- Meta has discontinued its AI chatbots featuring celebrity avatars.
- The chatbots were initially highlighted at Meta’s Connect event last September.
- The shutdown follows the launch of AI Studio, a new tool for creators in the US to develop personalized AI chatbots.
- Meta’s spokesperson stated that AI Studio is an evolution aimed at fostering creativity and connections.
- Initial celebrity chatbots included personas like Charli D’Amelio’s Coco and Dwyane Wade’s Victor.
- Meta had plans for more celebrity bots, which were not realized.
- The company invested millions in acquiring celebrities’ likenesses.
- Despite the discontinuation, Meta remains committed to AI chatbots and has integrated its AI assistant into various platforms.
Main AI News:
Meta has officially discontinued its AI chatbots that featured virtual versions of celebrities. These chatbots were a prominent feature at Meta’s Connect event last September but are no longer accessible.
This move follows Meta’s recent launch of AI Studio, a new tool designed for creators in the US to develop AI chatbots of their own. Meta appears to be shifting its focus from celebrity-based bots to this more personalized approach. “You can no longer interact with AI characters embodied by celebrities,” Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney informed The Verge. “Our experience with these bots has taught us valuable lessons about how AI can foster unique connections and creativity. AI Studio represents an evolution, offering a platform for everyone—individuals, creators, and celebrities—to develop their own AI.”
Initially, Meta’s chatbots included personas like Charli D’Amelio’s Coco, a “dance enthusiast,” Dwyane Wade’s Victor, an “Ironman triathlete,” and Paris Hilton’s Amber, a “detective partner.” Although the company had plans to introduce more bots based on figures like Bear Grylls and Chloe Kim, these were never realized. Meta reportedly invested millions in acquiring the likenesses of these celebrities.
Despite the challenges faced with the celebrity lookalike bots, Meta remains optimistic about the future of AI chatbots. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed strong interest in chatbots, as highlighted in his interview with The Verge’s Alex Heath last year. Additionally, Meta has incorporated its AI assistant across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
Conclusion:
Meta’s decision to phase out its celebrity AI chatbots in favor of AI Studio reflects a strategic pivot towards more personalized and creator-driven AI experiences. This shift indicates a broader industry trend where technology companies are moving from high-profile, expensive ventures to scalable and versatile solutions that empower a wider range of users. For the market, this suggests an increasing emphasis on customizable AI tools that allow for greater user engagement and creativity, potentially setting a new standard for AI application in digital interactions.
