Latest news with #LilMiquela
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
AI influencers are shaping Gen Z's shopping habits
According to new research from Whop, a marketplace for digital products, one in three Gen Z consumers now make purchasing decisions based on recommendations from AI-generated influencers. The report gathered survey data from 2,001 Americans 12-to-27 years old and found the trend particularly strong among college-aged consumers. Nearly half of 19-to-21 year olds follow AI influencers, with 47% of young men following these accounts, compared to under 40% of women. While many have argued that AI influencers lack the authenticity needed to sell products, that might not matter—especially to Gen Z. Authenticity vs reach Previous research backs this up. Nearly half (46%) of Gen Z say they're more likely to trust a brand that works with an AI influencer. Only 35% of Gen Z respondents said they valued an influencer's authenticity, according to Sprout Social's 2024 Influencer Marketing Report, compared to about half of millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers. What Gen Z does care about is follower count. Almost half (47%) said the number of followers matters more than how authentic the influencer feels. Unsurprisingly, almost half (49%) of influencers admit they're worried. Lil Miquela, one of the most high-profile virtual creators, with 2.4 million followers on Instagram, has pulled in brand deals with BMW, Calvin Klein, and Dior. The character reportedly earns close to seven figures annually; a Bloomberg article from 2020 estimated $8,000 per sponsored post, citing data from OnBuy. Other notable AI influencers include Nonoouri (498,000 followers), Magazine Luzie (7.8 million followers), and Shudu (237,000 followers). Platforms are now leaning in. Meta recently launched tools that allow users to create their own AI characters on Instagram and Facebook, opening the door for creators to build their own virtual influencers with no coding or design background needed. 'Our findings are clear: younger generations are hungry for opportunities to make money online. It's a sign of the times, and what more is to come,' said Cameron Zoub, chief growth officer and cofounder of Whop, in a statement. 'However, creating an AI influencer and the ability to make a living off of one are two very different things.'
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Next wave of influencer marketing
AMONG the most definining shifts in 21st-century marketing is the rise of social media influencers (SMI). Over the past decade, influencer marketing has evolved from a niche tactic into a core component of digital strategy. Today, brand partnerships with SMI are growing by over 50% annually, underscoring their increasing value and impact. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, influencer marketing is entering a bold new phase – one that blends emerging technologies with human connection. What began as a social media trend is now a sophisticated driver of digital commerce. And what's coming next? It is nothing short of revolutionary. Enabling the next generation of smart influence Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly become the backbone of modern influencer campaigns. In 2025, it will do far more than simply recommend hashtags or determine the best sharing times. It will power end-to-end campaign management. AI-driven platforms are reshaping influencer discovery and matchmaking. They go beyond vanity metrics, analysing tone of voice, creative execution, audience composition and historic campaign performance. This precision allows brands to uncover high-impact micro and nano-influencers who boast high engagement over sheer follower counts. We are also seeing the rise of virtual influencers – synthetic, AI-generated personas such as Lil Miquela or Imma. These avatars are programmable, consistent and free from human unpredictability. Brands can utilise them to deliver consistent messaging, interact in real time with followers and serve as brand ambassadors year-round. AI does not just automate, it learns. Predictive analytics now anticipate campaign fatigue, forecast return on investment and adapt content in real time to optimise engagement. Brands need to implement AI-driven platforms to identify influencers with true resonance, ensure authenticity and automate performance tracking. Web3, smart contracts, decentralised identities While AI maximises efficiency, Web3 changes ownership. Blockchain technologies, smart contracts and decentralised identities enable influencers and brands to partner in new, fairer and more transparent ways. Gone are the days of ambiguity around deliverables or delayed payments. Smart contracts implement campaign terms automatically, paying out when targets are met and monitoring rights usage. Influencers are also embracing Web3 by tokenising their personal brand. Non-fungible tokens (NFT) are emerging as new value exchanges, offering customers exclusive content, experiences or digital goods. Forward-thinking brands are experimenting NFT-based loyalty schemes or co-creating limited-edition drops with Web3-native creators. Decentralised identities further empower creators by allowing them to own their audiences, transferring reputation and influence across platforms without being tethered to any single algorithm or network. Web3 brings radical transparency and new monetisation models. Smart marketers will start integrating token-based activations and decentralised partnerships into their influencer playbooks. Engaging, participatory influence The metaverse is not a