Former TikTok execs built an app that uses AI to teach you how to pose for a photo

AI-powered posing assistants are now available for personal photography, aiming to improve the quality of everyday snapshots.

Two former TikTok executives, Melody Chu and Jing Liu, have launched Superpose, an iOS app designed to help users improve their photography by offering AI-generated pose suggestions. The app allows users to take a selfie or a photo of a friend and then uses AI to propose four distinct poses. Users can either save these generated poses or use a "match pose" feature to guide their own positioning within the frame. The concept originated from Chu's personal frustration with her husband's inability to take flattering photos of her, leading her to explore solutions using computer vision and generative AI. Launched in July, Superpose has already seen over 22,000 downloads and 190,000 pose generations. The app offers five free daily generations, with additional packs available for purchase, ranging from $2.99 for five to $9.99 for twenty. Superpose has secured $2.2 million in seed funding from investors including Khosla Ventures, Meitu, and OVTR Ventures.

The emergence of apps like Superpose signifies a growing trend of leveraging AI to democratize specific creative skills, moving beyond complex editing software to offer direct assistance during the capture phase. By focusing on real-life portraiture rather than fantastical elements, Superpose aims to address a common user pain point, differentiating itself from other generative AI applications. This focus on practical application suggests a market ripe for tools that enhance existing user behaviors and address everyday frustrations through accessible AI.

This development also highlights the increasing investment in AI-driven consumer applications, with significant backing from venture capital firms like Khosla Ventures. The focus on personal memory capture and lived experience positions Superpose as a competitor in a space where Adobe and Google are also experimenting with AI for photographic guidance. Future advancements will likely involve more sophisticated personalization and real-time coaching directly within the camera interface, aiming for a seamless user experience that enhances authentic moments.