One thing social media influencers have never been short of is freshness, whether it’s the latest trends, collaborations, shifts in audience behavior, or the introduction of new platforms like Threads. What’s new, though, is the introduction and establishment of AI influencers. Unlike real people, digital avatars are the result of computer-generated images (CGI). regardless of the fact that these avatars are not real, they have the same level of social media engagement, they are brand influencers, and they are capable of controlling markets, just as their human colleagues do.  

What’s even more amazing is the fact that age-old computer-generated imagery has become responsive, expressive, and emotionally dynamic in ways never thought possible. And below lies the opportunity for marketers, since these digital avatars do not have the real-life limitations that human influencers do, such as the need for sleep or taking breaks. The flip side, of course, is that digital avatars do not have the same emotional vibrancy as real people.

What are the reasons for the digital avatars’ popularity?

1. Perfect Brand Control

Digital avatars are capable of total control when it comes to brand messaging. Unlike real, human influencers who come with their own independent agency, digital avatars are obedient. 

2. Unlimited Availability

Unlike human influencers, AI avatars are not restricted by time zone and are available 24/7.

They can post daily, immediately film new marketing material, and interact with followers whenever they want.

3. They Seem ‘Real Enough’ for Younger Audiences

Generation Z and Generation Alpha are familiar with interacting with apps powered by artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

For kids these days, a fully virtual character can be just as engaging as a human being—perhaps even more so. They can uniquely design a character to fit a specific narrative, have a carefully crafted personality, and be adorned with a specific visual style.

How Are ‘Digital’ Influencers Made?

Digital people are created using a combination of:

• 3D modeling
• Motion capture
• AI technologies for voice and animation
• Deep learning to create facial movements
• Character building

The end product is a character that looks, talks, and acts like a human influencer.

Some digital influencers are even fully automated. They use AI to generate text, respond to followers, and schedule future posts.

Real-World Examples of Digital Influencers

1. Lil Miquela

Perhaps the most well-known digital influencer.

She is a robotic virtual woman with over 1M followers and a music career. She has brand partnerships with Calvin Klein and Prada.

2. Imma (Japan)

A virtual model whose realistic approach has garnered her fame for participating in photoshoots, magazine covers, and brand partnerships with Ikea and Porsche.

3. FN Meka

With the signing of a major record label, the first of its kind AI-generated virtual rapper has joined the ranks of digital humans entering new industries.

Such cases show that digital humans are not merely experiments but rather are continuing to integrate into society.

Impact on Branding and Advertisement

1. Unique New Forms of Creation

A virtual influencer is able to do things like travel to outer space, walk on the ocean floor, and attend a Parisian photoshoot, all with no real-world restrictions.

2. Reduces Expenses Over Time

Once digital humans are created, brands can use them to participate in:

• Campaigns
• Advertisements
• Social media postings
• Event appearances

All with no additional costs spent on travel.

3. Risk-Free Audience Interaction

Digital avatars do not age, make errors, or change their appearance and can remain flawless in the public eye.

There are no low periods for such characters.

The Challenges

1. Some Grievances

Such as the fundamental concern:

“Why should I follow a person who does not exist in the first place?”

2. Moral Gray Areas

Is it a requirement for digital personalities to make it clear that they are not real?

Are they putting marketing and advertising professionals out of work?

3. Trust and Identity

Who is behind the virtual influencer when they provide counsel?

This is where the balance of trust and transparency kicks in.

The Future of Social Media is Digital Humans

In the future, virtual influencers are expected to provide a greater level of interaction with their audience.

• Picture digital people that:  
• Engage in two-way conversations  
• Tailor material to your liking  
• Conduct live events  
• Develop custom product suggestions  

Show up in augmented reality in your living space.

Before long, social media will be populated with digital beings that seem entirely authentic.  

Every industry, be it fashion, fitness, travel, gaming, beauty, or even education, will embrace virtual influencers due to their effectiveness and boundless creativity.  

Conclusion and final words

Digital humans and AI influencers are here to stay. It’s the beginning of a new era in social media. More and more, the real and digital worlds will merge as advertisers seek to engage digital personas in their campaigns.  

Although the ethical and authenticity challenges are real, the opportunity for groundbreaking creativity is even more attractive. The new social media influencer model will be digitally driven human emotionality.  
If your business wants to be part of this cutting-edge world, Waplia Digital Solutions helps enterprises integrate next-gen digital technologies, ensuring your brand remains at the forefront of a rapidly changing social media ecosystem.