What is an AI Character — Definition and Categories

Introduction

The term “AI character” is heard more and more. But its scope is broad, and its definition is not yet settled. AI VTubers, AItubers, AI influencers, conversational AI — many similar terms exist, and the distinctions are unclear.

This article organizes the definition and main categories of AI characters from the perspective of AI Character Association.

Definition of an AI Character

We define an AI character as follows:

AI character = a character driven by AI technology, with a distinctive identity.

Two elements matter:

1. Driven by AI technology: Some AI technology — such as a language model, voice synthesis, or video generation — is at the core of the character’s behavior or expression.
2. A distinctive identity: The character has its own setting — name, appearance, personality, manner of speech — and maintains it consistently.

Merely using AI tools does not make something an AI character. The condition is that AI produces “behavior as a character,” and that the character has a distinctive presence.

Main Categories

AI VTuber

A character that takes the form of a VTuber (virtual YouTuber) while AI plays a central role in the broadcast. Often has a 2D/3D avatar and performs real-time streaming combining voice synthesis and text generation.

AItuber

Overlaps significantly with AI VTubers, but tends to refer more broadly to “broadcasters whose content is autonomously generated by AI.”

AI Influencer

A character mostly active on SNS (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) that is AI-generated. Posts (text, images) are generated by AI, and the character aims to build follower relationships in the same way as a human influencer.

Conversational AI Character

A character that takes the form of a chatbot or companion AI, whose main function is 1-on-1 conversations with users. Examples include characters created on platforms such as Character.ai and Replika.

Others

Other forms include AI artists that autonomously generate music, AI-led in-game characters, and AI virtual anchors (newscasters).

Category Boundaries Are Fuzzy

It is important to note that these categories do not have clear boundaries. We prioritize organizing common features and distinctions within the broader frame of AI characters, rather than enforcing strict category lines.

Summary

AI characters are a rapidly diversifying field that grows with the progress of AI technology. Because the definitions and classifications are not yet established, systematic organization is needed. We will continue to research the AI character field and update category definitions over time.