Maopaoya

Maopaoya was one of StepFun's two main consumer-facing AI applications, positioned as a role-playing agent platform. Users could select or create virtual characters for one-on-one or one-to-many conversations, covering everyday confessions and story-driven interactions, with a strong focus on emotional companionship. A notable feature was its strong memory—it could recall details from long-running dialogues—and a visible recall function in the chat interface that allowed users to revisit key moments, enhancing immersion.

In terms of experience, the platform was praised by some users for its narrative design and writing style, which was well-paragraphed and natural in length, suiting those who enjoy expressive dialogue. Because of its anonymity and immediate responses, many users turned to it as an emotional outlet for things they couldn’t tell friends or family, fulfilling the need to be heard.

A major drawback, however, is its uncertain lifespan. Reports indicate that StepFun stopped major investment in December 2024, merging the team into its other product 'Yuewen' (now Step AI) and leaving only a small maintenance team.