Gen Z Prefers AI-Generated Headshots Over Human Photographers

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Remini, an AI photo app, has taken Generation Z by storm. Thousands of users are transforming their selfies into professional headshots using this app and questioning why they would ever pay for a photographer.

The popularity of Remini skyrocketed after a TikTok video went viral, showing how a user turned a casual car selfie into a series of stunning headshots for their LinkedIn profile.

@gracesplace #CapCut #ai #remini #fypシ ♬ 3:15 (Slowed Down + Reverb) – Russ

Now, the Remini app has claimed the top spot on Apple’s App Store charts, surpassing Meta’s Threads. It’s clear that people are embracing AI technology to enhance their photos.

With over 1.4 billion views on TikTok, the #Remini hashtag has creators asking a valid question: why pay for headshots when AI does them for free? Remini originally launched in 2019 as a photo enhancer, improving image clarity.

However, in 2022, generative AI was incorporated into the app. While it can be downloaded for free, accessing all the features requires a subscription.

@gracesplace Replying to @Aidan #remini #fypシ #ai ♬ original sound – Grace

Using Remini is similar to another popular photo editing app called Lensa AI. Users upload multiple photos, choose their gender, and then select a “model image” that represents their desired style.

Categories include casual, trendy, travel, and curriculum, which offers professional headshots. The app provides swiping functionality to narrow down favorite images. Many people were amazed by the AI-generated headshots, but some expressed concerns about the potential impact on real photographers.

This newfound obsession with AI-generated headshots has led some viewers to gloat and suggest that photographers should lower their prices.

@taylee.wells this is crazy😭 #CapCut #ai #aiheadshot #trending #foryoupage #xyzbca #trend ♬ 3:15 (Slowed Down + Reverb) – Russ

The argument is that photographers charge a lot for just a few pictures, making AI-generated headshots more appealing. However, others believe that the true artistry of a talented photographer can’t be replicated by AI.

They question whether anyone would prefer AI-generated wedding photos over those taken by a skilled photographer.

While the headshots produced by Remini are impressive, some users noticed flaws typical of AI technology, such as images with too many or too few fingers.

Additionally, there have been complaints that Remini seems to alter weight to make users appear more flattering, which some have labeled as “fatphobic.”