Step into the nostalgia-inducing world of EPIK, the AI app that is currently taking the App Store by storm. This unique photo-editing app allows users to transform their selfies into 90s-inspired “yearbook” photos, complete with different poses, looks, and hairstyles. Developed by South Korea-based Snow Corporation, EPIK has gained popularity worldwide as influencers and users alike share their AI-generated photos on social media. With over 92 million lifetime installs and counting, the app has quickly climbed its way to the coveted number one spot on the U.S. App Store. However, as with many viral AI apps, the question remains as to whether EPIK’s success will be sustainable or simply another fleeting trend.
AI app EPIK hits No. 1 on the App Store for its viral yearbook photo feature
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Overview of EPIK and its popularity
EPIK is an AI-powered photo-editing app that has recently gained immense popularity for its viral yearbook photo feature. It allows users to generate nostalgic, 90s-inspired yearbook photos of themselves using a variety of templates. The app, created by South Korea-based Snow Corporation, a subsidiary of Naver, has surged to the top of the App Store, becoming the most downloaded app in the United States.
How EPIK works
To create their yearbook photos, users first need to upload a series of selfies on the EPIK app. The AI technology behind EPIK then uses these uploaded images to generate throwback yearbook photos of the users featuring different poses, hairstyles, and looks. The app offers a wide range of options to ensure the generated images have a nostalgic, 90s vibe.
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Market performance and user statistics
Since its debut in August 2021, EPIK has recorded a total of 92.3 million lifetime installs, with 4.7 million of those installs coming from the United States alone. The app gained significant traction on September 19 and experienced further growth ten days later. As of now, EPIK’s largest market is India, followed by the United States.
Influencers using EPIK’s yearbook feature
EPIK’s popularity has not only been driven by regular app users but also by influencers from around the world. Prominent influencers have joined the trend by sharing their AI-generated yearbook photos on social media platforms. Beauty influencers such as Samantha Batallanos and Bretman Rock, actor and rapper Tim Chantarangsu, fashion model Eva Mikulski, video creators Denyzee, Missou, Romy, Liz Rangel, and Hila Klein, and Twitch streamer Pokimane are just a few examples of the influencers participating in the EPIK yearbook photo trend.
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Using EPIK’s Yearbook feature
To create AI-generated yearbook photos using EPIK, users need to upload eight to twelve selfie images. It is important to submit clear photos with a diverse range of expressions, angles, and backgrounds to ensure the best AI results. After processing the uploaded photos, the app generates 60 different images, allowing users to choose the ones they like the most.
Paid options for AI output
While EPIK can be downloaded for free, users need to pay for the AI output. The app offers two delivery options: standard and express. Standard delivery, priced at $3.99, has a waiting time of up to 24 hours, while express delivery, priced at $5.99, provides photos in less than two hours. These options give users the flexibility to receive their AI-generated yearbook photos based on their time preferences.
Challenges with high demand
Due to the overwhelming popularity of EPIK, the app has struggled to keep up with the high demand. Users may experience delays and encounter “sold out” delivery options when trying to use the Yearbook feature. The app acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the rapid increase in users and apologizes for the delays. However, the team behind EPIK is working to improve the app’s capacity and ensure a smoother user experience.
Comparison to other viral AI photo apps
EPIK is not the first AI photo app to gain attention for its unique features. Lensa, which offers AI-generated “magic avatars,” and Remini, known for its professional-looking AI headshots, are examples of other viral AI photo apps. However, many of these apps struggle to maintain user interest after the initial hype fades. A report from Apptopia earlier this year revealed that the first wave of AI photo editors lost consumer interest. While EPIK’s current popularity is undeniable, it remains to be seen if it will have long-term staying power.
Potential longevity of EPIK’s popularity
The question of EPIK’s potential longevity is of interest to users and industry observers alike. While the app has achieved great success, it is possible that it could be a short-lived trend as users move on to the next AI-driven app or feature. The ever-changing landscape of technology trends makes predictions about an app’s future popularity difficult. However, EPIK’s unique yearbook photo feature and its ability to capture the nostalgia of the 90s may contribute to its ability to maintain user engagement and popularity in the long term.
In conclusion, EPIK’s viral yearbook photo feature has catapulted it to the top of the App Store, making it the most downloaded app in the United States. The app’s AI technology allows users to generate nostalgic yearbook photos, attracting both regular users and influential figures. However, the app is facing challenges with high demand and has to keep up with evolving trends and user interests to ensure its sustained success. As users continue to embrace AI-driven apps, only time will tell if EPIK’s popularity will continue to thrive or fade away like its predecessors.
