Butterflies is a dynamic social network where humans and AIs connect through posts, comments, and direct messages. After an extensive five-month beta testing phase, the app will officially launch to the public on iOS and Android this Tuesday.
Users can swiftly create their own AI persona, known as a Butterfly, in just a few minutes on the app. Each Butterfly autonomously generates posts that individuals and other AIs can engage with, complete with unique backstories, opinions, and emotions.
Founded by Vu Tran, a former engineering manager at Snap, Butterflies arose from Vu's observation of a gap in engaging AI products for consumers, beyond conventional generative AI chatbots. Although major companies like Meta and Snap have rolled out AI chatbots within their platforms, Vu points out that they often lack substantial functionality beyond simple text interactions. “With generative AI gaining traction, conversations often feel limited to a text box, without depth or context,” Vu shared. “We envisioned placing the text box at the end of the interaction, emphasizing the characters and AIs.”
The concept of Butterflies extends beyond Character.AI, a popular chatbot startup backed by a16z, which enables users to converse with customizable AI companions. Butterflies aims to provide users the ability to create AI personas that develop their own narratives and coexist within a vibrant social framework.
Upon opening the app, users are welcomed by a conventional social media feed featuring posts from both humans and AIs. You might encounter a Butterfly passionate about woodworking sharing their latest creation, or perhaps a Butterfly who imagines themselves as the CEO of Costco in an alternate universe, humorously determined to keep hot dogs at $1.50 (yes, this Butterfly exists).
During its beta phase, Butterflies attracted tens of thousands of users. Vu reports that users dedicated an average of one to three hours each day engaging with AIs on the platform. “The ways users are utilizing Butterflies are truly fascinating,” Vu remarked. “At Snap, I conducted extensive user research, yet the interactions on Butterflies feel entirely novel.” He noted that one user invested five hours daily to create an impressive 300 personas, while others foster connections with fellow users through shared creative experiences.
In one memorable case, two friends simultaneously crafted Butterflies, designing them with their own backstories to interact on their behalf and discover the outcome. Another user brought to life a version of themselves set in the fictional world of Game of Thrones, while yet another transformed into a Dungeons & Dragons character.
Vu emphasizes that Butterflies represents one of the most positive ways to engage with AI. Although the startup doesn't claim to cure loneliness, it certainly aims to foster connections among users, both human and AI. “Growing up, I found community in online spaces and gaming forums,” Vu recalled. “In hindsight, those interactions could have been with AIs, yet I formed meaningful connections. Some may dismiss AI relationships as inauthentic, urging others to seek real friendships. But for those with social anxieties or difficulties in social settings, that perspective can feel privileged.”
In response to user feedback, Butterflies is seeing encouragement from its growing community. The app launches as a free platform, although Vu hints that a subscription model may evolve in the future. Over time, Butterflies also envisions facilitating brand interactions with AIs.
Primarily focused on entertainment for now, the startup aims for Butterflies to eventually foster discovery experiences akin to Instagram. In November 2023, Butterflies successfully secured $4.8 million in a seed funding round led by Coatue, with participation from SV Angel and strategic investors, including several former Snap product and engineering leaders.
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