Top 10 AI Virtual Influencers That Are Challenging Human Influencers In Real

This article provides an overview of virtual influencers, their creation, and their impact on the digital marketing landscape. In particular, it focuses on ai influencers and their growing role in the creator economy.

Virtual influencers work by being digitally created characters, brought to life through computer generated imagery, managed by teams of designers, marketers, and strategists who craft their every post. They produce content, engage with communities, and collaborate with brands on various platforms such as Instagram, connecting with audiences around the world.

Yes, you heard that right. That’s what the digitally created character and virtual influencer Lil Miquela reportedly earns from brand partnerships. She is arguably one of the most prominent virtual influencers, and she doesn’t even step foot in a photo studio, saving costs as well as making huge revenue. Virtual influencers can generate up to 13% higher initial engagement compared to traditional influencers due to their novelty.

Another example is of a 19-year-old AI influencer and model from Munich, also making a great amount of money from partnerships. These ai influencers are available 24/7, can be instantly updated or programmed to communicate in multiple languages, never age, can speak any language, and can ‘travel’ to any place, providing adaptability for brands.

These influencers are often spread worldwide and managed either by a team or a professional individual. Data plays a crucial role in optimizing their performance and content, as brands analyze engagement metrics to inform strategies. Most virtual influencers are accessible to brands of all sizes and still require human creativity to remain relevant and engaging.

58% of people in the US follow at least one virtual influencer, highlighting their popularity and reach.

Let’s take a look at the world’s top 10 ai virtual influencers which are all human created through ai influencer generator apps like Creatify AI, Glambase, and similar kind.

Understanding AI Virtual Influencer?

AI virtual influencers, also known as CGI influencers, are a subset of virtual influencers. A virtual influencer is a digitally created character crafted using computer generated imagery and AI technology. These characters are designed to be active on social media and engage with loyal followers who consume their content.

Virtual influencers work by producing digital content, collaborating with brands, and interacting with their audience, much like regular social media influencers—they share content, endorse products, and engage with followers.

However, they lack real-world physical presence and cannot personally test the products they promote. Their content and engagement strategies are optimized using data, which helps improve their performance and relevance.

They look like humans but different from them in the following ways.

• Never miss a deadline
• Can defy physics
• Shape-shift to match your brand
• They never sleep and so work even at 3AM
• Can be conveyed in multi-languages, emotions, and expressions.

Benefits of Virtual Influencers

The rise of virtual influencers is transforming the influencer marketing landscape, offering brands a fresh and innovative way to connect with audiences. Unlike traditional human influencers, virtual influencer marketing leverages computer-generated personas, also known as virtual avatars, to deliver brand messages with unmatched creative control and consistency.

Brands can fully manage these digital supermodels, ensuring that every campaign aligns perfectly with their vision and values, which significantly enhances brand safety.

One of the standout benefits of virtual influencers is cost efficiency. Since these AI-generated characters don’t require travel, physical sets, or wardrobe changes, brands can save on production costs while still producing high-quality, engaging content.

Virtual influencers are also available around the clock, making it easy to launch global campaigns without the logistical headaches that often come with coordinating real people across time zones.

AI technology and generative AI have enabled the creation of some of the most popular virtual influencers, such as Lil Miquela, who boasts millions of Instagram followers. These computer-generated personas interact with their audience, create compelling content, and engage in brand partnerships just like human creators.

Their ability to emotionally engage consumers, by expressing a range of personalities, styles, and even values, makes them powerful tools for brands looking to stand out in a crowded marketing industry.

Virtual influencers also offer unique advantages in terms of creative control. Brands can design every aspect of a virtual model’s appearance, personality, and messaging, ensuring that campaigns remain on-brand and free from unexpected controversies.

This level of control is especially appealing to big brands and marketers who prioritize brand safety and consistency in their influencer marketing strategies.

The impact of virtual influencers on consumer behavior is particularly notable among Gen Z. Nearly half of Gen Z consumers follow virtual influencers on social media, and many report being influenced by AI creators when making purchasing decisions.

This trend highlights the growing acceptance of AI-generated content and the potential for virtual influencer marketing to reach younger, digitally native audiences.

The creator economy is also evolving as more designers and AI creators develop digitally created characters for brand work. The use of generative AI allows for the rapid creation of realistic, high-quality virtual avatars that can be used across various marketing campaigns, further expanding the possibilities for brands and advertisers.

