Generative AI drives viral 1980s retro portrait trend

A viral social media trend has emerged involving generative AI applications that recreate user portraits in a 1980s aesthetic, featuring styles such as feathered hair and retro studio lighting. This trend, driven largely by the EPIK photo editor from South Korea’s SNOW Corporation, highlights how quickly consumer interest in AI can shift from privacy concerns to mainstream entertainment.

The broader generative AI market is seeing significant economic expansion. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates the market could reach approximately $67 billion by 2026, with some broader forecasts suggesting figures as high as $161 billion. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 42% over the next decade, potentially adding $280 billion in new software revenue.