Why the China Are You Dead Yet App Viral Success is Topping Charts

A simple app that bluntly asks "Are You Dead Yet?" is taking China by storm. Known locally as si le ma, this indie sensation has climbed to the #1 spot on the paid App Store charts. It’s not a game or a social media platform, but a survival check for the growing number of young people living alone who fear vanishing without a trace.

Inside the China Are You Dead Yet App Viral Phenomenon

The mechanics are deceptively simple. Users must tap a giant green button once every 24 hours. If they miss the check-in for two consecutive days, the app automatically sends an emergency email to a designated contact. According to developer Guo from Moonscape Technologies, the app only cost $200 to build but has already attracted interest from over 60 investors.

This sudden success reflects a deeper demographic shift. China's 2020 census revealed that 25.4% of households are now single-person homes. While the app originally cost only 1 RMB(14 cents), its price was recently hiked to 8 RMB($1.15) as it gained viral traction on platforms like RedNote.

Rebranding for Global Markets: Meet Demumu

To better serve international users, the developers announced a name change to Demumu on January 13, 2026. The new name blends "death" with the naming style of the viral plushie monster Labubu. However, fans on Weibo aren't thrilled, claiming the original blunt title was the primary reason for the app's viral appeal. Despite the backlash, the team plans to integrate AI to create an "AI safety companion" in future updates.