FaceU is a camera app for smartphones running Android[1] or Apple iOS[2] that edits portrait photographs, typically selfies. This app uses AR technology to allow users to add stickers or interesting and exaggerated effects in real-time when taking selfies and videos. It was launched in 2016 and had 250 million registered users in 2017. Most of the users of Faceu are females from 15 to 35 years old.[3] [4] In February 2018, Faceu was acquired by Chinese media startup Toutiao, which is worth about $300 million.[5] [6] The app was banned in India (along with other Chinese apps) on 2 September 2020 by the government, the move came amid the 2020 China-India skirmish.[7] [8]
There are many selfie camera apps in China such as MeituPic, Pitu and Camera360. Faceu has a social function; it added IM functionality to add other users and have video chats. The photos and short videos are deleted after a short to protect users' privacy.[9] Faceu have cooperated with brands like CHANEL, Michael Kors and KFC to launch social media campaigns by designing specific stickers. In 2016, Faceu cooperated with MeituPic's Meipai and launched a rainbow effect; Faceu moved from around 80th to top App Store app within 3 days. In October 2017, Faceu launched a function during Mid-Autumn festival and National Day which converted selfies to have Chinese ancient costume or Chinese military uniform. Faceu also cooperated with more than 50 celebrities on social media including Papi jiang, Liu Yifei, Wu Chun and Sun Honglei; celebrities posted selfies or short videos with the logo on social media or appeared with Faceu effects on a TV show.[10] Faceu group engages users' emotions utilizing key opinion leaders (KOL) and posters on social media.[11]
On the first day of 2018 Faceu, yogether with PUMA and Bobbi Brown, set up a shop in Shanghai called 'U funny laboratory' with decor for people to be photographed in.