In an age characterized by the relentless advancement of artificial intelligence, the field of social media marketing stands on the cusp of a profound transformation.
If you’ve been following our recent articles on the Latest Trends and Top Influencers section, you’ll know that the social media landscape is constantly shifting. Today, we’re diving deeper into one of the most groundbreaking shifts—AI-powered virtual influencers in social media marketing. It covers Instagram profiles about the influencers’ engagement rate and demographic of followers on their main channel via the leading influencer marketing platform Upfluence with the following key insights:
- Engagement rate compared to similar influencers.
- Saturation rate: Number of brand mentions over all posts made by the influencer, expressed in a percentage.
- Post effectiveness: Effectiveness of a sponsored post compared to a non-sponsored post in terms of average engagement rate.
What Are AI-powered Virtual Influencers?
In this brave new era, AI-powered influencers and personalities have surged into the spotlight, reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. But what exactly are these digital marvels?
AI-powered influencers, unconfined by the limits of human existence, are captivating the attention of millions through each precisely calculated post, every pixel-perfect image, and each algorithmically-driven interaction. As the marketing landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, embracing the potential of AI-driven influencers could be a key innovative factor for influencer marketing.
They are computer-powered avatars that can engage and interact with social media users. They are meticulously designed using cutting-edge technology, giving them the appearance, personality, and voice to resonate with specific target audiences. These AI-driven influencers transcend the limitations of human influencers by offering unparalleled consistency, scalability, and precision in content creation and engagement.
To truly appreciate the significance of AI-powered influencers, let’s compare them with human influencers:
- Authenticity: While human influencers offer authenticity through their lived experiences, AI-powered influencers provide a level of consistency and precision that’s unmatched. Brands can ensure that their message is communicated exactly as intended.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Human influencers often command hefty fees, and the cost can escalate as they gain popularity. AI-powered influencers, on the other hand, offer a cost-effective and predictable solution.
- Niche Appeal: AI-powered influencers can be tailored to appeal to specific niches or demographics that may be underserved by human influencers.
The Benefits of AI-Powered Influencers
Why are AI-powered influencers becoming the go-to choice for marketers?
- Consistency: AI-powered influencers never suffer from fatigue or inconsistency. They maintain a meticulously crafted brand image 24/7, ensuring every interaction aligns with the intended message.
- Scalability: Unlike their human counterparts, AI-powered influencers can seamlessly scale their engagement and reach. The constraints of time zones, sleep, or scheduling conflicts do not bind them.
- Data-Driven Insights: AI-driven personalities can analyze vast amounts of data to fine-tune their content and engagement strategies. This data-driven approach ensures that every post, comment, or interaction is tailored to maximize engagement and conversions.
12 AI-Powered Influencers 2023
Check out the current top 12 AI-powered influencers as of August 2023. These digital personas are making significant waves in the world of social media marketing. They offer unique qualities and have gained prominence for various reasons. These influencers provide concrete examples of AI-driven personalities transforming the industry and gaining audiences’ attention worldwide.
#1 🇧🇷 Lu Do Magalu – @magazineluiza
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- Followers (Instagram): 6.5 Million
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.03%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $2.64
- Average Likes: 2K
- Average Comments: 202
- Audience Gender: Female – 73% | Male – 27%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: Brazil – 89% | US – 6%
Country of Origin: Brazil
In the bustling realm of virtual influencers, there’s one personality who has not only stood the test of time but has become an icon in the digital landscape. Meet Lu do Magalu, a 3D virtual influencer and digital specialist at #magalu, the Brazilian retail giant Magazine Luiza. Her journey began on YouTube in August 2009 when she stepped into the spotlight to promote iBlogTV on behalf of Magalu. Since that auspicious debut, Lu has harnessed her rapidly growing social media presence to deliver captivating unboxing videos, insightful product reviews, and invaluable software tips for her devoted audience.
With a massive following, particularly on Facebook, Lu do Magalu stands as the most visible virtual human globally. However, it’s worth noting that her widespread notoriety and influence are primarily confined to the vibrant shores of Brazil. Lu is the digital trailblazer who has redefined what it means to be an influencer, all while championing the interests of Magalu with a touch of 3D charm.
