All To Know About AI Influencers

Over the years, influencers have impacted social media by growing followership, discussing trends, and influencing buyers’ decisions/habits. And the industry has experienced a huge growth, even with the inception of an AI girl influencer.

The idea of virtual influencers may sound new to you. But you were somewhat right when you said “social media is not real” (of course, digital avatars are not real humans). However, it doesn’t make them any less efficient.

Artificial intelligence companies use CGI to create these virtual influencers, and brands have long been using them to reach their target audiences and generate more leads through marketing & ads campaigns.

For this purpose, we’ve discussed all you should know about virtual influencers and why you should consider deploying them for your business growth. Read on to learn more.

What is An AI Influencer?

An AI influencer, otherwise known as a virtual influencer (VI) or a digital avatar, is a computer-generated character created to function and look like an actual human for the primary purpose of promoting brands and products on social media.

You can call them virtual versions of human social media influencers. They dance, post selfies, engage in public conversations with one another, and attend events. Some of them have even started hosting their own podcast and released their own music.

Furthermore, they possess a unique backstory, voice, and personality to boost engagement from their human followers. Another unique feature of virtual influencers is that they have different sizes and shapes including, photorealistic images, cartoonish 3D characters, etc.

But how do these digital avatars function? Well, they’re made with generative AI, motion capture technology, computer-generated imagery, and other kinds of artificial intelligence. And a team manages and oversees their persona with the sole aim of closing brand deals.

While these virtual influencers resemble and perform like real humans do online, their content, personalities, and appearance are meticulously made to appeal to the Gen Alpha and Gen Z audience.

This is particularly because this specific audience are accustomed to social media platforms and spend the most part of their lives on it.

How Does an AI Influencer Work?

All virtual influencers are created uniquely. That is to say, no two of them are the same. Some AI influencers are made using a simple image generator while others are made using complex computer-generated imagery (CGI).

In addition, real people write Instagram captions for some of them while the rest use artificial intelligence to directly interact with their followers in real-time. Then, they learn from their interactions to improve their engagement in the future.

Regardless of the technology they’re created with, maintaining an artificial intelligence influencer and a human influencer are quite similar. They map out a persona (goals, core values, and a sense of humor) that brands and followers can typically connect with.

Then, they post plenty of content following a regular schedule and distribute this content across various social media platforms (based on the content purpose and format). This helps them to build integrity and trust with their followers.

Further, virtual influencers promote products by showing up in ads on the brand’s channels or directly through their social media handles. Since brands can make their own virtual influencers, they can customize its speech, actions, and appearance to their specific needs.

Because of the fast growth in generative AI, the AI influencer industry has experienced proportional advancements. Generally, creating a complete digital ambassador has never been a walk in the park. However, more are being recruited into the social media space daily.

How Are AI Influencers Created?

Artificial intelligence technology and advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI) are used to create an AI influencer. These digital avatars are typically designed to mimic real humans.

Their personalities and algorithms are made using machine learning and sophisticated algorithms, which allows them to learn and adapt continuously.

Developing a personality, physical appearance, and detailed backstory are at the core of creating an AI influencer. Afterward, these virtual influencers undergo training with natural language processing. 

This training enables them to interact and communicate on social media platforms (such as TikTok and Instagram) like real people.

How To Use An AI Influencer in Marketing

Hiring an AI influencer to produce and distribute content such as unboxing videos and product images on social media is another digital marketing approach that marketing specialists can use for campaigns.

Furthermore, E-commerce brands can also use an AI influencer to run interactive marketing campaigns such as contests, quizzes, or polls to foster brand awareness and user participation.

An AI influencer is a perfect match for content ideas and experimental marketing campaigns that may be hard for a human influencer to execute. You can program these digital ambassadors to speak any language and adapt their cultural references. This way, they can connect with audiences in different geographical regions.

Unlike human influencers, digital avatars do not have busy schedules or the need to sleep. So, a digital avatar can constantly churn out content. As a result, you’ll have a consistent stream of social media posts to keep your audiences engaged.

Benefits of Virtual Influencers

Digital avatars have made influencer marketing more creative, customized, and cost-effective. Below is a quick look at the benefits of using virtual influencers.

• Since they are not limited by the confines of physics, space, and time, they enable brands to express more creativity.

• Virtual influencers are customizable. This gives brands more control over their brand messaging, personality, and image.

• They cost less than their human counterparts.

