Meitu is a photo and video editor for mobile creators, featuring AI-driven retouching and artistic filters on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users rely on Meitu to bridge the gap between raw mobile captures and social-ready aesthetics, effectively replacing the need for desktop-class editing software.
For Social media users and content creators seeking quick, AI-assisted photo and video editing for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
What does it look like?
Key features
Automated facial feature detection for skin smoothing and body shaping.
Generative model converting portraits into illustrations.
Exclusive stickers and filters gated behind subscription.
How much does it cost?
Freemium model gates advanced AI retouching behind a VIP subscription, which is currently a source of user friction.
Velocity
Intense developmentnew contentUX improvementsShow more...
The app maintains an intense development velocity, averaging approximately 1.16 releases per week over the analyzed period. Development is highly active, focusing on consistent feature expansion across both Android and iOS platforms. The team is prioritizing image and video editing capabilities, specifically targeting precision tools and batch processing workflows. The cadence is stable and shows no signs of slowing, with frequent feature-rich updates.
Who built it?
Xiamen Meitu Technology Co.
12 apps tracked · Photo & Video
RoboNeo
BeautyCam-AI Photo Editor
Wink: Video Enhancer & Editor
Meipai
Meitu HD
Designkit: Ecommerce Creatives
Picchi
Meitu-AI Photo Editor & Design
Kaipai - Talking Video with AI
WearWow - Digital Wardrobe
WHEE - Fan Merch & Art MakerUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans frustrated. Users appreciate the core photo editing tools provide high-quality results that keep long-term users engaged with the platform and free access to a wide range of editing features makes the app accessible for casual creators, but report aggressive monetization tactics and the introduction of a secondary vip tier frustrate long-term paying subscribers.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Weekly average review rating
What users say, by theme
- The core photo editing tools provide high-quality results that keep long-term users engaged with the platform
- Free access to a wide range of editing features makes the app accessible for casual creators
- Aggressive monetization tactics and the introduction of a secondary VIP tier frustrate long-term paying subscribers
120 of 2408 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Meitu- AI Photo & Video Editor
How's the Photo & Video market?
Meitu holds a #7 Grossing position in the Photography category across multiple markets, yet the gap between its free-user discovery and paid-conversion metrics signals friction. The recent release cadence of 5 updates in 30 days suggests an attempt to defend this position against AI-native entrants.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By PIXOCIAL TECHNOLOGY (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
A ai face editing app competing with Meitu- AI Photo & Video Editor.
Meitu- AI Photo & Video Editor vs BeautyPlus-Selfie Photo Editor
FaceApp: Perfect Face EditorContender
AI Mirror: AI Photo EditorContender
PrettyUp-Portrait Editor VideoContender
Hypic - Photo Editor & AI ArtContender
YouCam Makeup: Face EditorContender
Tezza: Aesthetic Photo EditorContenderWink: Video Enhancer & EditorContender
Esti: Aesthetic Photo EditorContender
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Meitu- AI Photo & Video Editor
Where is it heading?
The photography category is consolidating around AI-native tools that offer higher precision and lower friction. Meitu's current maintenance-mode stability and aggressive ad-gating leave it exposed to rivals that prioritize the creative workflow over short-term conversion.
- Technical instability following the latest release causes camera crashes, which directly erodes the daily active habit.
- Aggressive monetization and secondary paywalls alienate long-term subscribers, creating a churn risk that outweighs short-term revenue gains.
The SWOT
- AI art effects drive organic social sharing
- Professional retouching tools create high switching costs
- Localized pricing tiers for high-growth markets
- Template-sharing loops to increase viral acquisition
Next best moves
Audit ad-frequency logic because user complaints cite intrusive ads as a primary churn driver → improve retention
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The #7 grossing rank is a liability…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Real-time AR face tracking (available in B612 but absent here) +1
Since the last report: Meitu's Grossing rank improved from #13 to #7, but the user experience is suffering from increased ad density and secondary VIP paywalls that alienate long-term subscribers. Technical instability, specifically camera-capture crashes, has become a core weakness in the SWOT profile.
Bottom line
Meitu must pivot from aggressive monetization to stability-first development, as the current technical instability and ad density are eroding the core user base. Addressing these friction points is the only way to defend the current grossing rank against AI-native rivals.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Meitu worth paying for if I only use it for basic edits?
How does Meitu compare to B612?
Does Meitu have intrusive ads?
What is a free alternative to Meitu?
Sources
Report last updated