The 'If I Die' Facebook application is morbidly smart. The application simply asks the user to record a message for loved ones to be released when he dies in real life. Once recorded, he is asked to select a few trusted friends to be responsible and make sure the video sees the light.
The application has been making a splash around the web with its paperless campaign. The campaign uses check-in services such as FourSquare and calls the user, warning her that death can happen at any time.
Without paying a dime for advertising, the 'If I Die' application has received much media coverage. The application itself may be morbid, but with its location-stalking campaign, it has gained an 800% increase in users.
Morbid Video Apps
The 'If I Die' Facebook Application Lets You Record Final Words Just in Case
Trend Themes
1. Digital Afterlife Planning - 'If I Die' App allows for recording and sharing digital messages after users pass away.
2. Location-based Death Awareness Campaigns - 'If I Die' App uses check-in services like Foursquare to remind users of their mortality.
3. Morbid Social Media - 'If I Die' App capitalizes on the interest in sharing end-of-life messaging on social media platforms.
Industry Implications
1. End-of-life Planning Services - The 'If I Die' app and its success indicate a potential market for digital estate planning services.
2. Location-based Marketing - Companies could use location-stalking campaigns to deliver targeted messages and promotions.
3. Social Media Platforms - Other social media platforms can look to build on the trend of digital legacy planning to boost engagement and user numbers.