From Morbid to Global: 'Am I Dead Yet?' App Becomes 'Demumu'

The Chinese app "死了么," known in English as "Am I Dead Yet?", has adopted a new global brand name, "Demumu," as the safety app for people living alone continues to gain rapid traction both in China and overseas.

Guo, one of the app's founders, told Lanjing News today that user growth has surged dramatically in recent days, reaching as much as 800 times its early levels. The spike followed coverage by international media outlets, including the BBC, which helped trigger explosive growth in overseas markets.

The app is now available in more than 40 countries, topping paid app charts in China and ranking near the top in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Developed by a three-member team born in the mid-1990s, the app was initially built with a development budget of just 1,500 yuan (US$210). It allows users — particularly those who live alone — to set regular check-ins, automatically notifying designated contacts if no response is received within a preset time.

Guo said the new name, "Demumu," was designed to strike a balance between a sensitive subject and a more approachable tone. "De" comes from "death," preserving the app's core concept, while "mumu" adds a softer, friendlier feel. The rebrand, he added, was also intended to support global expansion and ease public discomfort with the app's original Chinese name.

As the app's popularity has grown, it has also attracted scrutiny. A content creator recently accused the team of copying a concept video released in 2023. Guo dismissed the allegation, saying the idea originated from public online discussions and that no actual product had been developed before Demumu went live.

The surge in users has quickly translated into investor interest. Guo said the company's valuation has jumped from around 10 million yuan to nearly 100 million yuan within days. While the team is still offering 10 percent equity, it is currently in talks with 60 to 70 investment institutions. Despite the sudden attention, Guo said the team remains focused on refining the product.

Guo is based in Hangzhou, while the app's three core members work remotely from different cities. Asked about potential offline services, he said the idea remains under consideration, pending further assessment of market conditions and the team's future growth.