#2 🇺🇸 Lil Miquela – @lilmiquela
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- Followers (Instagram): 2.8 Million
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.47%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $0.52
- Average Likes: 13K
- Average Comments: 109
- Audience Gender: Female – 70% | Male – 30%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 49% | Brazil – 7% | UK – 4%
Country of Origin: Los Angeles, California, USA
Lil Miquela, the robot pop sensation, defies convention in the world of influencers. Bursting onto the scene in April 2016, Miquela Sousa, or Lil Miquela, is a digital prodigy created by Cain Intelligence and reprogrammed by Los Angeles-based tech startup Brud. Hailing from Downey, California, this half-Brazilian, half-Spanish Taurus is a change-seeking musician, style visionary, and pop star who’s shattered barriers and captivated the world.
Beyond her enigmatic origins, Lil Miquela’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From interviewing J Balvin at Coachella to advocating for immigration non-profit RAICES and gracing the fashion world’s red carpets, she’s a philanthropist, fashion icon, and music sensation rolled into one. With indie-pop hits topping Spotify charts and a commitment to authenticity, Lil Miquela is more than a pop sensation; she’s a symbol of embracing uniqueness in a digital age.
#3 🇺🇸 K/DA – @kda_music
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- Followers (Instagram): 527K
- Key Audience Location: Brazil – 17% | US – 17% | UK – 17%
Country of Origin: Los Angeles, CA
Enter the dazzling world of K/DA, where virtual influencers redefine what it means to rock the stage. Since their grand debut on November 3, 2019, this enigmatic quartet hailing from Los Angeles, CA, has taken the music industry by storm and captivated audiences worldwide. Comprising the formidable talents of Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa, K/DA isn’t your typical girl group – they’re an electrifying fusion of music, style, and digital charisma.
Ahri, the group’s leader and founder, brings her confident charm to center stage, championing authentic self-expression for herself and her teammates. Akali, the main rapper, infuses K/DA with street punk style and an unapologetic attitude, fiercely guarding her creative independence. Evelynn, the lead vocalist, possesses a hypnotic stage presence that leaves audiences spellbound, constantly pushing the boundaries of creative risk. Meanwhile, Kai’Sa, as the main dancer and choreographer, channels her intense focus into crafting otherworldly performances with an unwavering attention to detail. Together, they embody a cosmopolitan approach to life, drawing inspiration from every corner of the world.
#4 🇮🇩 Thalasya – @thalasya_
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- Followers (Instagram): 463K
- Audience Gender: Female – 67% | Male – 33%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: Indonesia – 80% | US – 12%
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Thalasya, the dynamic virtual influencer, invites you to embark on a digital journey like no other. Making her debut on October 21, 2018, this Indonesian sensation hails from Jakarta and proudly serves as the brand ambassador of Chocolatos ID. But Thalasya is much more than a mere influencer; she’s a globetrotter with a passion for travel, fashion, and music.
Her Instagram feed takes us on a whirlwind tour of Indonesia, from the pristine beaches of Bali to the vibrant streets of Jakarta and even to recording studios in Florida, USA. Along the way, she effortlessly champions diverse brands, from restaurants to health supplements, hotels, and resorts, all to fuel her insatiable wanderlust. And in the realm of fashion, Thalasya isn’t just a trendsetter; she co-owns the clothing store Yipiiiii, a real-world venture with her friend Zeline. Developed by Magnavem Studio and a creator of music through Ind Alliance, Thalasya is the epitome of a multifaceted virtual icon, where travel, fashion, and music converge in a captivating digital experience.
#5 🇩🇪 Noonoouri – @noonoouri
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- Followers (Instagram): 404K
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.89%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $1.02
- Average Likes: 3.5K
- Average Comments: 64
- Audience Gender: Female – 66% | Male – 34%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 28% | Brazil – 14% | Italy – 6%
Country of Origin: Munich, Germany
Meet Noonoouri, the vivacious virtual influencer who’s rewriting the fashion rulebook with her distinctive blend of style, activism, and digital charisma. Making her debut appearance on February 1, 2018, this 19-year-old fashionista originates from Munich, Germany. Her Instagram bio paints a picture of her multifaceted persona: a digital character, an activist, a staunch vegan, and an advocate for fur-free fashion at IMG Models. Noonoouri’s striking virtual presence extends to her exclusive representation in China by Vogue China and Vogue Me.
