Discover the transformative impact of AI Virtual Influencers on digital marketing in our detailed PowerPoint presentation. Explore different types of computer-generated influencers, their roles on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and the unique advantages they offer, such as round-the-clock engagement and brand message consistency. This presentation features real-world case studies including the partnership between Lil Miquela and Samsung and provides strategic insights into effectively leveraging AI for marketing campaigns. Further enhance your understanding with our in-depth blogs on the subject, covering everything from brand strategy during Hollywood strikes to the use of AI in influencer marketing at AI Virtual Influencers: Brand Strategy, The AI Behind Lil Miquela, and more.
If you want to check the source blogs mentioned in the presentation, PFB links:
The AI Behind Virtual Influencer Lil Miquela: https://www.cut-the-saas.com/ai/the-ai-behind-virtual-influencer-lil-miquela
Aitana Lopez: Blending AI and Style in the Age of Virtual Influencers: https://www.cut-the-saas.com/ai/aitana-lopez-blending-ai-and-style-in-the-age-of-virtual-influencers
How to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Influencer Marketing: https://www.cut-the-saas.com/ai/how-to-use-artificial-intelligence-ai-for-influencer-marketing
AI & Virtual Influencers: Navigating Brand Strategy Amid Hollywood Strikes: https://www.cut-the-saas.com/ai/ai-virtual-influencers-navigating-brand-strategy-amid-hollywood-strikes
AI and the Actor’s Strike in Hollywood – Understand the Issue: https://www.cut-the-saas.com/ai/ai-and-the-actors-strike-in-hollywood-understand-the-issue
Spotify AI DJ Deck - The Agency at University of Florida
AI Virtual Influencers: The Future of Influencer Marketing
1. Meet the influencers of tomorrow, who aren’t quite human
By Puran Parsani, CEO & Editor of Cut-The-SaaS
AI Virtual Influencers:
The Future of Influencer Marketing
1
2. What are AI Virtual Influencers?
● Definition: AI virtual influencers, also known as CGI
influencers, are computer-generated characters
designed to look and act like real people.
● What do they do: They exist primarily on social media
platforms like Instagram and TikTok, posting photos and
videos and interacting with followers.
● How can brands leverage them: AI-powered virtual
influencers can produce content 24/7, thereby
challenging the limits of a real influencer and the
influencer ROI. This can have a direct impact on
engagement levels when used strategically based on
social media platform algorithms.
Read More on Our Blog
2
4. Three main types of virtual influencers exist – animated humans, non-humans, and life-like CGI humans.
Types of AI Virtual Influencers
@janky & @guggimon @lilmiquela
@anymalu_real
Visuals sourced from public social profiles
4
5. Read More on AI Virtual Influencers
Aitana Lopez: Blending AI and Style in
the Age of Virtual Influencers
Case Study: The AI Behind Virtual
Influencer Lil Miquela
How to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI)
for Influencer Marketing
AI & Virtual Influencers: Navigating
Brand Strategy Amid Hollywood Strikes
AI and the Actor’s Strike in Hollywood –
Understand the Issue
5
6. The engagement rate is about “three times
higher on a virtual influencer than on a human
influencer - which is nuts”
Harry Hugo, co-founder of The Goat Agency says,
6
7. Control & Consistency
Benefits of AI Virtual Influencers
Novelty & Dierentiation
In a crowded digital landscape, virtual
influencers can stand out with their
unique look and personalities. This
novelty factor can grab aention and
create a buzz around a brand.
Virtual influencers oer brands total
control over messaging and image,
ensuring consistency and avoiding
reputation risks from real influencers.
Availability
AI virtual influencers are always
available, allowing continuous
engagement with audiences
AI- & Data-driven Marketing
AI allows virtual influencers to create
content that is tailored to resonate
with the target audience. It can also be
used to measure the success of
campaigns and optimize future
strategies.
Seamless Brand Integration
Virtual influencers can exist in any
digital form, hence they can be easily
adapted to fit any brand. They can also
be in multiple places at once - helpful
for global marketing eorts.
