AI Companions 101: How To Create, Customize, and Chat w/ Your AI Companion
Tags: programming, tutorial, web3, api
Published: 2023-07-17 06:27:57

AI Companions 101: How-to


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/bgr1d7jps1hxozy2d5ii.jpg) 

Introduction:
Imagine having your very own AI companion that you can chat with, right in your browser or even via SMS! The AI Companion App allows you to create and customize your companion's personality and backstory, making each interaction truly unique and personalized.



The Ultimate Chatbot Experience:
But what sets this app apart is its use of a powerful vector database with similarity search. This means that your conversations with your companion can go beyond simple responses. The app intelligently retrieves relevant prompts based on the context and background of your companion, creating more engaging and dynamic interactions.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/g2wrtytk0g075sv9hggk.png)

Endless Possibilities:
Now, let's talk about the possibilities. With the AI Companion App, the use cases are endless! Looking for a AI Girlfriend? You got it! Want a trusted friend to chat with? No problem! Need entertainment or coaching? It's all here! You can guide your companion towards your ideal use case by crafting their backstory and choosing the perfect model.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ue8zrxpxdt9nqgkg3xhk.png)

Not Just for Casual Interactions:
But remember, this app is not just for casual interactions. It's also a valuable developer tutorial and starter stack for those curious about chatbot development. If you're interested in exploring a production-ready open-source platform, be sure to check out Steamship. And if you want to experience the leading AI chat platforms, Character.ai is the way to go!


The Technology Behind the App:
Now, let's take a closer look at the technology behind the AI Companion App. It's built on a powerful stack that combines the best tools and frameworks in the AI world. We have Next.js for app logic, Pinecone and Supabase pgvector for vector database storage, Langchain.js for LLM orchestration, and OpenAI and Replicate for powerful text models.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/l39dgmxpi3iy0rdnhu71.png)


Text Your Companion:
The app also utilizes Twilio for text messaging integration, allowing you to text your AI companion and retain the full conversational history and context. It adds a whole new level of immersion and interaction!



Getting Started with the AI Companion App:

So, how can you get started with the AI Companion App? It's super simple! Just follow these steps:
1. Fork and clone the [repository](https://github.com/a16z-infra/companion-app).

2. Install the dependencies.

3. Fill out the necessary secrets, such as Clerk secrets, OpenAI API key, Replicate API key, and more.

4. Generate embeddings for your companions.

5. Run the app locally and start chatting with your AI companions!


Deploying the App:
But wait, there's more! You can even deploy the app to a live environment using Fly. It's a breeze to set up, and you'll have your AI companions accessible from anywhere!


Export to Character.ai:
And for those of you looking to take your AI companion to the next level, we've got you covered. You can easily export your companion to Character.ai, unlocking even more possibilities for customization and advanced character settings!

In Summary:
In summary, the AI Companion App is a game-changer in the world of AI interactions. Whether you're looking for a friend, a partner, or just some entertaining conversations, this app delivers. Its powerful technology stack, seamless integration with various AI models, and text messaging capabilities make it a must-have tool for AI enthusiasts and developers alike.


Conclusion:
Thanks for joining us on this exciting journey into the AI Companion App. Be sure to check out the links below to explore the app, join our community Discord, and stay up to date with the latest AI innovations. Don't forget to unleash the power of AI companions in your life!

[Youtube Tutorial](https://youtu.be/q-XX9QdXIK0)

resources:

Github 
Demo App
OpenAI
Clerk
Replicate
Upstash
Twilio
Character.ai