Archive · 25 Jan 2026
India Embraces AI Virtual Pets for Digital Companionship
In India, people are using AI virtual pets to stay connected with family and friends.
These digital pets, like Pengu, allow users to take care of them together, which helps bring people closer.
Apps like Pengu, Pokipet, and others let you customize and raise virtual pets, making them popular among different age groups.
The market for these AI companions is growing fast, with experts predicting it will reach $1 billion by 2028.
Psychologists say these apps help with loneliness but should not replace real human connections.
Currently, these apps are more popular in big cities, but startups are working to expand their reach.
AI virtual pets like Pengu are becoming popular in India for digital companionship.
Users can co-parent virtual pets, fostering connections with family and friends.
The market for AI companions is valued at over $150 million and is expected to reach $1 billion by 2028.
Apps like Pengu, Pokipet, and Widgetable allow customization and multiplayer features.
Psychologists link the popularity of these apps to rising urban loneliness but caution against using them as a replacement for genuine human connections.
- Who
- Indrani Sen, a Mumbai-based food blogger, and her 16-year-old daughter, along with other users in India.
- What
- AI virtual pets are gaining popularity in India as a form of digital companionship.
- When
- The trend is growing in 2024, with a projected market expansion to $1 billion by 2028.
- Where
- Primarily in metro cities in India, with global reach for apps like Pengu.
- Why
- To combat loneliness and avoid the responsibilities of real pets, while fostering connections through shared virtual pet care.
- Primary Category
- TECHNOLOGY
- Secondary Category
- AI
- Tertiary Category
- Virtual Pets
- Quaternary Category
- Companionship
- Market Value
- $150 million
- Projected Market Value by 2028
- $1 billion
- Expected Growth Rate
- 35-45% CAGR
- Popular Apps
- Pengu, Widgetable, Pokipet, Cryptkitties, Zumi Chat
- Founder of Pokipet
- Jaynesh Vekaria
- Co-founder of Born
- Fabian Kamberi