IMVU, Inc. (Instant Messaging Virtual Universe) is an online social entertainment website, founded in 2000 , in which members use 3D avatars to meet new people, chat, create, and play games. IMVU has over 50 million registered users, 10 million unique visitors per month and three million monthly active users. IMVU has the world’s largest virtual goods catalog of more than 10 million items (some hidden by their creators), almost all of which are created by its own members. Founded in 2004, IMVU is backed by venture investors Menlo Ventures, Allegis Capital, Bridgescale Partners, and Best Buy Capital and is located in Mountain View, California.

Basic IMVU access is free, but users may choose to buy gift cards or pay with a credit card to obtain virtual credits (often referred to as the freemium business model).. Free memberships allow users to register a "Guest_" avatar name, make use of the chat service, purchase virtual content, and create a personal homepage. Buying a name removes "Guest_" from the avatar name and removes non-IMVU advertising, also enables access to additional forum sections. However, some features require further payment such as access to adult material and the VIP to receive a monthly credit allowance as well as free virtual products.