Chinese ‘Are You Dead?’ App Goes Global Sensation, Rebrands as ‘Demumu’ Following Viral Popularity and International Media Attention

The Chinese app “Are You Dead?” is changing its name. The app alerts contacts if a user does not check in every 48 hours. It rose to the top of Apple’s paid app charts in China. Media attention quickly spread worldwide.

Known in Mandarin as “Sileme,” the app helps people living alone. Users register a trusted contact’s name and email. If they fail to check in, the system sends an emergency alert. This feature gives peace of mind to solo residents.

On Tuesday, the company announced it would adopt the global brand name “Demumu.” “After extensive consideration, the ‘Sileme’ app will officially adopt the global brand name ‘Demumu’ in its forthcoming new release,” the statement said. The app has grown rapidly overseas after coverage by BBC and AFP.

Before the rebrand, “Demumu” was the international version. “Are You Dead?” was the Chinese version. The company said the name change will not affect its mission. “Demumu will remain steadfast in its goal of safeguarding safety, bringing China-originated protection solutions to the world, and serving more solitary individuals globally,” the statement added.

Users online reacted with mixed opinions. Many said the original name contributed to its viral success. “Don’t you think your virality is precisely due to your name? Without it, no one would have installed this app except in emergencies,” wrote a Weibo user. Another commented, “With this new name, it loses its flavour.”

The original name, “Sileme,” played on the food delivery app “Eleme.” Its rise reflects China’s changing demographics. In 2024, one-fifth of households were occupied by people living alone, up from 15 percent a decade ago. The company hopes the rebrand will sustain growth while expanding its global reach.