5
Built a (free) character.ai alternative after seeing their recent complaints
r/SideProject
6/30/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| character.ai | Not provided | AI Roleplay Chat | Mentioned as having recent complaints |
| deekseek | Not provided | AI Model | Used as current model for alternative |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Dissatisfaction with character.ai (implied by complaints)
Problems to Solve:
- Need for alternative AI roleplay chat service
- Desire to interact with popular anime characters
- Interest in exploring "what if" scenarios before committing to chat
Potential Solutions:
- Building a free alternative with similar functionality
- Experimenting with different AI models (like deekseek) for better performance
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Identifying competitor weaknesses (character.ai complaints) to create alternatives
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging Reddit community for feedback and visibility
- Offering free access to attract initial users
Monetization & Product:
- Currently free model to gain traction
- Experimenting with AI models to improve product
User Engagement:
- Soliciting user feedback directly on Reddit
- Providing interactive features ("what if" scenarios) to increase engagement