The difference between generative AI vs. conversational AI lies in their core functions and applications, though they often overlap.

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that can create new content—ranging from text and images to music, code, and video—based on patterns it has learned from data. It powers tools that write articles, generate artwork, compose music, or build software code, often using large language models (LLMs) like GPT or image models like DALL·E.

Conversational AI, on the other hand, is designed specifically to simulate human-like dialogue. It’s used in virtual assistants, chatbots, and customer service platforms to understand user input and respond appropriately, maintaining context across a conversation. While modern conversational AI often uses generative AI under the hood to produce more natural responses, not all generative AI is conversational. For example, an AI that writes a screenplay or generates a painting isn’t engaging in dialogue—it’s simply generating content.

In short, generative AI is about creation, while conversational AI is about interaction. Understanding generative AI vs. conversational AI is key for businesses evaluating tools for content creation, customer engagement, or automation.