The annual Five Fortune campaign by Alipay, a highlight of the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities, has once again captured the imagination of millions, this time through an innovative blend of AI technology and traditional celebration. From January 29th to February 9th, nearly 600 million interactions were recorded, a testament to the campaign’s appeal and its fresh, AI-driven features.
A Leap into AI-Driven Festivities
This year marked a significant evolution for the Five Fortune campaign with the introduction of four AI-centric experiences: AI Theatre, AI Fortune Hunt, AI Photo Studio, and AI Red Packets. These additions offered a modern twist to the age-old tradition of collecting digital Five Fortune cards, enhancing the festive mood with technology.
AI Theatre: Your Personal Film Debut
Imagine stepping into the shoes of your favorite movie characters, thanks to Alipay’s AI Theatre. This feature allowed users to upload a photo and transform into key characters from classic films, including those by the renowned Stephen Chow. By February 8th, this innovative tool had produced over 2.3 million personalized clips, providing a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty.
AI Fortune Hunt: A Digital Treasure Hunt
The AI Fortune Hunt emerged as the go-to method for gathering fortune cards in 2024, engaging users in a digital treasure hunt to uncover the “Fu” character hidden within more than 100,000 AI-crafted images. This interactive quest led to the discovery of over 2.9 billion “Fu” characters, illustrating the feature’s widespread popularity and its creative approach to integrating cultural traditions with modern technology.
AI Photo Studio: Bridging Distances
In an era where distance can keep loved ones apart, the AI Photo Studio feature served as a digital bridge, allowing friends and family to unite in AI-generated group photos. With 16 customizable templates, it offered a heartfelt way for individuals to connect and share moments, regardless of their physical location.
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AI Red Packets: A New Twist on Tradition
Redefining the traditional exchange of red packets, Alipay’s AI Red Packets allowed users to craft digital versions complete with video covers featuring their avatars. This innovative use of AI voice and video synthesis technology added a personal touch to the age-old practice of sharing New Year wishes.
Since its launch in 2016, the Five Fortune campaign has woven itself into the fabric of CNY celebrations, allowing participants to collect digital fortune cards through a variety of means, including AR scanning and participating in merchant sub-campaigns. These digital tokens, emblematic of good fortune, can be exchanged for monetary rewards, blending tradition with tangible benefits.
Through its pioneering use of AI technology, Alipay has not only enriched the CNY experience for countless individuals but also showcased the harmonious integration of tradition and innovation, creating memorable moments of joy and connection in the process.
