If you’ve been hearing chatter about Talkie AI, you’re not alone. It’s an app by MiniMax, a Shanghai‑based AI startup, and after rebranding from Glow in mid‑2023, it took off fast. By June 2024, it hit over 11 million monthly users, even briefly outselling Character.ai on U.S. free app charts.
This success shows that Talkie offers more than a chatbot—it’s a platform for creative expressions, roleplay and storytelling powered by generative AI. It’s become a hub where users join an ai community, building and sharing voices, scripts, and avatars.
Key Features — What Talkie Offers
Multi‑Modal Chat That Feels Lifelike
One standout in Talkie’s key features is the ability to chat via voice, text, and sometimes even get AI-generated images in the same convo, powered by advanced models like MiniMax‑M1 and Hailuo‑02. That makes it feel real—like you’re talkin’ to someone, not just tapping at a keyboard.
Customize Your Avatar & Earn Gems
You can create your own digital persona—choose their style, voice, and personality quirks, then collect cards and gems through chats to unlock more traits. According to Generative AI Pub, this feature turned the app into a mini virtual economy powered by user creativity.
A Creative AI Community for Sharing
The interactions talkie community is buzzing. Users share character builds, chat logs, and story arcs. As noted by KrASIA, it’s less a tech demo and more a creative social ecosystem—where fans remix each other’s scripts and plotlines.
Traction & Controversy
In December 2024, Talkie AI was removed from the U.S. App Store—officially due to “technical reasons.” But The Wall Street Journal and SCMP flagged it as a dispute over data privacy and Chinese ownership.
Despite the removal, Talkie remains available on Google Play in many countries. Reports show MiniMax might go for a multi‑billion-dollar IPO in Hong Kong (KrASIA). While growth slowed by mid‑2025, it’s still notable in regions like the Philippines, UK, and Southeast Asia.
Pros & Cons of Talkie AI
✅ Pros
- Real-time chat combining voice, text & visuals
- Deep customization allowing creative expressions
- An active ai community sharing art and avatars
- Strong viral growth and monetization at launch
❌ Cons
- It got removed from the U.S. App Store due to privacy concerns (WSJ)
- Moderation isn’t perfect—some inappropriate content still appears
- Chat memory may glitch in longer sessions
- Connection to Chinese tech sparks user skepticism in certain regions (SCMP)
Tips for New Users
- Enable Teen Mode if younger users are involved—helps filter explicit content
- Don’t share sensitive personal info—it’s AI, not a therapist
- Use Wi-Fi for smoother voice calls
- Join Reddit or fan forums to swap avatars and story prompts
- Think of Talkie as a creative sandbox—not substitute for real human interaction
FAQ — Answers to Common Questions
Is Talkie AI free to use?
Yes—basic version is free with ads and limited features. Premium removes ads and adds extra chat space and avatars.
Why was it removed from U.S. App Store?
Apple cited “technical issues,” but many media sources, including The Wall Street Journal, point to privacy and regulatory concerns.
Are the avatars human‑run?
Nah—they’re fully driven by AI. Every convo, every reaction, is generated by models like MiniMax‑M1.
Can I still download it today?
Android users globally can still get it via Google Play. U.S. iPhone users might face restrictions.
Why Talkie AI Still Matters Today
In a world full of Q&A chatbots and productivity AI, Talkie offers something creative and different. With generative AI, voice-based conversation, and an ai community that thrives on shared ideas, it’s proving AI can be playful, expressive, and social.
It may face trust issues and moderation challenges, but still stands as a world leading example of where AI entertainment could go—especially for writers, roleplayers, or anyone wanting to make a virtual character come alive.
Final Take
Talkie AI ain’t perfect, but if you’re into creative expression, building chat-based worlds, or exploring multi-modal AI, it’s worth a shot. Just treat it smartly—don’t overshare, don’t get too serious, and enjoy the process of crafting something new.
Creative people, storytellers, and AI-curious folks might just find a surprising new platform here. Give Talkie AI a try and see where your imagination takes your avatar.