concept of the future, it is already here. As digital and real life intersect, influencer marketing is shifting away from 2D digital storytelling to 3D immersive storytelling. Influencers are now organising virtual fashion shows, product launches and question and answer sessions within platforms such as Instagram, Roblox and Fortnite. These environments are blurring the lines between entertainment, commerce and connection. Augmented reality and virtual reality are giving customers the ability to try on makeup, furniture or fashion via influencer recommendations, bridging inspiration with action. Influencers are designing digital wearables, selling them as NFT and integrating them into virtual worlds and games. Meanwhile, brands are investing in branded avatars, 3D showrooms and immersive storytelling to reach audiences where they live physically and virtually. Succeeding in the next era Brands must shift from thinking of influencers as amplifiers to seeing them as strategic collaborators embedded across platforms and experiences. Brands should diversify their creator ecosystem to include not only human influencers but also AI avatars, metaverse-native personalities and Web3 creators. Moreover, brands can experiment with tokenised engagement, such as using NFT, creator coins or decentralised platforms, to deepen loyalty and ownership. Additionally, they can design campaigns that span across platforms, from TikTok to metaverse environments, or through augmented reality glasses. As influence becomes decentralised, trust and belonging rather than reach will be the ultimate measure of success. We are entering a new chapter in marketing, one where AI refines strategy, Web3 redefines collaboration and immersive technologies reimagine how consumers engage. This is not just a moment of change, it is a complete redefinition of what it means to be influential. Brands that recognise this shift now – who build not just for visibility but for trust, belonging and innovation – will shape culture, not chase it. Dr Irfan Hameed is a senior lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor's University. Comments: letters@
Geeky Gadgets
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Create Your Own AI Instagram Influencer That Never Sleeps
What if you could create an Instagram influencer who never sleeps, doesn't need a paycheck, and can churn out content 24/7—all powered by artificial intelligence? It might sound like science fiction, but it's a reality that's reshaping the world of social media. Virtual influencers like Lil Miquela and Shudu have already proven that AI personalities can amass millions of followers and secure lucrative brand deals. Now, the tools to build your own AI-powered Instagram model are more accessible than ever. With platforms like OpenAI and Supabase, you can design a virtual influencer that not only looks stunning but also engages with audiences in a way that feels authentic and human. The question is: are you ready to step into this new frontier of creativity and innovation? In this project by AI Agents A-Z, you'll uncover how to craft a fully functional AI Instagram influencer from scratch. From defining your influencer's unique personality and style to automating content creation and scheduling, you'll gain a step-by-step understanding of the process. Along the way, you'll discover how tools like OpenAI can generate visually captivating posts and witty captions, while platforms like Supabase streamline your workflow. Whether you're looking to experiment with innovative technology, build a side hustle, or transform your brand's online presence, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make it happen. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. Build an AI Influencer Step 1: Define Your AI Influencer's Identity The foundation of your virtual influencer lies in creating a well-defined character profile. Begin by imagining the personality, style, and audience appeal of your AI influencer. Ask yourself key questions to shape their identity: What type of content will they post? Will it be lifestyle, fashion, technology, or something else? will they post? Will it be lifestyle, fashion, technology, or something else? Who is their target audience? Are they appealing to teenagers, professionals, or niche communities? Are they appealing to teenagers, professionals, or niche communities? What tone and style will they use? Will it be casual, professional, humorous, or inspirational? Once you've established these details, use OpenAI's image generation tools to create a consistent visual identity. Upload reference images and craft detailed prompts to ensure your influencer's appearance aligns with your vision. This step is critical for maintaining a cohesive and recognizable brand image across all posts. Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools To bring your AI influencer to life, you'll need to assemble a set of essential tools and accounts. These tools will form the backbone of your project, allowing you to manage content efficiently and automate workflows. The key components include: OpenAI Account: For generating high-quality images and text content. For generating high-quality images and text content. Supabase Account: To store, organize, and manage your content database. To store, organize, and manage your content database. Instagram Business Account: To access analytics, automation features, and enhanced audience insights. These tools work together to streamline the creation and management of your virtual influencer, making sure a smooth and efficient process. Build Your Own AI Instagram Influencer Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on AI influencers. Step 3: Configure Your Workflow With the necessary tools in place, the next step is to establish a structured workflow. Start by uploading reference images to Supabase's storage system and defining key parameters such as: Project ID: A unique identifier for your influencer project. A unique identifier for your influencer project. Bucket Name: A designated storage space for your content. A designated storage space for your content. Instagram Account ID: To link your influencer's content to their social media presence. Develop a detailed activity schedule to guide your content creation. Plan quarterly, monthly, and weekly themes to ensure your influencer remains active and relevant. This structured approach helps maintain consistency in your posting strategy while keeping your audience engaged. Step 4: Generate Content with AI AI tools are at the heart of your influencer's content creation process. Use them to generate: Post captions: Craft engaging and audience-specific text for each post. Craft engaging and audience-specific text for each post. Image prompts: Create detailed prompts to guide the generation of visuals. Create detailed prompts to guide the generation of visuals. Summaries: Tailor content summaries to align with your influencer's tone and style. Organize your content using a social media calendar to plan the timing and themes of your posts. Before publishing, review the AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with your objectives. Implement an approval workflow to refine text and images, guaranteeing quality and coherence in every post. Step 5: Automate Post Publishing Automation is key to maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Once your content is finalized, use automation tools to publish posts directly to Instagram. OpenAI's image generation tools can produce visually appealing content, which you can store and manage through Supabase. This seamless integration reduces manual effort and ensures your influencer remains active and engaging. Step 6: Customize and Manage Costs Your workflow can be tailored to suit your specific needs and budget. For example, you can start with one daily post and scale up as your influencer gains traction. Costs will vary depending on the quality of images you choose: Medium-quality images: Approximately $1.50 per month. Approximately $1.50 per month. High-quality images: Approximately $7 per month. This flexibility allows you to balance quality and budget effectively, making sure a professional online presence without overspending. Step 7: Explore Monetization Opportunities As your AI influencer grows in popularity, monetization opportunities such as sponsored posts, brand collaborations, and affiliate marketing may become available. To attract sponsors, focus on building a loyal following by consistently delivering engaging and relevant content. A well-executed strategy can transform your virtual influencer into a valuable revenue-generating asset. Overcoming Challenges While building an AI-powered Instagram influencer is achievable, you may encounter challenges along the way. Common issues include: Maintaining continuity: Making sure your influencer's persona remains consistent across all posts. Making sure your influencer's persona remains consistent across all posts. Approval workflows: Managing the review and refinement of AI-generated content. Managing the review and refinement of AI-generated content. Configuration errors: Avoiding mistakes during the setup of tools and workflows. To address these challenges, invest time in detailed planning and regular reviews. Follow setup guides carefully and refine your workflow as needed. By using AI tools effectively and staying organized, you can create a successful and sustainable virtual influencer. Media Credit: AI Agents A-Z Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital clones of real models are revolutionising fashion advertising
HighlightsThe rise of digital clones and virtual influencers, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and metaverse technologies, is revolutionizing fast-fashion marketing, allowing brands to create immersive and cost-effective campaigns that appeal to today's digital-first consumers. Fast-fashion retailer H&M has introduced AI-generated digital twins of real-life models for advertising, sparking debate over ethical concerns related to representation, transparency, and the potential displacement of human talent in creative industries. As the global influencer market is projected to grow to over USD 32 billion by 2025, brands must navigate challenges regarding consent, compensation, and authenticity to maintain consumer trust while leveraging virtual models for personalized shopping experiences. Driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse technologies, digital clones are transforming fast-fashion marketing. Always available, ageless and adaptable to any setting, these virtual figures enable brands to create immersive, cost-effective campaigns that resonate with today's digital-first consumers. Virtual influencers -- digitally created personas used to provide entertainment, generate content and endorse brands -- are becoming increasingly influential, especially among Gen Z and digital-first audiences. These virtual figures vary in form: some, like Lil Miquela and Shudu, are entirely computer-generated, while others, such as Hatsune Miku, incorporate human elements like voice or motion. Hybrid influencers blend real and virtual components, allowing for brand-specific