A digital personality developed by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced algorithms is known as an AI influencer. These virtual influencers are made to look, behave, and even feel like real people.
AI influencers are wholly made-up characters, in contrast to traditional influencers, who are actual people with large social media followings. But they really do have the power to engage with their following, produce content, and sway consumer decisions.
A combination of creativity and technology is needed to create an AI influencer. Developers use deep learning models to simulate human-like behaviors, such as speech patterns and facial expressions.
Graphic designers create the visual elements, making sure the AI influencer appears likeable and accessible. Once created, the virtual personality can be used on other social media sites and engage with users in a manner similar to that of a real influencer.
Top 5 AI Influencers on Instagram
- Lu do Magalu (7.2M followers)
Background: To launch this list, we have the following AI stars on Instagram: Lu does Magalu. Her birthplace was Brazil. When Lu was first created in 2003, it was intended to serve as a virtual personal assistant for Magazine Luiza, a retail business.
Achievements: She currently occupies the top rank among the most successful digital influencers, having 7.1 million Instagram followers. She is a brand ambassador and retail influencer on Instagram. Big names like Burger King, Red Bull, Adidas, Samsung, McDonald's, and many more have expressed interest in this Brazilian beauty.
- Lil Miquela (2.5M followers)
Background: Miquela Sousa, sometimes known as Lil Miquela, is a robot celebrity that was first made by the machine learning and artificial intelligence company Cain Intelligence. Sara DeCou and Trevor McFedries of the startup Brud are in charge of her.
Achievements: On Instagram, she enjoys 2.5 million followers. Lil Miquela was named one of Time Magazine's 25 Most Important People on the Internet in 2018. Notable celebrities, including Millie Bobby Brown, Rosalia, Bella Hadid, and TikTok star Bella Poarch, have all made appearances with her.
- Leya Love (546K followers)
Background: One of the most unique virtual influencers is Leya Love. She isn't a normal brand ambassador for big businesses or a style icon. Rather, she actively promotes the planet Earth. This wildlife enthusiast has acquired around 549,000 followers on Instagram.
Achievements: Leya co-wrote "Life Values: When Dreams Become True," a best-selling book on Amazon. She was also scheduled to speak at the UN Global Youth Summit in 2021 and established a paid partnership with Impact Investing Solutions in March of last year.
- Imma (393K followers)
Background: On Instagram, a virtual girl from Japan with a pink bob has also gained popularity. Aww Inc. created Imma Gram in 2018. She currently has 388,000 or so Instagram followers.
Achievements: She appeared on the TED Talks stage in April when her manager, Sara Giusto, spoke about the impact of virtual personas in the real world. Imma and IKEA, two of the biggest furniture shops in the world, are partners. She also appeared at the 2020 Paralympic closing ceremony.
- Aitana Lopez (327K followers)
Background: Ruben Cruz, the creator of the fashion agency The Clueless, filled life into Spain’s first virtual model, Aitana Lopez, an AI influencer with pink hair. Aitana's realistic human-like appearance has won her awards.
Achievements: Aitana is shown as a lovely 25-year-old. She enjoys playing video games, working out, and shopping. As of right now, she has about 326,000 followers on Instagram. She receives payment from partnerships with brands like Big, Olaplex, and Brandy Melville Spain.
Audience Perception and Interaction
The public's perception of AI influences varies. While some people are still dubious about the reliability of these CGI models and believe them to be less trustworthy, others are amazed by how lifelike these models appear online.
35.6% of those who responded to our AI Marketing Benchmark Report expressed concern about AI affecting their careers. It's interesting to note that marketers predict that humans will still dominate in domains like high-level strategy and decision-making 42.2% and tasks requiring creativity and emotional engagement 22.6%, even if AI will handle many regular tasks.
Impact on Influencer Marketing
The influencer marketing industry is changing with the arrival of AI influencers. Brands may now interact with consumers in never-before-imagined ways and reach new populations. AI influencers, for example, are perfect for targeted ads since they can be tailored to appeal to particular segments.
Affiliate marketing schemes are one area in which AI influencers are having a big impact. To reach a larger audience than micro- or Nano-influencers, programs that pay influencers to generate sales through their content are now utilizing AI influencers.