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Chinese photo-editing app Meitu clicks in West
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Chinese photo-editing app Meitu offers regular editing functions such as borders and red-eye removal, but it is its tool that turns photos into portrait-like images that has made it so popular. (global.meitu.com/File)
Meitu, a Chinese photo-editing app, has suddenly become popular in the West with its feature of turning headshots into cartoons.
The app is free and available for both Android and iPhone, and it has been widely used in Asia for some years.
It offers regular photo editing functions such as borders and red-eye removal, but it is its tool that turns photos into portrait-like images that has made it so popular.
After female users fell in love with the app for its ability to brush up their beauty, men also found it irresistible. Now some users use its tool to turn the photos of rich and famous, even Western leaders, portrait-like images.
Omgf app Meitu is really amazing😍 Guys you really should to try💕🙆💕 pic.twitter.com/4ITMz0jskU
— Ellen_Drawings (@lenprisyazhenko) January 22, 2017
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Western users have uploaded their "hand-drawn" photos and appraisals on social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Vera Chimera said in a post that "Guys wtf is this app, it's amazing. Bringing out my inner kawaii."
@amandaglosson @Andrew_Reiner Sherlock Holmes season 5 pic.twitter.com/OelpjIrYyE
— Igor Konovalov (@igor_dlinni) January 19, 2017
Another internet user sabrina said that "I want this Meitu photo framed and on display at my funeral."
Internet user Brennx0r said that he could not "stop processing things through Meitu."
Western media, including the Telegraph, the Daily Mail and CNN, has also covered the app extensively.
While the app has become popular in the West, some have raised doubts over its security features, claiming the app could steal personal information. Moreover, some have accused it of racism as it turns faces yellow.
This article appeared on the China Daily newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