customisation. These virtual influencers boost brand visibility, drive engagement and influence market performance. Real persons, virtual personas The estimate for global influencer market size for 2024 was valued at over USD 24 billion and is projected to grow to over USD 32 billion in 2025. The rise of virtual influencers is particularly prominent in Asia. This trend is also reshaping the USD 2.5 trillion modelling industry, according to The Business of Fashion. AI-generated avatars and digital clones enable brands to cut production costs and accelerate campaign development. As a result, companies such as Levi Strauss and Co. are partnering with AI modelling firms to integrate these virtual personas into their marketing strategies. Digital twins Digital twins -- virtual replicas of real people -- are gaining traction in marketing to enhance personalisation, streamline content creation and deepen customer engagement. In the fashion world, they provide a means to maintain a sense of human connection while using AI for precision and volume purposes. Fast-fashion retailer H&M recently introduced AI-generated digital twins of real-life models for advertising and social media content. Positioned as a creative and operational aid rather than a replacement for human talent, the initiative has ignited industry-wide debate. While the brand highlights the advantages -- lower production costs and faster catalogue development -- some critics have raised ethical concerns regarding representation and transparency. These digital twins fall into the category of "front-of-camera" tools: static avatars used in visual content without independent personas or social media presence. Unlike virtual influencers, they do not interact with audiences or build followings. Instead, they function strictly as visual stand-ins for traditional models, who are compensated for the use of their likenesses, similar to conventional campaigns. As these avatars do not speak, endorse or engage directly with consumers, they remain subject to traditional advertising regulations -- not influencer marketing laws. Digital models are used for operational efficiency: testing and refining creative strategies before rollout, reducing costs and potentially offering immersive digital experiences to enhance customer connection and brand loyalty. Authenticity and other challenges In July 2024, fast-fashion retailer Mango launched its first advertising campaign featuring AI-generated avatars to promote a limited-edition collection for teenaged girls. These AI-generated influencers and digital twins introduce numerous ethical and legal challenges. These innovations raise difficult questions about the displacement of human talent -- including models, make-up artists, hairstylists and photographers -- and broader implications for creative industries. Key concerns centre on consent and compensation. The unauthorised use of an individual's likeness, even in digital form, poses a risk of exploitation and underscores the importance of clear standards and protections. The legal landscape regarding image rights and intellectual property is still evolving, which makes compliance both essential and complex. As the lines between reality and digital fabrication blur, brands risk eroding consumer trust. The authenticity that audiences value can be undermined if AI-generated content seems deceptive or inauthentic. Companies must tread carefully, balancing innovation with transparency. Diversity is another critical issue. While AI offers customisation, it can also perpetuate biases or create an illusion of inclusivity without genuine representation. As the use of AI proliferates, ensuring that digital models support, rather than hinder, meaningful advancement in representation will be essential. Ultimately, brands must implement ethical frameworks to ensure that AI enhances creativity while maintaining integrity, inclusivity and legal accountability. Strategic considerations Digital clones provide fast-fashion brands with a powerful tool to create personalised shopping experiences and enable greater representation of diverse body types and style preferences. This degree of customisation can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. To ensure ethical integration, transparency is crucial. Brands must clearly disclose when digital models appear in campaigns. These digital representations should encompass a wide variety of demographics to genuinely promote inclusivity and engage with a broader audience. Establishing ethical and legal safeguards is equally important. Creating digital clones requires explicit consent and careful attention to intellectual property rights. Without clear guidelines and permissions, brands risk violating privacy, misusing likenesses and facing legal repercussions. (The Conversation) KRS KRS
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Virtual Influencer Market Size is Projected to Reach USD 111.78 Billion by 2033, Growing at a CAGR of 38.4%: Straits Research
