Meta shifts focus away from AI chatbots featuring celebrity lookalikes
Meta is moving away from AI chatbots designed to resemble celebrities, redirecting its focus to other innovative projects and technologies.
Meta has discontinued its AI chatbots featuring alter-ego versions of celebrities, as reported by The Information. These chatbots, which were a major highlight of Meta's Connect event last September, allowed users to interact with digital versions of famous personalities. With this feature now removed, Meta is shifting its focus towards developing new technologies and innovative projects. This move reflects the company’s evolving strategy and commitment to exploring fresh and exciting avenues in AI and digital interaction.
Meta has shut down its celebrity AI chatbots, a key feature introduced at last September's Connect event. This move comes shortly after the launch of AI Studio, a new tool that allows creators in the US to design AI chatbots based on themselves. The company is shifting its focus from custom celebrity bots to this broader, more flexible platform.
Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney explained to The Verge, “You can no longer interact with AI characters embodied by celebrities. We’ve learned a lot from developing these bots and Meta AI about how people engage with AI to connect and create in unique ways. AI Studio represents an evolution, offering a space where anyone, including individuals, creators, and celebrities, can create their own AI.”
The initial lineup of celebrity chatbots included digital 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 Meta had plans to expand this roster with more celebrities like Bear Grylls and Chloe Kim, those plans were not realized. Reports indicated that Meta invested millions to secure the likenesses of some celebrities.
Despite the mixed results with these celebrity bots, Meta remains optimistic about the future of AI chatbots. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has discussed their potential extensively, and the company has integrated its Meta AI assistant into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. This transition reflects Meta's commitment to advancing AI technology and enhancing user interaction across its services.
