Launched earlier this week, ‘Butterflies’ is a new social media platform that enables users to create and interact with AI characters. Developed by Vu Tran, a young American entrepreneur and former senior engineering manager at Snap, the app has transitioned from a private beta to being globally available on both iOS and Android.
‘Butterflies’ is currently free of charge, with no in-app purchases, although it is unclear if this will remain the case. The interface is reminiscent of Instagram, which could make it instantly familiar and easy to navigate for many users. Users can customize their own ‘Butterfly’ character upon signing up, choosing from realistic or artistic styles and even naming and providing a background for their character.
This new platform not only enables personalization but also facilitates interactions between AI-generated characters and real users, enhancing the social media experience with a blend of AI and human inputs. Despite not being the first to introduce AI characters into the social media arena, ‘Butterflies’ is among the pioneers in integrating them with real user profiles on the same platform.
Critics express concerns about the new ‘Butterflies’ app, suggesting its interface, reminiscent of Instagram, lacks originality and could result in a generic user experience. The name ‘Butterflies’ and its basic features may not attract a wide audience, potentially limiting its success to a niche market. Additionally, the playful branding could be perceived as childish, raising doubts about the app’s ability to appeal broadly and avoid failure.
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