The influencer marketing landscape is evolving, and at the forefront of this change are virtual influencers.
These digital creations are taking social media by storm, offering brands unique and exciting opportunities to connect with audiences. But why are virtual influencers gaining traction? What benefits do they offer over traditional human influencers? Can you tell them apart?
Let’s delve into the world of these digital personalities and explore the reasons behind their rise.
Do People Really Follow a Virtual Influencer?
Quite simply, Yes!
According to Statista, 35% of U.S. consumers have bought products promoted by virtual influencers.
Forbes are predicting that the virtual influencer market was valued at $4.06 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to increase 26% by 2025
Advantages of Collaborating with Virtual Influencers
There are several compelling reasons why brands are turning towards virtual influencers for their marketing campaigns:
- Enhanced Creative Control: Brands often seek greater control over the messaging and creative aspects of their campaigns. Virtual influencers provide exactly that. With these digital entities, brands can meticulously craft the influencer’s personality, appearance, and voice to perfectly align with their brand image and target audience. This level of control minimises the risk of misaligned messaging or unexpected controversies.
- Cost-Effectiveness and High ROI: Collaborating with human influencers, especially celebrities, can be expensive. Virtual influencers, however, present a more cost-effective alternative while still delivering impressive results. Take the case of fashion giant H&M, who partnered with an AI fashion influencer for Instagram video ads. The campaign saw an 11x increase in ad recall, demonstrating the potential for high return on investment with virtual influencers.
- Controversy-Free Endorsements: One of the biggest concerns with human influencers is the possibility of unforeseen scandals or controversies that can negatively impact brand reputation. Virtual influencers eliminate this risk entirely. As digital creations, their actions and behaviors are carefully controlled, ensuring brand safety and preventing any unwanted surprises.
The Future of Influence
While virtual influencers are still a relatively new phenomenon, their popularity is undeniably growing.
As technology advances and audience receptiveness increases, we can expect to see even more brands embracing these digital personalities. The ability to meticulously control messaging, achieve cost-effectiveness, and avoid controversies makes virtual influencers a compelling option for brands navigating the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.
Can You Tell the Difference and Does it Matter?
Some virtual influencers look incredibly real, blurring the lines between digital and human. But often, there are small hints that give away their virtual nature.
The bigger question is, does it matter if they’re “real”? Many people follow virtual influencers for their perfect looks, exciting lives, and fun content. As long as they’re entertaining and inspiring, their digital existence might not matter at all.
Below are some of the top Virtual Influencers on Instagram right now.
If you have any questions on how AI Influencers could help your brand, feel free to reach out to us.
