Trending Now! AI Photo Editing App 'EPIK' for American Yearbook Style | Release #32
One day, photos of friends styled as cheerleaders or football captains in a classic American way started appearing on Instagram stories.
This new trend, which is buzzing on social media, is a feature of the AI photo editing app 'EPIK', developed by SNOW Japan Co., Ltd., known for apps like 'SNOW', 'SODA', 'Foodie', and 'ZEPETO'.
The app includes a feature called , which uses AI to recreate 90s fashion and hairstyles, captivating the younger generation with Y2K (Year 2000) style photos, and it is currently a huge trend.
©︎ SNOW Japan Co., Ltd.
Nostalgia for the TV Drama Generation
Among many AI photo editing apps, why has 'EPIK' become particularly popular?
One perspective from a cultural standpoint is that the main users of the app, consumers in their 20s to 30s, grew up familiar with American TV dramas like 'Glee' and 'Full House', and have a fondness for classic American culture. By transforming selfies into the style and atmosphere of these TV dramas, the app offers an experience of 'becoming the object of admiration'.
Many studies suggest that selfies are deeply connected to the desire for self-expression. Editing selfie photos might also mean getting closer to the image of oneself that one aspires to be. It might be interesting to read and consider the following article about this social phenomenon.
Interestingly, 'EPIK' seems to resonate not only with the younger generation but also with those over 40. Perhaps the desire to transform into professions like a boxer or astronaut sparked interest. It can be seen as a simple image cosplay play, and it might be worth trying as a pastime.
