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The internet is buzzing with nostalgia as a new trending AI yearbook takes social media users back to the glory days of their high school. AI-generated vintage yearbook photos are the latest viral sensation, offering users a glimpse of their younger selves in retro style, straight out of ’90s senior snapshots.
What is the AI yearbook trend?
The AI yearbook trend allows people to turn regular selfies into computer-generated vintage yearbook photos. Using AI photo editing apps like Epik, users can easily upload photos of themselves and the app’s algorithms work their magic to recreate a nostalgic high school photo. The final results recreate the classic yearbook portraits of decades past, with retro hairstyles, makeup, clothing and backgrounds.
It’s a playful new way for people to interact with AI technology and reminisce. The trend took off when social media influencers and celebrities started sharing their own AI-enhanced yearbook snaps. The visual impact is striking and familiar, especially appealing to those who came of age in the 1990s.
Also read: How to create an AI yearbook online for free?
How does the AI Yearbook app work?
The process of creating AI-generated yearbook photos is easy using apps like Epik. After downloading the app, users follow these steps:
- Select the “AI Yearbook” function in the app
- Upload 8-12 clear selfies that show your face from different angles and expressions
- Indicate the gender
- Choose a payment option to access the yearbook photo generator (approximately $5 USD for 60 photos)
- Edit the final images with retro filters, frames and backgrounds
- Download and share the results on social media
The app uses neural networks to analyze the facial data and hair/clothing details of the selfies. It then generates multiple variations of yearbook-style portraits with the appropriate style and backgrounds. The more diverse selfies offered, the better the results.
Also read: AI yearbook trend: how do you do that?
Breakout of generated vintage looks
The AI doesn’t just create a generic yearbook atmosphere. Users are delighted to discover that the algorithm generates specific teen archetypes recognizable from 90s pop culture. Some of the most popular include:
The preppy student
This style consists of cardigans, pearl necklaces, headbands and blow-dried hair, which epitomizes the preppy trend.
The artsy Alt girl
Messy punk hairstyles, dark lipstick and printed tops create indie vibes.
The jock
Buzzed hair, sports uniforms and a cocky attitude complete the all-American jock persona.
The cheerleader
Perky ponytails, flawless makeup and vibrant bows and uniforms capture the essence of the teenage spirit.
The hip-hop lover
Oversized sports jerseys, hats and gold chains complete this hip-hop inspired look.
The variety of styles shows that the app can analyze small details and reproduce iconic fashion characteristic of the time.
also read: How to use Epik AI Photo Editor for AI Yearbook?
Pop culture nostalgia appeal
Besides the novelty factor, the AI yearbook trend taps into millennial nostalgia for the 1990s. As the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital technology and social media, millennials are drawn to revisiting cultural touchpoints from their youth.
The vintage snapshots evoke childhood memories of studying friends’ yearbook signatures and embarrassing haircuts. They take users back to a time before the internet and mobile phones took over everyday life.
By reimagining their youth with modern technology, millennials can cherish their nostalgia from the comfort of an app. The AI yearbook photos temporarily allow them to inhabit their carefree, youthful selves again as a fun form of escapism.
How celebrities are embracing the trend
The AI yearbooks craze isn’t just for regular people. A-listers also show off their digitally generated throwback photos, much to the delight of fans.
Filipino actor Dingdong Dantes poked fun at the trend, joking that the AI got his yearbook photo all wrong. Fellow Filipino stars like Megan Young and Kryz Uy have successfully turned their elegant glamor shots into retro portraits.
Outside the Philippines, international superstars also participate. Epik created nostalgic high school snapshots for celebrities like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and the Kardashians. Seeing pop culture icons rocking digital mullets, mom jeans and other ’90s fashion provides extra entertainment.
Influencers jumping on the latest meme trend is nothing new. But the AI yearbook photos give them a new way to connect with followers through relatable, light-hearted content.
Things to keep in mind when using AI photo filters
While AI-generated photos provide harmless fun for most, there are a few ethical considerations to keep in mind:
- The technology is still imperfect; offensive outputs occur occasionally.
- AI apps require access to personal data that some may find invasive or concerning.
- Excessive use of filters can promote unrealistic beauty standards.
- Users should caption images as AI-generated to avoid misrepresentation.
As with any technology, users should exercise discretion in how they responsibly interact with AI filters.
The future possibilities of AI-driven photo effects
Fake yearbook photos are likely just the beginning of creative ways for everyday people to interact with photo editing AI. Developers are constantly expanding the capabilities of algorithms to apply realistic filters, overlays and adjustments to images.
Potential future trends powered by AI photo enhancement include:
- Childhood photos edited to show current adult self
- Realistic age progression and regression
- Animated images and video clips
- Flawless editing of imperfections and unwanted features
- Personalized caricatures, comics and avatars
As technology improves, it’s exciting to consider all the innovative ways AI can turn static photos into dynamic new media. While computers are unlikely to completely replace the creative vision of human photographers and editors, AI does open up new possibilities for artistic expression and nostalgic enjoyment through images.
Conclusion
The AI yearbook trend has fueled a collective sense of ’90s nostalgia online. Revitalizing iconic teen styles in an instant, the photo filters demonstrate the growing power of AI in familiar, engaging ways. As developers expand creative applications for AI photo editing, users can expect even more unique, personalized ways to enhance images. But a dose of discretion is still required to avoid potential risks of abuse. While the technology remains imperfect, for now it offers a harmless portal into the past with endearing, funny results worth sharing. The AI Yearbook gives us all a chance to reminisce about our youthful looks and simpler times of yore.