Are AI-generated and human social media influencers the same?
Have you heard of Ling, Nobody Sausage or Miquela?
You may not have heard of them, but together, they command millions of followers on social media.
They are very well known on the metaverse and attract a loyal following.
The catch?
They are not real human beings at all.
They are digital avatars that represent, well, themselves!
Typically, avatars are digital manifestations of real-life humans in the virtual world.
We try to make avatars look like us, talk like us and think like us.
We even have AI-powered avatars that are so surreal and can reason.
Now, we seem to have found a new way to use avatars — as idols.
Billions are spent on influencers online each year, because they have clout and drives attention to whatever they are selling.
It is a real thing.
Virtual idols that are created by AI and people are absolutely following them like they would follow a celebrity.
Why are virtual idols better than real-life influencers and celebrities?
They don’t have any kind of emotion or feelings.
Which means they don’t create any kind of drama.
They can remain neutral, in every sense of the word.
They don’t need to eat, sleep and won’t get tired.
They can “perform” and “entertain” 24/7.
They don’t have health issues, gain weight and never age.
They can have flawless, porcelain skin today and have slight freckles in a second.
They can be anywhere, anytime.
They are like Ultron in a social media world.
Brands can feel a little safer using virtual idols without fearing backlash from a real influencer’s past controversy.
From teaching make-up lessons to picking up a new language, virtual idols are versatile enough to accomodate.
The world is truly their oyster.
Well, the only question remains, will people buy what they sell?
Virtual influencers are definitely still growing, but in a sector worth hundreds of billions, it has so much room to grow.
As a business, I will definitely consider spending marketing dollars on virtual idols if they can prove effective.
The proof is in the pudding.
If they have the social clout, the followers and put my marketing dollars to good use, why wouldn’t I use them?
This is indeed a fascinatingly yet scary reality we are living in.
I am excited to see where this will go.
If you enjoyed this, connect with me.
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Will you follow a virtual influencer?
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