The Rise of Virtual Models: A New Challenge for Influencers

The digital age has ushered in a new era of marketing and brand representation, with social media influencers becoming pivotal in shaping consumer preferences.?

However, a new trend is emerging that poses a unique challenge to human influencers: the rise of virtual models.?

These AI-generated personas are gaining popularity, offering brands a cost-effective and controlled alternative to traditional influencer partnerships

The Emergence of Virtual Influencers

Virtual influencers are computer-generated characters that mimic the roles of human influencers.?

They are designed to engage with real audiences on social media platforms, promoting products, and creating content just as their human counterparts do.?

The concept isn’t entirely new; virtual characters like Barbie have long had a presence online.?

However, the sophistication of these models has increased significantly, blurring the lines between virtual and reality.

Case Studies and Examples

One of the most prominent virtual models is Lil Miquela, a CGI creation with over 2.6 million followers on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok.?

Created by a California-based agency, she has collaborated with luxury car manufacturer BMW, showcasing the brand’s innovative spirit and appeal to a tech-savvy audience1.

Another example is Aitana Lopez, a virtual influencer with more than 300,000 followers, created by The Clueless, an AI modeling agency based in Barcelona.?

Aitana represents a cost-effective and creative alternative to human influencers, providing brands with complete control over content creation

Tools Empowering Creation of Virtual Models, Influencers and Digital Marketing?

AI-powered personas and virtual models are not only changing the dynamics of influencer marketing but also offering innovative opportunities for those willing to embrace the future of digital presence to scale their businesses. One such opportunity lies in learning how to build AI influencers.?

Imagine Education?is one of the leading players in this field, offering a comprehensive program designed to help users create their own AI influencers.?

Unlike saturated markets like those of dropshipping or social media marketing agencies, the AI influencer market is a fresh, untapped blue ocean.?

Imagine Education?provides a detailed blueprint on how to generate viral attention and convert it into significant earnings, ranging from $5k to $15k per month.

Remarkably, this program requires no prior experience, technical skills, or even the use of user images, making it accessible to anyone eager to dive into this new trend.?

Moreover, the development of AI influencers is greatly enhanced by tools like Genfluence?ai.

This innovative software employs cutting-edge diffusion technology to create stunning and consistent images.?

For users developing a character or theme, Genfluence ensures that each image maintains precise facial features and character details, resulting in a cohesive visual narrative.?

The ability to produce high-quality, uniform images is crucial for establishing a recognizable and engaging virtual influencer brand.?

In addition to creating visually appealing AI influencers, monetizing them is a significant consideration.?

Platforms like Fanvue offer creators robust tools to maximize their earnings.?

With AI features such as 24/7 personalized messages, AI voice note replies, and advanced analytics, creators can engage their audience more effectively.?

Fanvue also provides a lucrative revenue model, allowing creators to retain up to 85% of their earnings for the first three months and 80% thereafter.?

Top earners on the platform can make over $10k monthly, demonstrating the financial potential of leveraging AI in content creation. Aitana’s success is a testament to the digital agencies’ and tools’ (such as those outlined above) ability to blend art, technology, and business acumen to create a compelling digital narrative.

Economic Advantages and Creative Control

One of the primary reasons for the shift towards virtual models is economic efficiency.?

Cost-Effective Campaigns:

• Virtual influencers eliminate the need for expensive photo shoots or logistical arrangements. ?
• Brands save costs on travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to human influencers.

Complete Creative Control:

• Unlike human influencers, virtual models are entirely under the brand’s creative command.?
• Brands can meticulously craft every aspect of a virtual influencer’s identity, from appearance to personality traits. This alignment ensures consistent brand messaging and a seamless marketing strategy.

?Unlimited Adaptability:

• Brands can swiftly modify virtual influencers’ content, appearance, or messaging as needed.
• Creative adjustments can be made without constraints, allowing for real-time adaptations.

Booming influencer market and rising growth

The influencer market is booming, with projections indicating growth from $16.5 billion in 2022 to nearly $200 billion by 2032.?

A survey by Forbes in the US revealed that 58% of respondents follow at least one virtual influencer, and 35% have purchased a product promoted by one.

Virtual influencers are capitalizing on this trend

Acceptance and Audience Engagement

Despite initial skepticism, the public, particularly the younger lot, has shown a willingness to engage with virtual influencers.?

Echoing this sentiment, Sprout Social has revealed acceptance of virtual influencers is particularly strong among younger, tech-savvy audiences?who are more open to digital innovations.

According to Springer, nearly 75%?of American consumers aged between 18 and 24 follow at least one virtual influencer. Among respondents aged between 25 and 44, 67%?expressed engagement with virtual influencers.

The same survey revealed that 35%?of consumers have purchased a product promoted by a virtual influencer. The age group most likely to have made such a purchase is 18-44.

Brands partnering with virtual influencers can maintain absolute control?over projects from conception to completion.

They offer a novel form of entertainment and interaction, akin to following a character in a television series.

This acceptance is particularly strong among younger, tech-savvy audiences who are often more open to digital innovations.

Global Presence

Virtual models are not confined by geography, allowing them to have a global presence.?

For instance, Lu Do Magalu?from Brazil has 6 million Instagram followers, while Guggimon?boasts 1.5 million Instagram followers, demonstrating the worldwide reach and influence of these digital creations.

In conclusion, virtual models are not just a fleeting trend but represent a fundamental change in the influencer marketing industry.?

With their ability to generate significant engagement and offer creative flexibility, they are set to become an integral part of the marketing mix for brands around the world.

The Future Landscape

As technology continues to advance, we can expect virtual influencers to become even more prevalent.?

They offer a glimpse into the future of marketing, where AI and creativity merge to create compelling narratives that resonate with a digital audience.?

While human influencers will undoubtedly remain relevant, they will need to adapt and innovate to stay competitive in this evolving landscape.

In conclusion, virtual models represent a significant shift in the influencer marketing domain.?

They offer brands a new avenue for engagement, while also challenging human influencers to elevate their content to meet changing consumer expectations.?

As we move forward, the interplay between human creativity and AI will shape the future of social media marketing.

Next week, we elaborate on this and more in our Technopak Perspective blog.