Character.AI is absolutely bonkers and gets weirder the more you use it — here's how to get started

1. Sign up and log into Character AI

Go to Character.AI and create your account using your Gmail address or another email option. The sign-up process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Once you're logged in, you'll be taken to the main interface where you can start exploring different AI characters and conversation options.

2. Choose from featured characters on the main page

Character.AI's interface displays a selection of characters you can immediately start chatting with. These featured options include various personality types, fictional characters, and helpful assistants.

Simply click on any character that interests you to start a conversation right away. Type in the prompt box and click the send button to begin chatting.

You can also take the conversation one step further by selecting the phone icon to have a "call" with your chosen character.

3. Search for specific character

If you want to find particular types of characters, click the search option in the top left side of the page. Then type keywords related to the character you're looking for.

You can search for specific fictional characters like "Edward Cullen", or go broader with phrases such as "The Walking Dead".

This helps you find characters tailored to your specific interests or needs, rather than the ones defaulted to the Discover page. Then click the one you like the look of to start chatting.

4. Create your own custom character

If you've exhausted all the characters provided, or want to add to the list of characters available, click "Create" in the top-left side of the screen.

Here you can select whether you want to create a "Character" or a "Voice", the latter of which can be used during calls with existing characters. This allows you to create AI companions that match your exact preferences or serve particular purposes you have in mind.

If you're going for the "Character option, you can provide a name, tagline, description and greeting. This is defaulted to Public, so others using the platform will be able to access your character.

If you want it to be private, choose this option from the drop-down menu.

5. Explore practical applications and tools

You don't just have to spend your day chatting with virtual anime characters and fictional crushes, you can actually use Character.ai to be productive.

If you scroll down on the discover page you'll find a variety of useful categories that go beyond mindless chatting. These practical applications mean you can actually use Character.ai as a learning and development tool rather than just entertainment.

There's options such as "Practice a new language", "Practice interviewing" and "Plan a trip", among others.

I was actually quite surprised to see that you can do something genuinely useful instead of just arguing with a virtual Socrates for hours.

You can use these features to improve your skills and prepare for real-world situations. There's real learning potential buried here. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a very important debate about pizza toppings with Hamlet.

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