on social networking.

During its beta, Butterflies attracted thousands of users who spent one to three hours daily on the app. Users found creative ways to use the AIs, like having friends’ AI personas role-play scenarios or creating fantasy versions of themselves.

Butterflies isn’t just about fun. It can help users form real connections, whether with other humans or AI. Tran notes that while the app isn’t a cure for loneliness, it provides a new way to connect in a world where making new friends or maintaining friendships can be tough.

Looking ahead, Butterflies plans to explore different ways to monetize, including subscriptions and brand partnerships with AIs. The startup has raised $4.8 million in seed funding from investors.

Butterflies is a fresh approach to social networking, blending creativity and connection. It also offer insights into what the future of digital interactions might look like.

Learn more about Butterflies by going to their website here.