While dating apps have been around for years, a new trend is changing how people find love. AI companions are becoming the preferred choice for millions of singles worldwide. Google searches for “AI girlfriend” jumped by 2,400% between 2022 and 2024, showing massive interest in digital partners.
The numbers tell a clear story. AI usage in dating increased 333% from 2024 to 2025. About 26% of singles now use AI tools to improve their romantic lives. The global AI girlfriend market is worth $2.8 billion in 2024 and could reach $9.5 billion by 2028.
Gen Z leads this digital romance revolution. Nearly half embrace AI dating tools, with 33% trying AI girlfriends compared to 23% of Millennials. A quarter of single Americans used AI as a romantic partner in 2024. These tools address the growing global loneliness crisis affecting roughly one-third of people worldwide. Experts predict that by 2035, 15% of people might choose AI partners over human marriage.
Platforms like Hullo AI show the trend’s strength. They’ve reached over 1 million users globally and create more than 100,000 matches daily. The platform operates across Southeast Asia, Turkey, UAE, Israel and is expanding to the US and Europe.
The technology is evolving quickly. Voice interactions, video capabilities, and augmented reality features are coming in 2025-2026. These AI companions often blur the lines between romantic partners and digital therapists, raising new regulatory questions. Many users report high satisfaction with AI-assisted relationship counseling, which can help correct cognitive biases and provide structured guidance.
Traditional dating apps aren’t disappearing but are transforming. AI-driven platforms already hold 40% of the market share in 2025 and might reach 85% by 2030. The entire dating app industry could grow to $20 billion by 2030.
Challenges remain as regulations like the EU AI Act take effect in February 2025. Companies must focus on data privacy, transparent operations, and realistic growth expectations.
Despite these hurdles, the AI romance revolution continues to reshape how millions approach relationships in the digital age.
