AI Yearbook: What It Is, Why It's Trending & How to Make One
If you spend time on TikTok or Instagram, you may have already seen the AI yearbook trend taking over your feed. The idea is simple but fun: upload a selfie and let artificial intelligence turn it into a retro-style high school yearbook portrait. These pictures often mimic the look of the 1980s and 1990s, complete with vintage hairstyles, classic outfits, and faded backgrounds. An AI yearbook is created using apps or online tools that apply AI filters to your photos. This mix of old-school nostalgia and modern AI editing has made the yearbook AI idea extremely popular.

Part 1: The AI Yearbook Trend Explained
The AI yearbook trend started on TikTok, where influencers and regular users began sharing retro yearbook portraits made by AI. Soon, it spread to Instagram and Twitter, turning into a viral challenge.
Celebrities and content creators quickly joined in, showing what they might have looked like in high school during the 90s. These posts often gain thousands of likes and comments, as fans enjoy comparing different styles.
So, why is this so popular?
- Nostalgia: The 80s and 90s hold a special place in pop culture. Many people love revisiting this retro style, even if they didn't live through it.
- Humor: Some results from a yearbook AI tool look funny or exaggerated, which makes them entertaining to share with friends.
- Personalization: Each person's AI generated yearbook is unique, giving everyone a one-of-a-kind set of portraits.
In short, the AI yearbook trend blends nostalgia with creativity, which is why millions are joining in.
Part 2: Best Tools for AI Generated Yearbook Photos
Creating an AI yearbook photo requires the right app or online platform. Below are the top tools you can use to take part in the AI yearbook trend and generate retro-style portraits.
1. HitPaw Online AI Video Generator
HitPaw Online AI Video Generator is one of the most popular platforms for generating creative AI content, including ai yearbook photos. It is an online-based tool, so you don't need to install anything. You can upload your selfie, pick from retro templates, and let the AI create realistic 80s or 90s-style portraits. Unlike other apps, HitPaw also allows you to create short retro-style video clips, which makes it stand out.

Pros:
- Works online without downloading software.
- Creates both static portraits and retro-style video clips.
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners.
Cons:
- Needs a stable internet connection.
Create Now!
2. EPIK AI Yearbook App
EPIK is the app that went viral for the ai yearbook trend on TikTok. It specializes in retro-style portraits, giving users high-quality 90s yearbook photos. The app is designed for mobile use, which makes it convenient if you're always on the go. EPIK has many filters and editing styles, but the AI yearbook filter is its biggest highlight. The ai generated yearbook results are detailed, polished, and realistic, often looking like real photos from the 90s.

Pros:
- Produces realistic 80s and 90s-style portraits.
- Very popular on TikTok and Instagram.
- Mobile-friendly app with simple steps.
Cons:
- Credits are required for full access.
- Some results can take time to generate.
- Works only on mobile devices.
3. Fotor AI Yearbook Generator
Fotor is a browser-based tool that gives you quick access to ai generated yearbook effects. It is great for people who don't want to download an app. You just upload your selfie, select the yearbook effect, and get instant retro portraits. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly, making it easy for anyone to join the ai yearbook trend without a learning curve.

Pros:
- No installation required; works in browser.
- Simple and beginner-friendly interface.
- Quick results with minimal waiting time.
Cons:
- Limited free edits available.
- Some results may look less polished than apps.
- Advanced features require a paid plan.
4. Remini AI Yearbook Filter
Remini is widely known for enhancing photo quality, and it now offers a dedicated ai yearbook filter. With this feature, you can turn your selfies into polished retro-style portraits that look like real yearbook photos. The app is designed for users who want smooth, professional-looking results without much manual editing. However, most of its high-quality filters, including the yearbook ai one, are locked behind a subscription.

Pros:
- Creates sharp, polished yearbook portraits.
- Doubles as a photo enhancement app.
- Mobile-friendly and easy to use.
Cons:
- Subscription required for premium filters.
- Processing time may vary with image size.
- Limited free features.
5. Canva AI with Yearbook Templates
Canva is not a dedicated ai yearbook app but offers flexibility for those who want more control. You can create ai generated yearbook portraits using an AI tool and then import them into Canva's yearbook-style templates. This lets you design entire pages that look like real high school yearbooks, complete with names, borders, and text. It's perfect for users who want to go beyond simple portraits and create a full yearbook ai layout.

Pros:
- Offers customizable yearbook-style templates.
- Can combine AI portraits with creative designs.
- Works on both desktop and mobile.
Cons:
- Requires manual setup for best results.
- Not focused solely on yearbook filters.
- Free plan has limited templates.
Part 3: How to Create Your Own AI Yearbook(Step-by-Step)
Making your own AI yearbook is simple. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Open HitPaw AI Video Generator
Open the HitPaw Online AI Video Generator and select "Image to Video." This option lets you start with a selfie and apply retro high school yearbook filters for a 90s-inspired look.

Step 2: Choose the Yearbook AI Effect
From the available options, select the AI Yearbook effect. HitPaw offers several styles that recreate classic yearbook portraits, complete with vintage outfits and backgrounds from the 80s and 90s.

Step 3: Upload Your Photo and Adjust Settings
Upload a clear, well-lit selfie. You can then adjust settings such as background style, portrait details, or the number of ai generated yearbook photos created. Make sure your image looks natural and sharp before moving on.

Step 4: Export and Share on Social Media
Once your portraits are ready, export them as images or a short video slideshow. Share your ai yearbook results on TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms using hashtags like #AIYearbook #YearbookAI #AItrend to join the viral challenge.

That's it! In a few minutes, you'll have your own set of retro portraits ready to share.
Part 4: Tips for the Best AI Yearbook Results
Not every yearbook AI photo looks perfect on the first try. Follow these tips for better results:
- Use clear photos: Avoid blurry selfies or ones with heavy filters.
- Good lighting matters: A well-lit image helps AI create sharper details.
- Try multiple poses: Smiling, serious, or candid expressions all give different results.
- Test different tools: Each app creates unique styles, so try more than one to find your favorite ai yearbook
- Check background simplicity: Photos with a clean background work best for ai generated yearbook
Conclusion
The ai yearbook trend has become one of the most enjoyable ways to mix old-school nostalgia with today's technology. Millions of people are sharing their ai generated yearbook portraits online, showing how fun it is to see yourself in classic 80s or 90s yearbook styles. While many apps and tools can create a yearbook ai portrait, some give better results than others. If you want an easy, reliable, and realistic option, we recommend trying the HitPaw Online AI Video Generator. It not only creates authentic retro portraits but also allows you to design short retro-style video clips, giving you more ways to enjoy the trend.
Create Now!
Home > Learn > AI Yearbook: What It Is, Why It's Trending & How to Make One
Select the product rating:
Natalie Carter
Editor-in-Chief
My goal is to make technology feel less intimidating and more empowering. I believe digital creativity should be accessible to everyone, and I'm passionate about turning complex tools into clear, actionable guidance.
View all ArticlesLeave a Comment
Create your review for HitPaw articles