I’ve been talking about this shift for a while. As AI improves in memory, context, and conversational realism, deeper emotional engagement was almost inevitable. What caught me off guard was the speed of adoption. The growth of AI companion platforms has moved from niche curiosity to mainstream interest in a surprisingly short time.
A clear example is Candy.AI, which recently surpassed 50 million users. That milestone signals more than popularity. It reflects a broader cultural shift toward interactive AI relationships. The platform has also marked the achievement with periodic promotions, and while individual offers may vary, there are usually ongoing deals available throughout the year.
What Sets Candy.AI Apart
Most AI companion platforms follow a predictable structure. You browse a grid of character images, select one, and begin chatting. Some platforms execute this formula better than others, but the experience tends to feel familiar.
Candy.AI distinguishes itself by introducing features that reshape discovery and interaction rather than simply refining the standard layout.
The Discover Tab (A TikTok-Style Browsing Experience)
One standout feature is the Discover tab. Instead of scrolling through static thumbnails, users browse characters through short looping videos. This approach feels closer to social media discovery than traditional character selection.
The benefit is subtle but meaningful. Movement and personality are visible before you start chatting, which makes the browsing process more engaging and intuitive. It is the kind of feature that could easily influence future design trends across similar platforms.
Character Variety and Categories
The platform offers a wide range of characters, including realistic and anime-inspired designs, male characters, and diverse personalities. There is also a premium collection accessible through tokens, creating a tiered experience that balances free exploration with optional upgrades.
The Chat Experience in Practice
Feature lists only tell part of the story. The quality of interaction ultimately defines the experience. In one test, I began chatting with a character named Zofhia who opened the conversation within a scenario involving memory loss in a hospital setting.
This immediate narrative context created a sense of immersion from the start. Responses stayed consistent with the scenario and blended dialogue with descriptive storytelling. Compared with many platforms, the interaction felt more like collaborative roleplay than standard chatbot messaging.
Voice Conversations With AI Characters
Candy.AI also supports voice interaction, allowing real-time conversations with AI companions. During beta, voice calls are priced at three tokens per minute.
Voice adds an additional layer of presence and emotional nuance. While not every platform offers this capability, its inclusion significantly enhances the feeling of connection when implemented effectively.
Image and Video Generation
The platform includes tools for generating character images and short videos. Images cost four tokens and offer multiple style options, while video clips can be created from generated images.
One particularly strong aspect is visual consistency. Maintaining recognizable character features across multiple generations remains a challenge for many AI systems, yet Candy.AI performs well in this area.
Creating a Custom AI Character
Customization is another area where the platform excels. Users can define ethnicity, personality type, relationship dynamic, occupation, and personal interests. The process is streamlined and typically takes only a few minutes, with the option to regenerate visuals until a preferred appearance is achieved.
Compared with competitors, the level of personalization feels more detailed and flexible.
Pricing Overview
Candy.AI uses a hybrid model that combines subscription access with optional token purchases.
Subscription (annual plan):
- $3.99 per month
- Unlimited text messaging
- Custom character creation
- Image blur removal
- 100 free tokens each month
Token packages:
- 200 tokens for $10
- 750 tokens for $35
- 2,300 tokens for $100
A notable advantage is that tokens do not expire. This allows users to purchase credits without worrying about monthly resets.
The Live Action Feature (Beta)
The most distinctive element currently in development is the Live Action feature. This mode shifts interaction toward a more video-like experience where engagement unlocks progression and additional content.
While still in beta, the feature represents a different interaction model. The transition from text-based communication to a more visual and dynamic format suggests where AI companion platforms may be heading in the future.
Final Thoughts
After exploring multiple AI companion platforms, Candy.AI stands out for combining strong fundamentals with innovative features. The Discover browsing experience, immersive chat quality, voice interaction, visual generation tools, advanced customization, and experimental Live Action mode create a well-rounded offering.
At this stage, differentiation is less about basic conversational ability and more about overall immersion and user experience. Candy.AI demonstrates clear strength in both areas.
Key Takeaways
- Candy.AI has surpassed 50 million users
- Video-based discovery improves character browsing
- Voice conversations are available during beta
- Custom character creation offers deeper personalization
- Subscription pricing starts at $3.99 per month with non-expiring tokens
- The Live Action feature introduces a more immersive interaction format
- The platform balances polish with experimentation, making it a strong contender in the space
FAQ
Is Candy.AI free to use?
A low-cost subscription provides unlimited messaging and monthly tokens, while additional features can be accessed through optional token purchases.
What makes it different from other platforms?
The Discover browsing experience, voice interaction, detailed customization, and Live Action beta collectively distinguish it from competitors.
How much do tokens cost?
Token packages range from $10 for 200 tokens to $100 for 2,300 tokens, and they remain available until used.
Can you create a custom AI companion?
Yes. Users can customize personality, relationship dynamics, occupation, and visual appearance with a streamlined setup process.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored review. Derek was compensated to review the platform, and the opinions shared reflect his genuine experience.