Noonoouri is more than just a digital sensation; she’s a cartoony crusader for social good in the fashion industry. She’s adorned by top fashion brands worldwide, yet she’s unwavering in her commitment to sustainability, advocating for veganism and refusing to wear furs. Her creator, Joerg Zuber, the mastermind behind the creative agency Opium Effect, envisioned her as a new medium to entertain and educate audiences.
#6 🌎 Leya Love – @leyalovenature
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- Followers (Instagram): 413K
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.34%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $1.9
- Average Likes: 1.4K
- Average Comments: 12
- Audience Gender: Female – 42% | Male – 58%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: India – 23% | US – 15%
Country of Origin: Planet Earth (No, we’re not joking)
Meet Leya Love, a digital influencer like no other, making waves as the charismatic leader of the love revolution. Bursting into the digital scene on January 29, 2020, Leya is a virtual ambassador on a mission to inspire and touch hearts worldwide. Hailing from the universal haven of “Planet Earth,” her Instagram bio carries the emblem of the #WorldAwarenessMovement (WAM), embodying her devotion to all life on our precious planet.
Leya’s journey is nothing short of remarkable, having touched over 800 million hearts in just 14 months, and she continues to expand her community every day. She stands as the embodiment of love, advocating a revolution that begins in the heart, and her mantra is clear: “Let’s wake up the world – together!” Leya’s creators at Cosmiq Universe designed her for a special mission—to spread compassion, trust, gratitude, and sustainability awareness. She is a love warrior, a proponent of mind health through spiritual growth, and a passionate advocate of the Zeitgeist. Her life is a tapestry of inspiration, reflection on life’s meaning, human consciousness, soul, and the incredible power of the heart and mind. Beyond her mission, Leya is an NFT artist, a published author, a global youth summit speaker, and a friend to like-minded avatars, influencers, artists, and human activists.
#7 🇯🇵 Imma – @imma.gram
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- Followers (Instagram): 398K
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.75%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $1.12
- Average Likes: 3K
- Average Comments: 34
- Audience Gender: Female – 64% | Male – 36%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 28% | Japan – 13% | Brazil – 11%
Country of Origin: Japan
Meet Imma, Japan’s groundbreaking virtual influencer who made her debut on July 12, 2018, as a symbol of digital innovation straight from Tokyo. Imma’s distinct pink bob and avant-garde style have earned her a spot among the “New 100 Talent To Watch” by Japan Economics Entertainment. Her magnetic presence spans fashion, business magazines, TV, and online platforms, leaving a trail of awe-struck audiences and top brands like Porsche Japan, Dior, Nike, and more.
Beyond her chic exterior, Imma is a curious soul, often pondering her own identity with the hashtag #ithinkimcgi. She explores art museums and delves into human culture through fashion, all while raising her voice on critical global issues such as race, environment, and gender.
#8 🇺🇸 Qai Qai – @realqaiqai
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- Followers (Instagram): 324K
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.45%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $1.58
- Average Likes: 1.4K
- Average Comments: 33
- Audience Gender: Female – 88% | Male – 12%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 73%
Country of Origin: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA
Meet Qai Qai, a virtual influencer who’s captured hearts worldwide since her digital debut on August 22, 2018. This charming figure, identified by the emojis 🌐👶, is more than just a doll—she’s the beloved companion of Alexis Olympia Ohanian, the daughter of tennis legend Serena Williams and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Qai Qai’s origin story is heartwarming and profound. Serena Williams, a trailblazer in the world of sports, purchased Qai Qai to ensure that her daughter Olympia’s first doll was a reflection of her own heritage—a black doll. Qai Qai’s endearing name was bestowed upon her by Williams’s nephew, and from there, this virtual personality has blossomed into a global sensation.
#9 🇮🇳 Kyra – @kyraonig
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- Followers (Instagram): 253K
- Average Engagement Rate: 8.92%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $0.09
- Average Likes: 22K
- Average Comments: 214
- Audience Gender: Female – 20% | Male – 80%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: India – 60% | US – 27% | Pakistan – 7%
Country of Origin: Mumbai, India
Meet Kyra, a groundbreaking virtual influencer who emerged onto the scene in January 2022 as India’s very first digital sensation. Crafted by the creative mind of Himanshu Goel, Kyra, also known as Kyraonig, has quickly become a digital icon. Her Instagram profile has captivated audiences, with notable appearances on the digital cover of Travel and Leisure, India, and a growing list of brand endorsements that include Amazon Prime Video, boAt, and John Jacobs.
