Lytten Powers Crack with Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro
South Korea’s homegrown AI startup Lytten is taking its next big leap into GenAI entertainment—this time, with a little help from the cloud. On June 1, Lytten and Google Cloud announced an expanded strategic partnership, unlocking a major upgrade for Crack, Lytten’s AI-driven character chat platform. The game-changer? The deployment of Google’s powerful Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model.
Crack Gets Smarter: From Flash to Pro
If you haven’t heard of Crack, it’s Lytten’s AI storytelling playground where users interact with virtual characters who have their own personalities, backstories, even their own fictional universes. Think “Sims meets ChatGPT,” but with more sass, anime aesthetics, and fanfic energy.
Previously powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash, the platform’s new integration of Gemini 2.5 Pro gives Crack a serious intelligence boost—especially in creative conversations and narrative generation. According to Lytten CEO Lee Seyoung, the Pro model proved to be “exceptional in creative performance, pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in entertainment.”
K-Wave, Meet A-Wave: Lytten’s Rise in Korea and Japan
Lytten isn’t your average GenAI experiment. The company runs large-scale services in South Korea and Japan using Google Cloud’s infrastructure, and it launched Crack officially in April 2024. From day one, Lytten aimed to build experiences, not just tools—inviting users to create virtual personas and worlds they can share, remix, and roleplay in.
Now, with Google Cloud’s advanced Vertex AI encryption, Lytten promises smoother, safer interactions—even as its Gen Z fanbase dives deep into emotional bonding with pixel-perfect avatars. The companies also plan to co-develop in areas like cloud security, big data, and scalable AI, fueling Lytten’s expansion beyond Korea’s tech-savvy shores.
G-Dragon Meets GenAI: Lytten’s Massive TV Ad Blitz
Let’s talk visibility. You’ve probably seen Lytten’s sleek new commercials starring none other than G-Dragon, the K-pop icon turned futuristic brand ambassador. The campaign wasn’t just flashy—it worked.
- Lytten’s ad ranked 3rd in total TV exposures during the third week of June.
- The broadcast reached over 132 million cumulative impressions—surpassing Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge’s spot, according to data from IGAWorks.
- By week four, Crack app installs skyrocketed, surpassing Google’s own Gemini and trailing only ChatGPT in new downloads.
That kind of traction doesn’t go unnoticed. The crossover of AI and celebrity now seems less science fiction and more like the inevitable next step in digital fandom.
BigQuery, Big Impact: Lytten’s Data-Driven DNA
Lytten isn’t just playing with AI—it’s building with it. Behind the scenes, the company leans heavily on Google Cloud’s BigQuery platform to drive executive-level decisions. Whether it’s optimizing character engagement, predicting feature adoption, or fine-tuning monetization paths, data reigns supreme.
The CEO emphasized Lytten’s goal to make AI “a bridge into everyday life.” That vision aligns perfectly with Google Cloud Korea’s president, Ji Kisung, who praised Lytten as a national leader in next-gen AI startups. “We’re witnessing the dawn of what I call ‘everyday AI,’ led by companies like Lytten,” he noted. “Google Cloud is committed to supporting that mission—across Korea, Japan, and beyond.”
Why This Matters for the Future of AI Entertainment
What makes this partnership a major moment isn’t just the tech—it’s the timing and trajectory. Users want more immersive, emotionally resonant digital experiences. Crack gives that, with its hybrid of anime charm, AI depth, and human creativity.
With Google’s latest AI horsepower and Lytten’s fierce focus on storytelling, the duo is set to redefine what engagement feels like in an AI-first world.
FAQ
What is Crack by Lytten?
Crack is an AI character chat platform developed by Korean startup Lytten. It lets users interact with, create, and share virtual characters with unique personalities and stories. Think of it as a storytelling metaverse powered by next-gen artificial intelligence.
What is Gemini 2.5 Pro, and how is it used?
Gemini 2.5 Pro is Google’s advanced generative AI model. Lytten is using it in Crack to enhance character realism, narrative fluency, and creative interactions between users and their AI companions.
Why is this partnership significant?
The partnership strengthens AI innovation in Korea and Japan, positioning both companies as leaders in the global AI entertainment industry. By leveraging Google Cloud’s infrastructure and AI models, Lytten can scale its services securely while delivering richer user experiences.
