TL;DR:
• AI companion apps generated $82M in H1 2025, up 64% year-over-year
• 128 new companion apps launched this year from 337 total active revenue-generating apps
• Downloads surged 88% to 60M in first half, with revenue per download jumping from $0.52 to $1.18
• Top 10% of apps capture 89% of market revenue as xAI and Google enter the space
The AI companion app market is exploding beyond mainstream players like ChatGPT and Grok. With 128 new apps launched in 2025 alone and $82 million generated in the first half, this specialized consumer AI segment is on track to surpass $120 million by year-end, according to exclusive data from Appfigures provided to TechCrunch.
The intimate AI revolution is generating serious money. While tech giants battle over enterprise AI contracts, a quieter consumer phenomenon is minting millions through digital companionship. Appfigures data exclusively shared with TechCrunch reveals that AI companion apps have already pulled in $82 million during 2025's first half, putting the category on pace to exceed $120 million by December.
This isn't just about ChatGPT users getting attached to their AI assistant. The companion app ecosystem has exploded to 337 active, revenue-generating applications worldwide, with 128 launching in 2025 alone—a 60% surge that shows no signs of slowing. Unlike general-purpose chatbots, these apps anthropomorphize AI through custom characters designed for emotional connection, from romantic partners to fantasy figures.
The numbers tell a compelling monetization story. Global downloads hit 220 million as of July, with first-half downloads jumping 88% year-over-year to 60 million. More importantly for developers, revenue per download has more than doubled from $0.52 in 2024 to $1.18 this year, indicating users are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for personalized AI relationships.
Character.AI, Replika, PolyBuzz, and Chai dominate the established player landscape, but the market's winner-take-most dynamics are stark. The top 10% of companion apps capture 89% of total revenue, while only 33 apps have crossed the $1 million lifetime spending threshold. This concentration suggests the market rewards apps that crack the emotional engagement code.
Big Tech is taking notice. jumped into companion territory in July when , including an anime girl character and a "snarky 3D fox." The move signals Elon Musk's recognition that AI companionship represents a distinct market opportunity beyond utility chatbots.
