Hailuo AI App Store Surge: May 2026 Ranking Shift

Daily downloads rose from over 8k on May 7 to over 320k on May 13.^[2] This influx of new users pushed the app from rank 121 on May 9 into the top 10 within a single week.

The rapid climb underscores strong market demand for mobile tools offering advanced video control. Hailuo AI positions itself as a more advanced platform compared to basic text-to-video generators, moving away from simple consumer features into professional territory.

The May 6 release of version 2.10.0 acted as the primary catalyst. The update introduced "Omni Reference" to align composition and subject, solving a known issue in artificial intelligence video generation.

It also added cinematic "Motion Control" for pushGlossaryPush NotificationA message^[4] delivered to a user's device from your app's server — the single biggest re-engagement lever in mobile, when done well, and a fast path to uninstall when d..., pull, pan, and subject tracking. According to Apple App Store release notes, the feature aims to "enhance rhythm and cinematic feel," attracting creators who require precise camera movements rather than random outputs.

Hailuo AI is powered by MiniMax, an artificial intelligence company that appears to be expanding its multimodal foundation models.

The integration of precise motion control and subject consistency suggests a strategic pivot toward professional-grade video tools, differentiating the platform from simpler consumer applications in an intensely competitive market.

The user influx translated directly into higher spending. Daily revenue climbed from nearly $19k on May 7 to nearly $197k on May 12.^[3] This represents a massive increase in monetization concurrent with the new feature launch.

Despite the financial peak, the strict subscriptionGlossarySubscriptionA recurring in-app purchase that charges the user on a fixed cadence (weekly, monthly, annual) until they cancel. model enforces a hard paywallGlossaryPaywallThe in-app screen that asks the user to subscribe or buy — the single most revenue-sensitive surface in a subscription app.. Users must purchase credits to generate video, with no free trialGlossaryFree TrialA subscription introductory offer that grants the user free access for a fixed window (typically 3, 7, or 14 days) before automatic conversion to the paid period. available to test the new cinematic features, creating immediate friction for new downloads.

User sentiment remains heavily negative, with 70% of reviews over the last 30 days giving a 1-star ratingGlossaryStar RatingThe 1-5 star average users give your app on the App Store and Google Play — a primary ranking signal and one of the biggest conversion drivers on your product page. and an average score of 1.6. While some praise the output—with one May 12 reviewer noting, "These AI pictures are real and beautiful"—most report severe operational friction.

A recurrent complaint involves failed generations consuming paid credits. As one 2-star reviewer stated on May 2 regarding an earlier build, "The moment I attempt to upload an image it freezes."

The introduction of granular camera controls proves Hailuo AI can attract professional creators. However, the aggressive monetization strategy and technical instability threaten long-term retentionGlossaryRetention (D1 / D7 / D30)The percentage of users from a cohort who return to the app N days after install. D1 = day-1 retention, D7 = 7-day, D30 = 30-day. The single most important non-reven....

If developers do not fix the freezing issues and credit consumption bugs, the app will likely face a high churn rateGlossaryChurnThe rate at which users stop using an app (general churn) or cancel a subscription (subscription churn) over a time window — retention's mathematical complement.. Analysts expect the ranking to stabilize at a lower tier over the next few months unless the publisher balances its advanced capabilities with a more stable user experience.