Cost-Eective
Compared to traditional celebrity
endorsements, virtual influencers are
much more aordable. There are no
travel expenses, usage rights fees, or
scheduling conflicts to worry about
7
8. Brands Using AI Virtual Influencers
Samsung + Lil Miquela
YouTube Video
● Campaign: The collaboration between Lil Miquela and
Samsung was part of a global digital campaign created by
We Are Social Australia
● It featured four members of #TeamGalaxy: actor and
creator Millie Bobby Brown, virtual influencer Lil Miquela, 2x
Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki, and
professional gamer Ninja.
126 Mn
Organic views
24 Mn
Engagements
12%↑
Instagram mentions
IMPACT
8
Visual sourced from public social profile
9. Before Using Virtual Influencers for Marketing, Consider…
● Target audience: Understand the demographics and preferences of your target audience to ensure that the virtual
influencer aligns with their interests and values.
● Brand alignment: Choose a virtual influencer that matches your brand’s identity, values, and message to maintain
consistency in your marketing campaigns.
● Partnership: Establish a clear and mutually beneficial partnership with the virtual influencer’s creator, ensuring that
both parties respect the creative vision and business objectives of the collaboration.
● Performance monitoring: Monitor and measure the performance and impact of the virtual influencer to evaluate the
eectiveness and return on investment of the campaign.
● Transparency: Be honest and ethical by disclosing the virtual influencer’s artificial nature and their ailiation with
your brand, following best practices and standards of social media marketing.
9
10. Also, Be Mindful of These
● Sensitivity towards social issues: Brands must be careful not to exploit sensitive issues or communities for profit.
Marketing campaigns need to be respectful and inclusive. In this case, the LGBTQ+ community felt that the brand was
queerbaiting for profit, and Calvin Klein had to apologize.
● Realism and relatability: Virtual influencers can provide unique engagement options but may alienate those who
prefer genuine interactions. Brands should consider the trade-o between novelty and authenticity, particularly when
targeting vulnerable demographics.
● Ethical marketing practices: While provocative campaigns can garner aention, they can also foster distrust and
negative publicity if perceived as deceptive or manipulative. Brands should maintain ethical standards in marketing to
build trust with their audiences by being transparent and honest in their engagements.
10
11. Virtual influencers are seeing
higher average engagement
rates as compared to human
influencers, especially with
their female audience,
source
11
12. Impact of AI Virtual Influencers: Hollywood Actor’s Strike
Reasons for Strike
12
● Job Displacement: AI can mimic expressions,
emotions, and even deliver lines convincingly -
potentially eliminating the need for physical
actors.
● Income Inequality: AI in casting and deepfakes
may widen income gaps in the industry, favoring
established actors over newcomers and extras.
● Privacy and Consent: Lack of control over their
own image in an industry where image is
everything has led to calls for stronger
protections and regulations.
● Posthumous Problems: Rules around "consent"
after death are murky, and non-existent. With AI
tech, the right over faces, voice and body needs to
be revisited
Questions being Raised
● How will disruptive technologies, like virtual
personalities, aect human labor?
● Who owns the rights to someone’s face, body,
and voice in this new space?
● What kind of posthumous control can an artist
have? For instance, can a griy action star be
put into a series of romantic comedies that
they didn’t consent to?
● Would the presence of virtual actors merely be
gratuitous in films, ads, or other videos?
● Would posthumous acting jobs be a true
addition to an actor’s legacy?
● Will brands sacrifice authenticity for aordable,
engineered virtual personalities?
14. Lil Miquela - The First Viral AI Influencer
Who is Lil Miquela
● Introduction: Lil Miquela (full
name - Miquela Sousa) is a
“half-Spanish, half-Brazilian
19-year-old” who “lives” in LA.
● Creators: She is a
computer-generated model
created by Brud – a transmedia
studio that creates digital
characters for unique
storytelling, valued at $125
million in 2019.
● Initial curiosity: Miquela
debuted in 2016, immediately
catching aention and
curiosity of many. Initially, there
was even a rumor that British
model Emily Bador might be
Miquela due to their physical
resemblance.
