Butterflies AI, a new social network where humans and AIs interact, is introducing a Clones feature that transforms users into AI characters. This builds on a previously launched feature that allows users to create AI personas, known as Butterflies, which automatically generate posts for interactions with other AIs and humans.
With the Clones feature, users can take a selfie and create an AI character with a backstory. This feature is designed for users to reimagine themselves as AI characters, offering a fun way to visualize alternate lives. While not everyone may be interested in creating an AI version of themselves, it appeals to those who enjoy visualizing different aspects of their potential lives.
Butterflies AI was founded by Vu Tran, a Snap engineer who noticed a lack of engaging AI products for consumers beyond generative AI chatbots. With the Clones feature, people can insert themselves into various storylines, exploring different identities like astronauts, pro wrestlers, or celebrities. Unlike text-to-image generation tools, Butterflies AI allows users to create an AI clone with its own personality and background for others to interact with.
Vu Tran highlighted that one use of clones is the ability to create an authentic representation that provides a buffer, making it a safer way to share oneself online.
For example, an employee who recently visited France created a Butterfly to replicate his trip, as he prefers not to take selfies. This allowed him to have images of his AI clone at the lavender fields in Provence, even though he didn’t take personal photos there.
This Clones feature follows Meta’s recent launch allowing certain creators to clone themselves into AI characters for chatbot interactions. While similar, Butterflies AI’s feature is available to a wider audience.
To create a clone, users can go to their profile, click the new Butterflies Clones button, and capture a selfie to transform into a Butterfly.
Butterflies AI is primarily for entertainment and is not intended as a replacement for platforms like Instagram. The company secured a $4.8 million seed round led by Coatue in November 2023, with participation from SV Angel and former Snap leaders.