• Digital avatars are easier to scale.

• Using a virtual influencer allows your brand to stand out in a saturated market.

• These digital ambassadors give you the freedom to be innovative.

Drawbacks of Virtual Influencers

While there are more advantages of using an AI influencer in marketing, there are also a few disadvantages deploying this artificial intelligence technology.

• Lack of genuineness or authenticity compared to real influencers. 

• Since they’re not humans, they may not make strong emotional connections with followers.

• Ethical considerations: Virtual influencers may not be transparent enough, which could lead to deception, misleading customers, and damaging brand trust.

• They lack human experience.

• Digital avatars may objectify people of color and women.

Examples of Popular Digital Avatars

The AI girl influencer has long been in existence since the inception of these digital avatars. But let’s look at some noteworthy and popular virtual influencers.

1. Lil Miquela

Miquela Sousa, aka Lil Miquela, remains one of the top AI girl influencers with a followership of 2.6 million on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok. In 2018, Time Magazine recognized her as one of the Most Influential People on the Internet.

In addition, this AI girl influencer has worked with fashion brands like Chanel, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, and more. Lil Miquela was created by Brud, an artificial intelligence technology company, in 2016.

This celebrity robot poses as a 19-year-old living in Los Angeles. You can follow her on Instagram @lilmiquela.

2. Lu of Magalu

In 2003, Lu of Magalu was designed by Magazine Luiza, a Brazilian large big-box retailer. And its primary goal was to assist on the brand’s e-commerce website. 

However, this AI girl influencer’s responsibilities increased. So, she’s now offering interviews, getting her write-up in the organization’s annual report, and maintaining a social media presence with a large following.

Further, Lu has over 6 million followers on Instagram, runs her own YouTube channel, works with top brands (such as Samsung and Adidas), and has appeared on TV shows like Dança dos Famosos. You can look her up on Instagram @magazineluiza.

3. IMMA

Imma is Japan’s first AI girl influencer and is popular for her bubblegum-pink bob. She was designed by a CGI company in Tokyo called ModelingCafe. Also, Imma has partnered with Nike and Coach, Dior, IKEA, and rapper Lil Nas X.

On her social media handles, you’ll find her posing with fellow influencers (real and digital), exploring Tokyo, and showing off videos of her digital dog (Einstein). Besides these, Imma talks about climate change, race, and gender.

It will also interest you to know that she’s launched her fashion brand known as Astral Body, where she sells real clothing items that mimic her style. Check her out on Instagram @imma.gram

4. Noonoouri

This gorgeous AI girl influencer was created by Joerg Zuber, a German graphic designer. And she’s made special appearances in ad campaigns for top fashion giants such as Balenciaga, Valentino, and Dior.

Being the first virtual influencer to bag a music deal with one of the world’s largest record labels, Warner Music, Noonoouri has released her debut single — Dominoes. This single featured Warner, Alle Farben (a German DJ), and a creative team.

Since its launch in September 2023, the music video has amassed over 260,000 views on YouTube. She’s on Instagram as @noonoouri.

What is The Difference Between an AI Influencer And a Bot?

What differentiates an AI influencer from a bot is its level of interaction and sophistication. A digital avatar or virtual influencer mimics human characteristics, creates unique content, and interacts with its followers on a deeper level.

In contrast, a bot performs automated and basic tasks. Unlike digital ambassadors, bots do not have the ability to generate original content.

Will Virtual Influencers Replace Human Influencers?

AI influencers have come to stay. However, they can coexist with human influencers rather than replace them entirely. While they’re great at being creative, showing a strong sense of humor, and mimicking human emotion, artificial intelligence cannot operate exactly like real people.

Therefore, because human influencers are naturally equipped with the ability to understand, adapt, and empathize, they will continue to be more sought-after than their digital counterparts. So, technology cannot replace human experience.

Conclusion

The advantages of AI influencers outweigh its disadvantages. As a result, virtual influencers have come to stay. 

These digital avatars do not have limitations like their human counterparts. That’s why they’re more preferred by brands to execute digital marketing campaigns.

It’s also important to understand that virtual influencers cannot replace human influencers entirely. But both of them can coexist successfully. 

As good as digital avatars may seem, their emotions are not palpable because they aren’t humans. So, there may still be a need for real influencers. 

But an AI girl influencer remain a good option for marketing campaigns and building a robust social media followership. You might want to consider deploying them for your brand.