In the title compound, C18H16N4, the dihedral angle between the benzene and phenyl rings is 61.40 (4)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯N(nitrile) hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are further linked by N-H⋯N(amine) hydrogen bonds, and both units are arranged almost perpendicular to each other [angle between dimer mean planes = 84.43 (12)°]. This arrangement is extended to form a ladder-like structure parallel to the c axis.