AI Companion Apps Hit $427M in Global Spending, Users Pay More

Data from Appfigures Intelligence shows that since ChatGPT launched in late 2022, NSFW and romantic AI companion apps on Apple App Store and Google Play have reached 165.3 million downloads and $427.3 million in global user spending. In the first half of 2026, these apps generated $162.8 million in revenue. The top earner, Zeta, made $33 million, while Emochi led downloads with 7.9 million installs. Although non-adult AI companion apps had nearly double the downloads, their revenue was similar, indicating that users of romantic and adult AI apps are more willing to pay. Research from Brigham Young University found that about 15% of partnered US adults aged 18-30 regularly use AI romantic companion tools, with 69% hiding their usage from partners. The data only covers mobile app stores, excluding web-only platforms like Joi AI, suggesting the actual market is larger.