Media Reaction
● Real or unreal?: Not everyone
loved Miquela. There were
questions on her authenticity
and the unrealistic beauty
standards she might set for
young teens. People went to
the extent of calling out her
unnatural and doll-like look.
● Popularity with brands:
Despite everything, you can’t
deny the craze - she is the first
AI influencer to go viral, where
she charges $10,000 per
Instagram post and has
partnered with brands like
Samsung, Prada, PacSun,
Calvin Klein.
Lil Miquela’s Popularity Timeline
14
15. The AI Behind Virtual Influencer Lil Miquela
● Proprietary technology development: Brud has developed
proprietary technology that enhances the realism of Miquela’s images.
● 3D rendering and motion capture: Miquela’s digital persona was
created by repurposing 3D rendering software and motion capture
technologies. This resulted in a high-quality visual production similar to
modern entertainment mediums.
● Narrative engagement: Miquela’s creators crafted a narrative that
goes beyond static digital images, engaging the audience through
real-world dialogues and controversies.
● Generative AI and machine learning: Miquela’s creators use a core
programming with machine learning to give her context and help her
evolve. They rely on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and other
models to generate realistic data for her visual content and social
media interactions.
“The more memory we gave
you the more complex you
(Lil Miquela) became.”
- Trevor McFedries, Co-founder, Brud.
15
16. Lil Miquela’s Impact on Virtual Influencer Marketing
Niche Creation
Established a niche for virtual
influencers in the world of culture and
entertainment, through music singles
and collaborations with fashion giants
like Prada and Calvin Klein.
Transmedia Storytelling
Miquela’s narratives unfold across
digital and social media platforms. Her
transmedia storytelling has set the
stage for new ways of engaging with
audiences.
AI-driven Interaction
AI-driven relationship between
Miquela and her followers challenges
traditional digital interaction. ML
algorithms and NLP enable her to
engage like human influencers.
Technology & Innovation
Fusion of AI, 3D rendering, and motion
capture technologies brings Miquela
to life. However, real backgrounds blur
the line between digital and real,
making her seem like she’s truly there.
The concept of a "scalable influencer"
aims to create digital personas capable of
engaging large audiences across multiple
platforms. AI technology and virtual
influencers make this a possibility..
Vision: Scalable Influencers
16
17. Estimated net worth in Aug 2023: $10 million
Lil Miquela’s Achievement and Success Stories
17
Released her first single
“Not Mine” which was
streamed 15 million times.
Listen here
Named as one of the 25 most influential people on the internet by TIME magazine
in 2018 alongside BTS and Rihanna. Image source
19. ● Introduction: Pink hair,
flawless skin, and a dazzling
smile – Aitana Lopez is a
25-year old Spanish model.
● Creators: Created by Rubén
Cruz who runs a
Barcelona-based The Clueless
agency. She’s an AI-generated
model, a virtual influencer
reshaping the modeling and
influencer industry.
● Brand collaborations: Works
with brands in the fashion,
sports, and lifestyle space.
According to reports, Aitana
earns approximately €10,000
per month with just over €1,000
per advertisement.
Aitana Lopez - The First Spanish Model
Who is Aitana Lopez
19
Source
20. In the first month, we realized that people follow lives, not images.
Since she (Aitana) is not alive, we had to give her a bit of reality so
that people could relate to her in some way. We had to tell a story.”
The graphic designer at The Clueless says,
20
21. “We did it (created Aitana) so that
we could make a beer living and
not be dependent on other people
who have egos, who have manias, or
who just want to make a lot of
money by posing.”
- Rubén Cruz, Creator of Aitana and Founder of The Clueless
Why was Aitana Lopez Created?
Rubén Cruz, the founder of the agency behind Aitana, created her for two main reasons:
21
Aitana was created as a virtual influencer who speaks the local language,
taps into daily humor, and connects with her audience through a relatable
dancer persona.
● Frustration with traditional, human influencers: He was
dissatisfied with human influencers citing issues like high costs,
unpredictable behavior, and diiculty in controlling messaging.
Aitana was a way to circumvent these challenges and create a
reliable, brand-loyal influencer without the downsides of human
personalities.