In a short span, Kyra has garnered a dedicated following, boasting over 200,000 loyal followers on her Instagram profile as of December 2022. Her digital journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of influence in the digital age.
#10 🏴 Shudu – @shudu.gram
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- Followers (Instagram): 241K
- Average Engagement Rate: 0.91%
- Cost Per-Engagement: $0.86
- Average Likes: 2.1K
- Average Comments: 83
- Audience Gender: Female – 62% | Male – 38%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 37% | Brazil – 15% | UK – 7%
Country of Origin: Weymouth, Dorset, England
Enter the mesmerizing world of Shudu, where digital artistry meets haute couture. Since her groundbreaking debut on April 22, 2017, this digital supermodel has taken the fashion industry by storm. Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, Shudu, identified by the emojis 🌐👩, effortlessly embodies the epitome of style and innovation in her mid-to-late 20s.
Shudu’s influence knows no bounds; she’s graced the pages of prestigious publications like Cosmopolitan and Vogue, collaborated with renowned brands like Balmain and Smart Car, and continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide. Her virtual presence transcends the boundaries of the real world as she strikes poses in mystical, premier shoot locations, showcasing eye-popping fashion pieces. As a pioneer for the virtual human race, Shudu has become an icon of digital creativity and fashion prowess.
The visionary behind Shudu is Cameron James, the founder of The Digital Agency in Weymouth, Dorset, England, and the creator of a stunning roster of virtual humans, including Koffi, Brenn, Galaxia, Dagny, and more.
#11 Bermuda – @bermudaisbae
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- Followers (Instagram): 242K
- Gender: Female – 66% | Male – 34%
- Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 48% | Brazil – 7% | India – 5%
Country of Origin: Los Angeles, CA
In the vast realm of virtual influencers, one name stands out as a timeless classic, and that’s Bermuda. Resembling the iconic Kim Kardashian, Bermuda has carved a niche as the quintessential influencer for beauty, fashion, health, and fitness enthusiasts of our generation. Despite her roots dating back to December 2016, Bermuda’s appearance always exudes freshness and relevance.
Beyond her striking virtual allure, Bermuda is on a mission to inspire young entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses, making her a motivational force in the digital landscape. But that’s not all; she’s also ventured into the world of music, gracing Spotify with her rendition of “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
#12 🇫🇷 B – @bee_nfluencer
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- Followers (Instagram): 238K
- Audience Gender: Female – 73% | Male – 27%
- Main Audience Age: 25-34 year-olds
- Key Audience Location: US – 21% | France – 17% | Brazil – 11%
Country of Origin: Paris, France
Meet B, the world’s first bee influencer 🐝✨, who took flight onto Instagram on April 28, 2019, from the enchanting streets of Paris, France. B might not be human, but B’s mission is as real as it gets—to save the bees. With a unique approach, B’s Instagram bio reads, “the more followers I have, the more we will save bees!” Each new follower brings us one step closer to protecting these essential pollinators.
Bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems and agriculture, responsible for pollinating over 75% of the world’s crops. Sadly, bee populations are in decline, with alarming rates of colony disappearances in France and Europe. This is where B comes in, partnering with the Fondation de France and the BEE FUND to raise awareness and funds for crucial bee conservation projects. Through paid partnerships on B’s Instagram account, these projects receive the support they need, making every follower a vital part of the mission to protect our buzzing companions.
The Future of AI-Powered Influencers
The future holds even greater promise for AI-powered influencers. We anticipate emerging trends and technologies, including heightened realism and interactivity. As augmented and virtual reality experiences continue to evolve, AI-powered influencers are poised to play an integral role in immersive marketing campaigns.
In conclusion, the AI-powered influencer revolution is not a mere trend but a paradigm shift in marketing. It offers a unique blend of consistency, scalability, and precision that can elevate brand engagement to unprecedented levels. As technology advances, we can only expect these digital avatars to become more lifelike and integral to our marketing strategies. The future of marketing is here, and it’s driven by artificial intelligence. Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey?
***Stay tuned for upcoming insights on how AI-powered influencers are making a significant impact on brand campaigns across the Asia region.