The global virtual influencer market size was valued at USD 6.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 8.30 billion in 2025 to reach USD 111.78 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 38.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033). New York, United States, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A virtual influencer or CGI influencer is a digitally created character crafted using computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, or AI to represent a brand, personality, or influencer on social media and other digital platforms. These CGI influencers are designed to resemble real people, complete with distinct traits, backstories, and unique styles. They engage with audiences, promote products, and create content just like human influencers but are entirely virtual creations controlled by humans behind the scenes. Download Free Sample Report PDF @ Market Dynamics Growth in social media and digital marketing drives the global market The rapid growth of social media and digital marketing has played a pivotal role in amplifying the influence of virtual influencers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offer a vibrant space for virtual characters to display their creativity, engage with followers, and promote brands through interactive and visually appealing content. With the surge in online content consumption, particularly among younger audiences, CGI influencers have become an increasingly valuable asset in marketing. For example, as of October 2024, Kepios reports that there were 5.22 billion social media users worldwide, which makes up 63.8% of the global population. Moreover, 256 million new users joined these platforms in the past year alone. This continued rise in social media engagement creates significant opportunities for virtual influencers to connect with audiences and enhance digital marketing strategies. Integration with gaming and esports creates tremendous opportunities The growing popularity of esports and virtual gaming platforms presents a valuable opportunity for virtual influencers to engage with a new and active fan base. These platforms offer an exciting way for CGI influencers to connect with audiences and create brand partnerships through immersive virtual experiences. Increasingly, virtual influencers are being featured in gaming streams, allowing them to interact with users in real-time. For example, Lil Miquela, a virtual influencer created by Brud, has gained considerable popularity within the gaming and esports communities, especially through her appearances in games like Among Us. Her strong social media presence and unique digital persona have boosted brand awareness for the game, opening up fresh marketing and engagement opportunities in the gaming world. This integration highlights an emerging market for virtual influencers to expand their influence and reach. Regional Analysis North America is at the forefront of the global virtual influencer market, fueled by its advanced technological infrastructure, robust media presence, and numerous brand partnerships. The region has become a key player in developing virtual influencers and integrating them into mainstream marketing efforts. With a population increasingly focused on digital platforms, North America offers an ideal environment for these influencers to thrive. For example, in the U.S., 51.2% of social media users are women, which is slightly above the global average. Additionally, a remarkable 70.1% of the population actively engages with social platforms, further enhancing the growing influence of digital personas. Ask for Customization @ Key Highlights The global virtual influencer market size was valued at USD 6.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 8.30 billion in 2025 to reach USD 111.78 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 38.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033). Based on Type, the global virtual influencer market is divided into non-human and human avatars. The Non-human avatars segment owns the highest market share. Based on Offerings, the global virtual influencer market is divided into solutions and services The solution segment owns the highest market share. Based on End-Users, the market is divided into food & entertainment, sports & fitness, banking & finance, travel & holiday, fashion & lifestyle, and fashion & lifestyle segment dominates the global market. North America is the highest shareholder in the global market. Competitive Players Epic Games, Inc. Pinscreen Inc. Soul Machines NEON Superplastic Dapper Labs, Inc. UneeQ Limited Didimo Inc. Spatial Systems, Inc. DeepBrain AI Inc. REBLIKA Ogilvy Cafegroup Recent Developments June 2024 –UneeQ Limited announced an exciting partnership with NVIDIA at COMPUTEX 2024. This partnership aims to take digital humans to a whole new level by merging the company's cutting-edge digital human solutions with NVIDIA ACE technology to facilitate more accurate information sharing and improve user engagement. Segmentation By Type Non-Human Human Avatar By Offering Solutions Services By End-User Food & Entertainment Sports & Fitness Banking & Finance Travel & Holiday Fashion & Lifestyle Others By Regions North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America The Middle East and Africa Get Detailed Market Segmentation @ About Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. Straits Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision-makers. Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. provides actionable market research data, especially designed and presented for decision making and ROI. Whether you are looking at business sectors in the next town or crosswise over continents, we understand the significance of being acquainted with the client's purchase. We overcome our clients' issues by recognizing and deciphering the target group and generating leads with utmost precision. We seek to collaborate with our clients to deliver a broad spectrum of results through a blend of market and business research approaches. Phone: +1 646 905 0080 (U.S.) +44 203 695 0070 (U.K.) Email: sales@ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSign in to access your portfolio
