FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kira.
What is Kira?
Kira is a video transformation platform. Apply AI-powered style transfer, face swap, wear avatars, or create custom effects - all in real-time. Use it in video calls with the Chrome extension, record clips with the mobile app, or build your own effects in the Playground.
How does it work?
Kira uses two types of AI: detection models that track your face, pose, and hands in real-time, and transform models that can completely change your video stream (style transfer, face swap, etc.). Effects can run locally in your browser or via cloud AI models for more powerful transformations.
Where can I use Kira?
Three ways: (1) Chrome extension for video calls - works with Meet, Zoom, Discord, and any web-based camera app. (2) Mobile app for recording clips with AI filters. (3) Web playground for creating and previewing effects.
What's the difference between the website and the extension?
The website is your creative studio - build effects, preview them, explore what others have made. The Chrome extension is your stage - use your effects in any video call. The mobile app is your camera - record clips with AI filters anywhere.
Does it work on Zoom/Discord desktop apps?
The extension only works with web versions accessed through Chrome (meet.google.com, zoom.us/join, discord.com/app). Desktop apps can't access browser-based virtual cameras. For desktop apps, use the mobile app to record and share clips.
Is my privacy protected?
For local effects (avatars, tracking, custom code), all processing happens in your browser. Your video never leaves your device. For cloud AI effects (style transfer, face swap), video frames are sent to AI models for processing. We clearly label which effects are local vs cloud, so you always know.
What are Kiras?
Kiras are custom video effects created by the community. They can be face filters, games, AR overlays, or anything you can imagine. Built using our JavaScript API with access to real-time face, pose, and hand tracking data.
What is the Playground?
The Playground is where you create custom effects using JavaScript. Write code that runs every frame with access to tracking data (face, pose, hands) and the video stream. Or describe what you want and let AI generate the code. Share your creations or keep them private.
Do I need to code to use Kira?
No! Most users just use existing effects - avatars, AI transforms, community creations. The Playground is optional and only for creators who want to build custom effects from scratch.
How do I create my own effects?
Go to the Playground, write JavaScript using our API, or describe your effect and let AI generate the code. You have access to face tracking (478 landmarks), pose detection (33 keypoints), and hand tracking (21 landmarks per hand). See it live instantly, then publish to share.
What avatars are available?
10,000+ avatars including CryptoPunks (pixel art), Meebits (3D voxels), VRoid characters (anime VTubers), and 450+ open source VRM avatars. Plus you can upload any image or 3D model.
Can I upload my own content?
Yes! Upload images as avatars (PNG, JPG), import VRM 3D models for VTuber mode, or code entirely custom effects in the Playground. Your content, your creations.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes! The Kira app is available for iOS and Android. Record clips with AI style transfer, face swap, avatars, and all the effects from the platform. Share directly to social media or save to your camera roll.
Is it free?
The core platform is free - avatars, local effects, and the Playground. Some cloud AI effects may require credits or a subscription. We'll always have a generous free tier and clearly show what's free vs premium.
Can I sell my creations?
A marketplace for creators is coming. You'll be able to sell effects, avatars, and custom content. For now, share your creations for free and build your audience.
Is there an API for developers?
Yes! The Playground gives you full API access: face tracking (478 landmarks), pose detection (33 keypoints), hand tracking (21 landmarks per hand), and the raw video stream. We're also building an embed API for integrating Kira into your own apps.
Will it slow down my computer?
Kira is optimized for real-time performance. Local effects run at 60fps on most modern devices. Cloud AI effects depend on your connection but are designed to feel instant. The mobile app is native and buttery smooth.
Still have questions?
Contact me at hi@gwendall.com