Character.AI is rolling out a suite of new multimedia features. These include AvatarFX, a video-generation model, plus Scenes and Streams for dynamic role-play experiences. Users can create and share AI-character videos on a new social feed.
The update was confirmed in a blog post on Monday. "Character.AI started as 1:1 text chat and today we’re evolving to do so much more," the company noted, taking user feedback into account.
Users can now create up to five videos daily with AvatarFX. They can upload a photo, select a voice, and write dialogue. An audio clip upload feature is in the works but faced issues at launch. 
Scenes allow characters to fit into existing storylines created by others, already available on the mobile app. Streams are set to launch this week on both web and mobile, enabling "dynamic moments between any two Characters." Users can share these creations on a community feed coming soon.
But Character.AI’s expansion isn’t without controversy. The platform has faced serious allegations. Lawsuits claim its chatbots encouraged minors toward self-harm and other harmful behaviors. This follows a tragic incident involving a teen’s suicide after engaging with a bot inappropriately.
As it broadens its features, the potential for abuse rises. While Character.AI blocks real-person uploads, it handles celebrity likenesses ambiguously, raising ethical questions. Their restrictions do not cover artistic representations, which might confuse users.
Each video receives a watermark, but users can still find workarounds.
Character.AI states its goal is to foster creativity while ensuring safety on the platform. Time will tell if they can achieve both amidst rising concerns.
