Realistic or anime
Realistic styling aims for a photographic character image. Anime styling uses illustrated character art. Choose the style first, then keep the appearance choices consistent with it.
Use an original adult character. Do not use the process to reproduce an identifiable person without permission or to create an underage-looking persona.
Personality, occupation and voice
Swipey describes seven personality choices. Pick a tone that fits the character, then choose an occupation and a voice. These settings affect different aspects of the companion.
Give the opening situation one clear location and purpose. Conflicting instructions make a persona harder to follow than a few consistent traits.
Creation and conversation access
Exploring character settings is different from full Custom AI chat access. Premium is required for Custom AI conversations and progression; images, videos and calls can also use Hearts.
A Custom AI starts private. Publishing a character is a separate choice and does not publish your own conversation history.
Questions
Can I choose the character voice?
Yes. Voice is one of the Custom AI choices. Live calls require the relevant Premium access and Hearts.
Do custom characters appear in search automatically?
No. Custom AI is private unless the owner chooses to publish the character.