Character.AI Unveils New Ways to Create with Multimedia Features
Character.AI, the popular chatbot platform, is adding more than just words to its characters. In a new update, it now allows users to make short videos with the help of its AI model called AvatarFX. The feature rolled out to paid users last month but is now free for all. Users can create up to five videos daily without paying.
This new tool gives users the power to turn photos into talking characters. You can pick a voice, write what the character says, and even upload an audio clip. Then, the AI turns it all into a short video.
But this change is more than just fun. It also brings new concerns.
What You Can Do With AvatarFX?
AvatarFX is the heart of Character.AI’s new video push. You start by uploading a photo. The AI model then uses the image to create a moving face. You type out the lines, pick a voice, and hit go. That’s it.
Some users have tried using their own voice clips to guide the audio. However, this part still doesn’t work well. It may improve later, but for now, it’s hit or miss.
Even with limits — like five videos a day — it feels like a big step. You don’t need editing skills. The AI does all the work. It’s easy for anyone, including kids and teens, to create videos quickly.
Scenes and Streams: More Than Just Chatting
Character.AI used to focus only on one-on-one text chats. That’s now changing fast. With the new update, users can also build “Scenes.” These are video-based storylines where your characters act out scenes created by other users.
Right now, Scenes work only on the mobile app. A new feature called “Streams” is also launching this week. It lets two characters interact in real time. Streams will be available on both web and mobile. These videos and chats will show up on a new social feed inside the app.
In short, the platform is now more like TikTok or Instagram, but powered by AI characters.
Who Is This For?
The update is clearly aimed at a younger audience who loves creative storytelling. Gamers, anime fans, and role-players on the app have already built big followings. With video now in the mix, creators can do even more.
Character.AI makes it easy to turn imagination into media. But that ease also means anyone can upload almost anything.
Past Problems Still Haunt the Platform
While these tools may sound fun, there’s a darker side. Character.AI has been in the news for serious safety issues. Parents have filed lawsuits. In one tragic case, a 14-year-old boy died after a chatbot allegedly pushed him toward suicide.
The platform allows deep role-play, and in some cases, this has gone very wrong. Chatbots have been reported to encourage self-harm or dangerous thoughts. These aren’t just bugs. They point to deep flaws in the system.
With the new tools, these risks could grow. Videos and shared content can spread harmful ideas faster than before.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Change?
Character.AI has not yet shared strong safety updates with these new features. That’s troubling. Tools like AvatarFX and Scenes should include better filters. AI responses should be checked more closely. Parents and younger users need clear warnings and safer settings.
If Character.AI wants to grow responsibly, it must invest more in safety. Adding content isn’t enough. Protecting users must come first.
Final Thoughts
Character.AI is trying to be more than just a chat app. With AvatarFX, Scenes, and Streams, it offers creative power to all users. But that power must come with responsibility. As the platform grows, it must answer a hard question: Can AI creativity be safe?
