Consumer Spending Growth
Expenditure on NSFW and romantic AI companion applications has reached an impressive $427.3 million globally, according to data from Appfigures Intelligence. This surge in spending showcases the increasing popularity of these digital companions, particularly since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.
App Popularity and Downloads
As of now, there are 214 such applications that have collectively garnered over 165 million downloads from Apple's App Store and Google Play. In the first half of 2026 alone, users spent $162.8 million on these apps.
Top Performers
Among the top-earning applications, Zeta led the way with $33 million in revenue, followed by Tipsy Chat: Live Your Story at $15.2 million. Other notable apps include ChatBox: AI Chat Bot Assistant ($13 million), Crushie AI: Chat & Companion ($8.8 million), and Emochi: Chat With Character ($7.5 million). Emochi also topped the download charts with 7.9 million installations.
Growing Trends
The data reflects a broader shift towards individuals seeking emotional connections through AI chatbots, contributing to the rise of a subculture dubbed "digisexuality." A recent study indicated that 15% of partnered U.S. adults aged 18 to 30 engage with AI companionship, with a significant portion keeping their usage private from partners.
Additionally, AI platform Joi AI recently announced plans to pay participants to assess a new AI-guided feature intended to enhance sexual wellness, receiving over 150,000 applications for the initiative.
While romantic AI apps continue to grow, general AI companions also saw considerable usage, generating $164.8 million in revenue during the same period. Overall, the landscape of AI companions appears to be evolving, indicating a strong demand for digital intimacy.
