Former TikTok execs launch AI app to teach photo posing

Superpose, developed by Melody Chu and Jing Liu, functions as a camera app that generates four AI-generated poses for users to try. The app allows users to save poses or use a 'match pose' feature to replicate suggestions. Chu, who previously worked at TikTok and other tech companies, cited personal frustration with her husband's poor photography skills as inspiration for the app.

The app, launched in July, has been downloaded over 22,000 times and generated more than 190,000 poses. Users receive five free pose generations daily, with paid options available for additional generations. The startup focuses on real-life portrait photography rather than fantastical AI-generated backgrounds.

Superpose has raised $2.2 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures and Meitu. Chu emphasized the app's goal to capture 'lived moments' through AI guidance, while acknowledging the need to improve uncanny pose suggestions and enhance personalization features.