StarByFace: Which Celebrity Are You?

StarByFace is an entertainment web service and mobile application that uses neural networks to find celebrities who resemble a user based on their facial features. The tool is designed for a broad audience (ages 16-35) interested in AI technology in a light, game-like format. The service delivers results in seconds and allows users to share them on social media.

What is StarByFace and how does it work?

StarByFace (also known as Celebs Like Me) is an AI tool for analyzing facial patterns. The Android version was developed by Dmitry Statsenko (Russia), while the iOS version is owned by WOWOO LTD.
The project is available as a website and as apps on Google Play and the App Store.

The service operates in four steps:

1. Photo upload. The user uploads an image where a single face is clearly visible. Developers recommend using high-quality, front-facing photos.
2. Pattern construction. The neural network analyzes the position of the eyebrows, eyes, nose, lips, and overall facial proportions.
3. Database comparison. The algorithm compares the generated model with thousands of images of celebrities (actors, musicians, athletes, politicians).
4. Result output. The system displays the top matches, indicating the percentage of similarity and providing a link to the celebrity’s wiki page.

The web version works without installation, while mobile clients offer additional categories like "Athletes" or "Lord of the Rings characters."

Who is it for and why?

The tool’s primary purpose is entertainment. However, it also has some practical use cases:

• For personal fun: Spend time with friends doing challenges, or simply satisfy your curiosity by uploading old photos.
• For content creation: Bloggers use comparison results for viral posts and Instagram Stories.
• For events: The tool can be used at parties or corporate events as part of an interactive program.

StarByFace safety and privacy

The issue of personal data security is critical for any service working with biometrics. With StarByFace, we need to discuss not only the safety of personal information but also the app’s behavior.
In short: the service likely does not collect your photos. However, it pays suspiciously close attention to your device.

Photo confidentiality

StarByFace’s developers state that user photos are used exclusively for finding look-alikes, are not shared with third parties, and are automatically deleted from servers immediately after processing. These assurances are supported by an SSL certificate on the website and a privacy policy available in the app stores.

• Verdict: Low risk. Your selfies are most likely not stored on servers and are deleted after processing. This is supported by numerous developer statements and reviews.

Digital footprint and tracking

An independent audit of the Android version of the app, conducted by the εxodus project, revealed the presence of 21 trackers. These are pieces of code that collect data about you and your device. Having this many trackers is a standard practice for free apps with an ad-supported model, but it directly contradicts the developers’ claim that the app "does not collect any data." Technically, it might not collect the photos themselves, but it actively collects data about you and your interaction with the app.
Furthermore, StarByFace requests 15 permissions, including access to read and modify the contents of external storage, as well as view the Wi-Fi state. It collects data about your device, location, advertising IDs, and habits to show you ads and analyze your behavior.

• Verdict: High risk. This set of permissions is typical for free apps with an ad-supported model, but it is excessive for a simple facial recognition function. This creates potential risks, especially on devices with outdated versions of Android.

The safest usage scenario is the web version starbyface.com. It doesn’t require installation and doesn’t request dangerous permissions.

Reviews & feedback

An analysis of reviews on Google Play and the App Store from 2024-2026 shows a polarization of opinions. Users clearly fall into two camps: those who managed to use free access and those who encountered a paywall.

• Positive reviews most often mention the accuracy of matches and the viral potential. Many write that the app is "better than others" and allows for a fun evening with friends. Users praise the service for actually finding similar celebrities when the photo angle is right.
• Negative reviews dominate recent comments. The main trigger for anger is aggressive monetization. Users complain that after downloading, the app either doesn’t show results for free or shows ads and then requires a subscription (starting at $8 per week) to see the match.
• Technical issues are also frequently mentioned. The app crashes after payment, produces irrelevant results, or confuses gender and age. Some users directly call the service a "rip-off" and do not recommend installing it.

Conclusion

StarByFace is a typical representative of the "AI for fun" category. The tool skillfully uses facial recognition technology to create a viral and engaging user experience. Its main advantage is simplicity and speed. However, the current monetization model, built on rigid paywalls and an abundance of ads, significantly mars the experience. The questionable tracking of the user’s device also raises concerns.
If you need a light way to have fun and experiment with your selfies, the web version is ideal. For full use on a smartphone, be prepared for weekly charges or seek out free alternatives.