Google Arts & Culture app has been around for like a year, but it gained more popularity and started trending when a feature that finds your doppelganger in existing artworks was recently added. This feature lets you take a selfie which the app tries to match with existing artworks; it tries to find a portrait or statue that looks like you.
Basically, a scan of your face is used. The app takes note of features unique to your face like the shape of your eyes, the distance between them, the space between your nose and mouth, and so on. It should be mentioned that this feature is in beta, and Google has restricted it to the US.
For now, you won’t be able to use this feature if you’re outside the United States. There’s a way to bypass this though and use it in other countries. I’ve been able to use the app without being a US resident.
Thankfully, Google Arts & Culture doesn’t really use your real location (via GPS) to enable this feature. It only takes a look at your IP address and the feature is enabled.
Steps to use the app outside the US
This works for both Android and iOS. First, download the app from the Play Store or App Store.
1. Get a VPN. If you don’t have a VPN subscription on your phone, we recently compiled a list of free VPN apps you can use. Although I have a paid VPN subscription and I got the app working using a New York IP address, I also tried using the free VPN apps I have on my phone for the sake of this article. Opera VPN didn’t work, Ultrasurf too didn’t work.
OVPNSpider worked with a Virginia IP address. Note that this feature isn’t even enabled for all states in the US, but I’m sure it works in New York and Virgina. Locations that didn’t work for me include Utah & Missouri.
2. After starting the VPN and connecting successfully, verify your IP address at ip-score.com.
3. If you’ve previously launched Google Arts & Culture, quit the app. Now re-launch, then scroll down a bit until you see the section that asks you to take a selfie. If you still can’t find it, there’s a chance your state (IP address) isn’t supported.
4. Accept the terms and conditions to continue. Simply take a selfie on the next page and the app does the rest.
After some seconds, you’re shown artworks that look like you.
Don’t expect too much from this app. The results can be comical at times. Well, it’s only a matter of time before this feature becomes globally available. Until then, this is the only way to use it if you’re outside the US.