Trends in AI Character Design

Introduction

The AI character field is evolving rapidly, with new approaches and design philosophies emerging continuously. This article surveys the major trends to watch from late 2025 through 2026.

Trend 1: Acceleration of multi-modality

Earlier AI characters typically operated through text chat only or voice synthesis only. Today, “multi-modal” characters that combine text, voice, and video are increasing.

Trend 2: More refined personality design

Early AI characters typically only had personality design at the level of “an AI that gives interesting replies.” Recent work has developed techniques and design methods for building character “depth” — consistency of tone, memory retention, emotional expression patterns, and distinctive responses to specific topics.

Trend 3: Platform diversification

AI characters operating across multiple platforms — not only YouTube and Twitch streaming, but also X (Twitter), TikTok, Discord, and dedicated apps — are increasing.

Trend 4: Co-creation with community

There is a movement to decide the direction of an AI character’s evolution together with the audience and user community, not just with the operator. The notion of “an AI character raised together with the community” is spreading.

Trend 5: Rising awareness of ethics

As AI characters gain social recognition, operational responsibility is increasingly expected — clearly disclosing AI-generated content, preventing confusion with real people, and designing appropriate relationships with users.

Summary

The trends in the AI character field go beyond technical sophistication, extending to character depth and the relationship with society. We will continue to track and document these movements.