FaceU (Chinese: 激萌) 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]

Online marketing

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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[citation needed]. 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]

Offline marketing

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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.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "APK Download for Android". FaceU. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  2. ^ "FaceU - Inspire your Beauty". Apptopia. 29 September 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  3. ^ Heathcote, Ben (23 February 2018). "AR selfie app Faceu 'acquired in $300m deal'". Business of Apps. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  4. ^ Ruan, Ruan (4 July 2017). "5 Major Beauty Apps in China You Should Know | Jing Daily". Jing Daily. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  5. ^ Wirdana, Ardi. "China's Toutiao said to acquire local selfie app Faceu for $300m". www.dealstreetasia.com. dealstreetasia.com. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  6. ^ "今日头条3亿美元收购相机拍照工具Faceu激萌" (in Chinese). ifeng.com. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  7. ^ "Government Bans 118 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order". Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  8. ^ Yasir, Sameer; Kumar, Hari (2020-09-02). "India Bans 118 Chinese Apps as Indian Soldier Is Killed on Disputed Border". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  9. ^ 水水, 二 (16 January 2016). "脸萌团队又一新作:Faceu 会成为下一个 "爆款" 吗?". 36kr.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  10. ^ "从卖萌自拍APP到跨界时尚网红,看Faceu激萌如何把营销玩得飞起! - 数英". www.digitaling.com. digitaling.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  11. ^ "Faceu激萌双节走心营销, 用自拍秀情怀 | 极客公园". GeekPark. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
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