Faceu

About Faceu

Faceu operates as a camera and photo-editing mobile application, launched in 2016 by founder Guo Lie. Guo's previous venture, MYOTee, an app for creating cartoon avatars, achieved significant popularity in China and other countries in 2014, providing him with valuable experience in the viral app market. Faceu was developed following his time at the internet giant Tencent.

The company's core product is a smartphone app available on Android and iOS that allows users to apply augmented reality (AR) effects, stickers, and filters to their selfies and videos in real-time. This functionality, which includes face recognition and live beautification tools, set it apart from other apps that required post-capture editing. The application offers a wide array of features such as over 1,000 sticker options, GIF emoji creation, various face shape modifications, and professional-style filters. The platform also incorporates social functions like video chat and instant messaging, with content designed to be ephemeral.

Faceu's business model targets a young, predominantly female demographic. As of October 2017, the app had amassed 250 million registered users, with the majority being female and under 18 years old. The company generates revenue through advertising and brand partnerships. This includes creating custom-themed stickers for social media campaigns and full-screen open-screen ads. Faceu has collaborated with brands and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to create engaging content and marketing campaigns.

In February 2018, Faceu was acquired by the Chinese media startup Toutiao (a subsidiary of ByteDance) for a reported $300 million. The acquisition was a strategic move for Toutiao to leverage Faceu's AR technology for its short video platforms and to tap into Faceu's young user base. Prior to the acquisition, Faceu had received funding from investors including IDG Capital, Lightspeed China Partners, and Meitu. The app was banned in India in September 2020 amid geopolitical tensions.