A new app that lets people create avatars and hang out with friends in virtual bedrooms made its debut 3 weeks ago, and it's already taking Asia by storm

• Bondee is a new social networking app created by a Singapore-based tech company.
• The app has topped multiple app store charts across Asia since its launch on January 17.

Bondee — an app you've probably never heard of before — is currently taking Asia by storm.

The virtual avatar social networking app was launched on January 17, and in less than a month, Bondee has topped app store charts in multiple countries and racked up more than 5 million downloads on Google Play.

That's a record-breaking seven months faster than Instagram, which only garnered 1 million downloads after two months, according to Techcrunch.

Bondee was developed by Metadream, a Singapore-based tech startup with additional teams working in Japan, South Korea, and the US. The company plans to set up offices in Thailand and the Philippines as well, according to Bondee's website.

Bondee is currently available in various countries across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

So, what exactly is Bondee?

Bondee is a social networking app that allows users to connect with up to 50 of their closest friends in a virtual plaza. The app includes the typical chat functions available on most social platforms.

But unlike most social apps, users get to create their own avatars from a wide selection of trendy outfits and hairstyles, as well as decorate their own space for friends to visit.

Bondee is sort of like The Sims, the life-simulation video game first released in 2000. But the virtual characters and interior design options on the new platform appear younger and more playful.

Since its launch, Bondee fashion guides and room decor tips have been shared across various social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even Pinterest.

Many users have also posted their Bondee usernames and QR codes on their socials, encouraging other users to add them as friends in the app.

But it hasn't been all roses and butterflies for Bondee. In the early days of its release, the app's creators were battling rumors of credit card info leaks.

Although credit card or financial details are not requested upon signing up in Bondee, its past privacy policy showed the option of in-app purchases to buy NFT products on the platform, according to CNA.

In an update on January 29, Metadream removed any mention of NFTs from its privacy policy.

The company has also rejected all claims accusing the company of leaking credit card information, as reported on CNA.

Bondee did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.