A quirky generative‑AI “cat effect” exploded on TikTok and Twitter, driving record engagement and stirring a backlash over pricing and authenticity.
PixVerse’s “cat effect” hashtag amassed hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok and Twitter, sparking a viral meme.
Analysts project the AI video sector to top US$99 billion by 2030; companies using AI pet videos saw a 25 % boost in conversions.
Users praise the 4K quality yet complain about hidden fees and inconsistent performance.
What happened
A simple TikTok effect turned the internet into cats. Over the past twelve hours, the hashtag #pixverseeffect skyrocketed on TikTok and Twitter as creators used the generative AI video tool PixVerse to transform themselves and their pets into animated felines. The trend began when a TikTok influencer posted a short video showing herself morphing into a fluffy cat and invited followers to try the “PixVerse cat effect.” Within hours, thousands of users joined the challenge, posting similar videos across platforms and earning hundreds of thousands of views. On Reddit’s r/StableDiffusion and Twitter’s AI subculture, users joked about the “catpocalypse.”
According to an analysis by Complete AI Training, the AI video market is booming—the sector could reach US$99 billion by 2030, and AI‑generated animal videos already account for more than 15 % of trending short‑form content. The company notes that engagement with AI‑animal videos is 30 % higher than typical influencer content. PixVerse offers various animations and customisation, and brands using AI pet videos reportedly saw a 25 % conversion boost, while small businesses cut production costs by 70 %.
Why This Matters
Everyday workers
AI‑generated filters are no longer just entertainment—ordinary users are monetising viral trends. Pet owners turned their cats into dancing memes and drove affiliate sales of cat toys. Gig‑economy creators who use TikTok for income found that AI effects like PixVerse can cheaply boost engagement, meaning more ad revenue or product placements.
Tech professionals
The viral success underscores the demand for accessible generative‑video tools. Developers working on consumer AI must balance creativity with performance: some PixVerse users complain that the app crashes on PCs or charges extra for “unlimited effects,” even with a subscription. Engineers have an opportunity to improve cross‑platform stability and transparent pricing.
For businesses and startups
Brands have flocked to the cat effect to humanise products—from pet‑food companies to fintech apps adding feline overlays to product demos. With conversion lifts of 25 % and video‑production cost reductions of 70 %, companies are experimenting with AI‑powered storytelling. However, they risk alienating audiences if the gimmick feels inauthentic.
From an ethics and society standpoint
The trend raises questions about authenticity and digital manipulation. Some users worry that AI animal filters blur the line between fun and misinformation. Others fear that the viral challenge will normalize AI‑altered reality, desensitising viewers to manipulated content.
Key details & context
Booming market: Complete AI Training projects the AI video sector reaching US$99 billion by 2030. AI‑generated animal videos already constitute 15 % of trending short‑form content and increase engagement by 30 %.
Cost and conversion: Brands using AI cat videos report a 25 % increase in conversion and small businesses cut production costs by 70 %.
User reactions: A Reddit user praised PixVerse’s “amazing 4K video quality” and customisation, while another said the tool works better on phones than PCs. Others criticised hidden credit use despite paying for a subscription.
Community pulse
“The 4K quality is mind‑blowing. Customising cats is hilarious, and my friends can’t stop watching,” wrote u/ArtfulComrade in a TikTok thread, echoing positive Reddit reviews.
“It’s glitchy on my PC but flawless on my phone. Fix your desktop client,” commented @Jasmin3D on Twitter, receiving hundreds of likes.
“Unlimited effects aren’t truly unlimited—it still consumes credits. Feels like a money grab,” complained Reddit user u/DisappointedDev.
What’s next / watchlist
Tech influencers predict that the “cat effect” will evolve into a series of animal filters as PixVerse races to capitalise on the momentum. Competitors like Runway and Google’s Veo are likely to release similar playful effects to gain mindshare. The bigger question is whether generative video can sustain viral novelty or if users will tire of AI gimmicks. Expect discussions about transparent pricing and cross‑platform parity, and watch for potential copyright disputes if brands begin using AI‑generated cats in commercial ads.
FAQs
What is PixVerse’s cat effect?
It’s an AI‑powered video filter that turns humans or pets into cartoon‑like cats. Creators upload a video, and the generative model produces customised feline animations.Does the cat effect cost money?
PixVerse offers a free trial, but many effects use credits. Reviewers complain that even “unlimited” subscriptions still consume credits.Why is it so popular?
The ease of use, shareability and novelty drive engagement. Pet videos already perform well on social platforms, and AI filters amplify the fun, leading to higher conversion and lower production costs