● Cultural relevance and storytelling potential: Being a
Barcelona-based agency, they saw the need to connect with their
Spanish audience.
This culturally relevant approach oers fresh storytelling beyond traditional ads.
22. In the fashion industry specifically, Aitana brings a new dimension to brand representation. Here is how:
How is Aitana Changing Fashion Influencers
22
● Authenticity, storytelling, and redefining brand collaboration: Aitana goes beyond the
typical product placement or endorsement. She co-creates content with brands, integrates
them into her storyline, showcases products organically, and shares authentic experiences like
aending fashion shows or trying on clothes. This deeper engagement resonates with
audiences and feels more natural than traditional advertising.
● Democratizing fashion: As a virtual influencer, Aitana isn’t limited by physical constraints. She
can showcase diverse styles and trends, making fashion more inclusive and accessible for
audiences of all body types and budgets, inspiring experimentation and creativity.
However, there is a downside to her flawless appearance - seing unrealistic beauty standards which can
impact body image and self-esteem among young and impressionable followers.
Lastly, the use of virtual influencers like Aitana raises ethical and transparency concerns. The lack of
transparency regarding the creators behind virtual influencers, along with how the content is created and
managed, can lead to ethical dilemmas and trust issues among the public.
23. Want to be an early adopter of technology & innovation
Brands should partner with virtual influencers when:
When Should You Partner with a Virtual Influencer?
23
1 Need more messaging control while reaching to wider audience
2
3 Their brand value and personality aligns with the virtual influencer’s
4 Audience of the influencer aligns with the brand’s target demographic
5 Brands versatile personality across geographies and demographics
24. Building a successful virtual influencer campaign requires careful planning, partnering with the right virtual
influencer, and seamless execution. Here’s how you can do it:
Playbook - 1: Build a Successful Virtual Influencer Campaign
24
Identify social platform
03
● Which social platform is the most suitable for
campaign? This will also help choose the right
virtual influencer partner
Set campaigns goals and KPIs
for success
02 ● What is your campaign goals and objectives?
● How will you measure the campaign’s success?
Research the virtual
influencer thoroughly
01
● Does the influencer’s personality and followers
align with the brand?
● What is their niche, target audience and
engagement rate?
Build a collaborative narrative
04
● How can the campaign story organically merge
into the Virtual Influencer partner narrative?
● Who owns the content? Ensure to maintain
necessary compliance.
25. Building your own virtual influencer involves crafting both its digital appearance and personality. Here’s how
you can start the process:
Playbook - 2: Build Your Own Virtual Influencer
25
Create a narrative
03
● Develop narratives, create challenges, or participate
in trends that resonate with your audience.
● Choose the platform to debut your influencer - they
need to be a part of your audience’s world
Design and build your Virtual
Influencer
02
● You can partner with a 3D artist or an agency to
model the persona
● The quality of the visual is essential for creating a
believable and engaging influencer
Concept and personality
01
● Identify your ideal customer base and understand
their demographics, interests, and online behavior
● Decide on the voice, tone and personality of your
virtual influencer based on your findings
Always be transparent
04
● Be transparent about using a virtual influencer.
● Let your audience know that your influencer is
AI-generated, but focus on the benefits as well.
26. Future of Influencer Marketing: The Human Touch Endures
26
While AI virtual influencers oer significant benefits, human
influencers still hold a strong position in the marketing landscape.
● Authenticity & Trust: Consumers often find human
influencers more relatable and trustworthy, leading to
stronger emotional connections with brands they
represent.
● Organic Engagement: Human influencers excel at
fostering a sense of community through genuine
interactions with their audience.
Visuals generated with AI-assistance
27. Future of Influencer Marketing is Hybrid Approach
27
The most successful influencer marketing strategies may lie in a
powerful combination of both AI and human influencers.
● Complementary Strengths: Leverage AI virtual
influencers for precise targeting and brand control, while
human influencers cultivate emotional connections and
build communities.
● Collaborative Content Creation: Explore collaborations
between AI virtual influencers and human influencers for
unique content formats and audience engagement.
Visuals generated with AI-assistance