Naver Webtoon’s AI-based chat service ‘Character Chat’ [Source = Naver Webtoon]
Naver Webtoon’s “Character Chat”—an AI‑powered conversational feature—has quietly reshaped webtoon engagement. Hitting 100 million messages from 3.5 million users, it’s not just a flashy number. What’s more notable: teens and young adults dominate usage, paid messages now make up 41%, and original series see dramatic spikes in readership and revenue. This isn’t just tech hype—it’s proof that interactive storytelling is the next frontier.
1. The rise of conversational immersion
Launched June 2024, Character Chat provides readers with AI versions of popular characters (12 now available). Users can ask questions, interact, and get responses that feel true to the character’s voice and story. And they’re loving it—76% of users are under 30, with almost half in their teens mk.co.kr+1biz.chosun.com+1. By shifting from passive scrolling to active dialogue, webtoons are creating deeper reader journeys.
2. Monetization meets retention
A big win: paid messages now comprise 41% of total chat usage, doubling spend per user since launch cambridge.org+15mk.co.kr+15bleedingcool.com+15. But this isn’t pulling users away—quite the opposite. Readers are sticking around, interacting longer, and investing in content-driven dialogue. It’s a new layer of revenue that adds rather than interrupts.
3. Driving content consumption
Character Chat doesn’t just engage—it drives readers back to the original webtoons. Users interacting with chatbots boosted reading session counts between 77% and 97%, sales rose 44%, and subscriber counts jumped up to 29% mk.co.kr. It shows how blending interaction and narrative nudges readership organically.
4. Why it matters for creators and brands
For storytellers—from indie creators to publishers—this is core insight: engagement doesn’t stop at delivering your story. Let readers ask, explore, connect. An AI-powered chat isn’t just fancy tech; it builds loyalty. And for brands? Think about conversational deep dives—tease new products with character Q&As. This can turn passive fans into active co-creators.
Webtoon’s Character Chat shows that when technology is respectful of narrative and authentic to character, it builds engagement—and revenue. For creators, brands, and communicators, the lesson is clear: design experiences where audiences do more than read—where they connect. AI gives us tools for that connection. Let’s use it to tell stories worth joining.
E.N. Ejob
