'Are You Dead?' app tops Chinese App Store: All about the app that iPhone users in China, America, Singapore, Hong Kong are spending most on right now

An app called “Are You Dead?” has gone viral among iPhone users in China, becoming the most downloaded paid app in the country. Launched in May last year, the app is designed for people alone. According to a BBC report, the app addresses rising “safety anxiety” among China's growing solo dwellers which according to experts is expected to reach 200 million by 2030. “And it's those people that the app - which describes itself as a ‘safety company companion... whether you're a solo office worker, a student living away from home, or anyone choosing a solitary lifestyle’ - is trying to target,” the report says.

How “Are You Dead?” app works

‘Are You Dead?’ is a paid-app. It is priced at 8 yuan in China and Rs 99 in India. The app is a word play of food delivery app called "Are you Hungry?". In Chinese, "Si-le-ma" sounds like the name of the food app "E-le-ma".


The idea of the app is simple. It does not require sign-up or sharing personal data. All one has to do is add an emergency contact that will be alerted in case of an emergency.

Users are required to check in every two days in the app to confirm that they are alive. “If not, it will get in touch with your appointed emergency contact and inform them that you may be in trouble,” the report says.

'Are You Dead?' app gets popular in US, Singapore and other countries including India

'Are You Dead?' app is internationally available under the name of ‘Demumu’. According to the BBC report, the app ranks in the top two in the US, Singapore and Hong Kong, and top four in Australia and Spain for paid utility apps.

In India too, the app has gained popularity becoming the second most downloaded paid app in the country right now. While little is known about founders of the app, the App Store listing shows Moonscape Technologies Inc. as the developer of ‘Are You Dead?’ app.