AI App EPIK Soars to No. 1 on the App Store with Its Trending Yearbook Photo Feature

Another Week, Another Viral AI App

This week, the spotlight is on EPIK, a trending photo-editing app that has taken the App Store by storm. EPIK allows users to generate nostalgic “yearbook” photos reminiscent of the 90s using various templates. Users simply upload a series of selfies, which EPIK utilizes to create throwback yearbook images featuring different poses, looks, and hairstyles.

Developed by South Korea's Snow Corporation, a subsidiary of Naver, EPIK follows the success of the AI profile app Snow. In recent weeks, the app has gained immense popularity on the App Store, especially as influencers worldwide share their AI-generated photos on social media.

Currently, EPIK holds the No. 1 spot on the U.S. App Store but is trailing behind on Google Play at No. 37.

Market data from Apptopia reveals that EPIK has amassed an impressive 92.3 million lifetime installs since its launch in August 2021, including 4.7 million downloads in the U.S. Interest in EPIK surged around September 19, with an even greater spike ten days later. Presently, India accounts for the largest market in terms of downloads, while the U.S. ranks sixth.

In contrast, data.ai provides slightly lower figures, reporting 82 million lifetime downloads and nearly $7 million in consumer spending on iOS. This marks EPIK's first appearance in the Top Overall apps in the U.S., according to data.ai. Snow Corp. has not commented on these figures.

Scrolling through the #epik hashtag on Instagram, it’s clear that many influencers are getting in on the trend by sharing their AI-generated yearbook photos. Notable figures include beauty influencers like Samantha Batallanos (254,000 followers) and Bretman Rock (18.8 million followers), as well as actor and rapper Tim Chantarangsu (1.5 million followers), fashion model Eva Mikulski (481,000 followers), and popular Twitch streamer Pokimane (6 million followers).

To utilize EPIK’s Yearbook feature, users must upload eight to twelve selfies, which the app then processes to create unique images. EPIK cautions users that its AI is continuously learning and that not all results will meet expectations. Users proceeding with the upload are deemed to accept the potential results.

The app recommends submitting clear photos showcasing a variety of expressions, angles, and backgrounds. After processing, EPIK produces 60 different images. While the app itself is free to download, users are required to pay for the AI-generated images. There are also options for expedited processing—standard delivery ($3.99) offers results within 24 hours, while express delivery ($5.99) promises photos in under two hours.

However, EPIK faces challenges in keeping up with its surging popularity. Users attempting to access the Yearbook feature may encounter delays, with messages indicating a rapid increase in service demand. Even after uploading selfies, users could be informed that delivery options are “sold out” and advised to try again later.

The Viral AI Photo App Trend

EPIK is not the first AI photo app to achieve viral fame with a unique feature. It follows in the footsteps of previous hits like Lensa, known for its AI-generated “magic avatars,” and Remini, which rose to prominence this summer with its professional-looking AI headshots. Yet, many AI photo apps struggle to maintain momentum after their initial surge in popularity wanes. According to an Apptopia report published earlier this year, many early-emerging AI photo editors have already seen a decline in consumer interest.

For EPIK, this means its current popularity could potentially be fleeting as users inevitably shift their attention to the next emerging AI trend.