Social media influencers greatly impact how people shop and find entertainment online. While traditionally most content creators have been regular people, advancements in AI are starting to change the game with AI influencers becoming more popular. These virtual characters upload posts and talk to followers, which can be a great marketing tool.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of AI influencers: what they are, how they work, and the benefits of using them in social media marketing. You’ll also get a sneak peek at some of the top AI influencers on Instagram and learn how to create one yourself.
What’s an AI Influencer?
Traditional influencers are people who build a following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by posting videos and interacting with their viewers. However, folks no longer have to be in front of the camera to make content. Instead, they can use artificial intelligence to generate virtual influencers to star in social media posts. Just like real people, these creators post selfies on Instagram, run TikTok channels, and even produce music.
AI influencers range from cartoonish characters to full-body avatars who can move and talk in natural ways. They can engage with audiences, create content, and affect consumer decisions just as effectively as humans. People tailor every part of these virtual characters to audience preferences, which is why they’re so successful.
While there are plenty of reasons someone may want to create an AI avatar, major brands typically use them for marketing. For instance, companies like Prada, Calvin Klein, and IKEA work with AI influencers to make advertising campaigns.
However, existing content creators may also find these avatars useful. Captions’ AI Twin allows you to create a virtual copy of yourself so you’re always ready for the camera. After making your twin, you can generate videos with AI — no filming required.
Benefits of AI Influencers
With AI influencers growing in popularity, consider adding them to your own content strategy.
Here are a few key benefits of AI influencers.
Simple
Building an account for an AI avatar is easy with Captions’ AI Influencer Generator. You can choose from a diverse range of characters and create high-quality videos for your brand without ever tapping the record button.
Creative
AI influencers open up endless possibilities for storytelling. Since virtual characters aren’t limited by human constraints, you can use them to create amazing scenarios and visuals that capture attention.
Whether it’s building a futuristic storyline or filming in fictional locations, AI influencers let you stretch your imagination in exciting ways. These personas offer the flexibility to explore new concepts and experiment with content styles.
On Brand
AI influencer marketing offers you greater control over brand messaging. They’re fully customizable, which means you can decide exactly what the influencer says, how they act, and even their appearance. This makes it easier to keep content aligned with your social media goals.
Convenient
Since AI influencers don’t come with the challenges of working with real-life creators, it’s easier to use them across multiple campaigns. For instance, you won’t need to worry about scheduling conflicts or travel needs. Instead, these avatars are always ready to star in a new post, so you can speed up your content creation process.
Customizable
You can design AI influencers’ appearance and personality to suit your target audience perfectly. Customization is easy, whether you’re looking for a fashion-forward Gen Z or tech-savvy millennial. This ensures every detail of the character’s persona, from their style to their values, connects with the right people.
Cost-Effective
Although there’s an initial investment to create an AI influencer, they don’t need salaries or other ongoing costs that human influencers require.
A 2024 Harvard Business Review report noted that a human influencer with a large following — often in the millions — can charge up to $200,000 per upload. In contrast, popular AI social media influencer Lil Miquela typically receives around $9,000 per post.
Plus, you can reuse or update them for future campaigns without starting from scratch, providing even more value over time.
How Do AI Influencers Work?
People create AI influencers using different technologies, depending on their needs. Some use high-tech 3D modeling and CGI, while others rely on simpler tools like image generators. No matter how creators make AI avatars, they all share a common goal: to create a persona that connects with an audience.
Here’s how they operate:
- Building a persona — AI allows creators to develop detailed characters with specific traits like humor, values, and goals. This helps influencers connect with their audience and keep a consistent, relatable personality across all platforms.
- Making content — Influencers can quickly generate posts, images, and videos using various tools. While AI creates most of the content, some uploads rely on human input for a more polished touch.
- Talking to viewers — Virtual characters use AI to read follower comments and respond in real time. They can also adapt based on these conversations to increase future engagement.
While AI handles much of the work, an individual or team oversees the influencer’s activities. Humans take on tasks like planning campaigns, managing content, and aligning with brand messaging and goals.
To lighten this load, let Captions’ Social Studio handle your social media strategy. Our platform can craft a custom content plan, generate videos starring AI avatars, and post across your accounts. This makes managing social media effortless, letting you focus on growing your brand while AI handles the day-to-day tasks.
Top 6 AI Influencers on Instagram
Looking for inspiration on how to create an AI influencer for your brand? Check out these six virtual stars who are already making waves on Instagram:
- Lu do Magalu (7.4M followers) — Retail giant Magalu manages this Brazilian AI influencer. She promotes products across categories like electronics, fashion, and beauty.
- Lil Miquela (2.5M followers) — Lil Miquela is a virtual model, influencer, and musician who’s made a significant impact online. Created by media firm Brud, she’s known for her stylish photoshoots and collaborations with big brands like Prada and Calvin Klein.
- Imma (400k followers) — Japan’s first virtual influencer, Imma, makes edgy, fashion-forward content and has worked with global brands like IKEA and Puma.
- Leya Love (600k followers) — Avatar media company CosmiQ Universe runs this account. Leya’s content focuses on spreading positivity and love, often involving inspirational messages and collaborations with wellness brands.
- Noonoouri (500k followers) — Creative agency Opium Effect made Noonoouri, a cartoonish influencer known for her bold fashion choices and sustainable values. She’s worked with luxury brands like Dior and signed with Warner Music.
- Aitana Lopez (340k followers) — AI modeling agency The Clueless created Aitana. She’s a rising star in the virtual influencer world, combining elements of tech and lifestyle to captivate her growing audience.
Create Your Own AI Influencer With Captions
If you’re ready to add an AI influencer to your own content, try Captions. Simply select one of our avatars, generate a script, and watch the platform make videos tailored to your target audience. Or, use AI Twin to capture your likeness and become the face of your own profiles.
No matter your social media strategy, Captions can help.
FAQs
How Do AI Influencers Impact Traditional Influencer Marketing?
Traditional influencers can use AI marketing to their advantage. Using technology like Captions’ AI Twin, social media stars can make virtual versions of themselves and use these avatars in big brands’ marketing campaigns. With this strategy, content creators no longer need to travel or film in order to work with a company — instead, they can make posts with a click of a button.
How Much Do AI Influencers Make?
Top AI influencers like Lil Miquela make millions per year from brand collaborations. Earnings vary depending on factors like follower count and campaign involvement. Like human influencers, AI creators tend to make more money as they gain popularity.
What Companies Use AI Influencers?
Global brands like Prada, Calvin Klein, IKEA, and Puma have all partnered with AI influencers. These companies use virtual creators to connect with tech-savvy audiences and push creative marketing boundaries.