By July 2025, AI companion apps are the new viral sensation and consumer powerhouse. They have collectively racked up a pretty amazing $221 million in spending around the world. This astonishing growth is a testament to the interest in and acceptance of interactive applications that are intended to replace human companionship. Yet the market for AI companion apps is exploding, with 337 active and revenue-generating options currently available worldwide. This rapid increase reflects a burgeoning appetite from users.
The AI companion app gold rush is on! In 2025, the first half of the year saw downloads up an absolutely phenomenal 88% over last year topping an astounding 60 million. These seven apps have seen a combined 220 million downloads. They’re free and available on all major platforms including the Apple App Store and Google Play. Those AI companion apps that do rise to the top 10% have done so for a reason. They produce an astounding 89% of all revenue generated in this category.
Developers released 128 new AI companion apps in just 2025, adding to a rapidly growing field. Among these, a noteworthy trend has emerged: 17% of active AI companion apps feature names that include the term “girlfriend,” while 4% incorporate “boyfriend” or “fantasy.” It shows just how deep the consumer appetite runs for apps that meet the needs of non-monogamy and other relational dynamics or fantasies.
Innovation in this space quickly stood out with xAI’s Grok. In July, they introduced a wave of AI companions including an anime girl, an anime guy, and a sassy 3D fox. These characters, powered by AI technology, create deeply interactive experiences that react to people in real time to deliver astonishing and personal world-class experiences.
Appfigures describes AI companion apps as experiences that allow users to connect with synthetic beings in an engaging way. Whether premade or user-created, these characters are meant to represent real people. This definition fully captures what drives user engagement and satisfaction within this expanding field.