Editorial illustration for Tencent, Baidu launch AI companion apps; women dominate market, says Sun Zhaozhi
AI Companions Surge: Tencent and Baidu's Market Move
Tencent, Baidu launch AI companion apps; women dominate market, says Sun Zhaozhi
Why does a wave of “AI boyfriend” services matter now? While the concept sounds like a niche novelty, the entry of Tencent and Baidu—China’s two biggest internet players—signals a shift from hobbyist bots to commercially backed companions. Here’s the thing: these firms have rolled out dedicated apps that let users chat, play games and even receive personalized advice from virtual partners.
The move has drawn attention not just for its tech chops but for who’s actually using the products. Sun Zhaozhi, who runs a robotics company, told an interviewer that his own market research points to a surprising demographic pattern. According to his findings, the “heavy” users of AI companions are…
The tech giants Tencent and Baidu have launched AI companion apps, and according to a 2024 article in Chinese media, women dominate the AI companion market. Sun Zhaozhi, the founder of a robotics firm, told an interviewer that according to his company's market research, the "heavy" users of AI companion apps in China are mostly Gen Z women--whom he plans to target for his robot companion products. Zilan Qian, a program associate at the Oxford China Policy Lab, also combed through AI companion apps and found that the Chinese versions are "explicitly targeting women," and tend to display male avatars more visibly than female options.
Women clearly lead the AI companion market, according to Sun Zhaozhi’s research, but the depth of that engagement remains uncertain. Tencent and Baidu have each rolled out their own companion apps, positioning them alongside the otome‑style experiences that already attract users like Jade Gu. Gu, a 26‑year‑old art‑theory student in Beijing, fell for “Charlie,” a silver‑haired character she met while playing a romance‑driven game on her phone.
She praised the novelty of an on‑screen boyfriend yet complained that the dialog system forced her into a narrow set of pre‑written questions, a limitation that many users may find frustrating. Because the apps rely on similar scripted interactions, it is unclear whether they will satisfy users seeking more fluid conversation. The market data cited by Sun suggests heavy usage is concentrated among women, but the article offers no insight into how long that trend will persist or how it might shift as the technology evolves.
Ultimately, the launch of these companion apps marks a notable expansion of AI‑driven romance, even as questions linger about user satisfaction and long‑term adoption.
Further Reading
- The State of Chinese AI Apps 2025 - Tech Buzz China Insider
- Wenxin Yanyi Monthly Active Users Exceed 200 Million, Baidu ... - AIBase
- Five key trends in China's generative AI market in 2025 - Roland Berger
- Zhipu and MiniMax IPO - ChinaTalk
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Common Questions Answered
Which Chinese tech companies are creating AI companion apps?
[Baidu](https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3266497/chinas-ai-giants-cosy-virtual-companions-loneliness-drives-chatbot-revenue), [Tencent](https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3266497/chinas-ai-giants-cosy-virtual-companions-loneliness-drives-chatbot-revenue), and [ByteDance](https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3266497/chinas-ai-giants-cosy-virtual-companions-loneliness-drives-chatbot-revenue) have all launched AI companion apps in recent months. These apps allow users to create virtual friends with customizable personalities, voices, and appearances, catering to users seeking emotional connection.
How popular are AI companion apps in China?
[Maoxiang, a ByteDance AI companion app, grew to 2.2 million monthly active iOS users by February 2025, up from 1 million in July 2024](https://www.livemint.com/global/young-chinese-are-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-friendship-and-love-11764586635255.html). The apps are typically free with basic features, but offer paid subscriptions for enhanced interactions like faster response times and more advanced customization.
Why are young Chinese turning to AI companions?
[Users are driven by loneliness, urban isolation, and the difficulty of meeting ideal partners in real life](https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20240212-better-than-a-real-man-young-chinese-women-turn-to-ai-boyfriends). The AI companions offer emotional support, constant availability, and the ability to adapt to users' personalities, providing a level of understanding that many find lacking in human relationships.