However, the rise of virtual influencers does raise important questions about transparency and authenticity. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it’s crucial for brands to be open about their use of virtual influencers and ensure that consumers understand when they’re engaging with a computer-generated character rather than a real person. This transparency helps maintain trust and fosters genuine connections between brands and their audiences.

In summary, the benefits of virtual influencers, from cost efficiency and creative control to emotional engagement and brand safety, make them a valuable asset in the modern marketing toolkit.

As the marketing industry continues to evolve, more brands are expected to embrace virtual influencer marketing, leveraging the power of AI technology to create innovative, effective campaigns that resonate with today’s consumers.

With top virtual influencers like Imma and Shudu already making waves in the industry, the future of influencer marketing is undeniably virtual.

10 of the coolest Virtual Influencers on Instagram

1. Lu of Magalu

• Instagram handle: @magazineluiza
• Instagram followers: 7.1M
• Origin: Brazil

Lu of Magalu, recognized as the most followed virtual influencer and serving as the face of Magazine Luiza, is a pioneering digital supermodel. Created by Brazilian retail brand Magalu in 2009, she represents Magazine Luiza in various campaigns. Presently, she is being advanced through AI technologies and widely appeared on YouTube to promote iBlogTV on behalf of Magazine Luiza.

She delights their followers with unboxing videos, product reviews, and software tips. She is popular worldwide but largely in her homeland of Brazil.

Highlights:

• Lu of Magalu has collaborated with 40 brands on Instagram in the last 12 months.
• Her top branded posts are from the car brand Chevrolet.
• She has partnerships with Samsung, Microsoft, and Intel.

2. Lil Miquela

• Instagram handle: @lilmiquela
• Instagram followers: 2.6M
• Origin: United States

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BMW (@bmw)

Lil Miquela is arguably one of the most influential people on the internet, recognized for her widespread digital impact and presence across social media platforms. In competition with Lu of Magalu virtual influencer, Miquela Sousa is a Brazilian-American 19-year-old created and owned by American AI company Brud.

She has done tremendous work and has been interviewed for many magazines and media outlets such as The Guardian, and BuzzFeed.

Highlights:

• She is rumored to make $10 million a year.
• Miquela collaborated with 91 Brands on Instagram.
• She promoted Hugo Boss, BMW, Red Bull, and more.
• Lil Miquela has partnered with brands like Prada, Pacsun, and Calvin Klein.

3. Shudu

• Instagram handle: @shudu.gram
• Instagram followers: 239k
• Origin: United States

Shudu is a digital supermodel and the world’s first black virtual supermodel and influencer. Fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson created her in 2017.

She is a digital fashion icon, using advanced technology to display the latest styles and trends. As a digital supermodel, Shudu represents diversity and innovation in fashion campaigns, collaborating with major brands to authentically showcase different perspectives. She is popular in fashion photography, appearing in editorials and brand promotions.

Highlights:

• She has even been featured in Vogue.
• Shudu collaborated with 18 Brands on Instagram.
• Her posts are featured on Vogue and Warner Brothers.

4. Noonoouri

• Instagram handle: @noonoouri
• Instagram followers: 472k
• Origin: Germany

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A post shared by noonoouri (@noonoouri)

Noonoouri is a well-known digital influencer represented by IMG Models.

Another from Munich, Germany, she “lives” in Paris. She uses her iconic beauty to highlight fashion, art, and technology. She gained popularity when she collaborated with renowned brands like Versace and Balenciaga.

Highlights:

• Her audience is 67% female. Almost half are 18-24.
• Her top branded posts feature Versace and Warner Bros.
• Noonoouri is a popular partner for luxury fashion brands.

5. Aitana Lopez

• Instagram handle: @fit_aitana
• Instagram followers: 325k
• Origin: Spain

Aitana López is the first AI model and a 25-year-old virtual influencer from Barcelona, Spain. You will luke at its beauty, but a digital creation made by The Clueless in 2023. She’s into video games and fitness.

On Instagram, Aitana has over 325,000 followers and shares her virtual life. She collaborates with big brands like Nike and reportedly earns up to €10,000 a month.

Highlights:

• She has collaborated with 34 Brands on Instagram.
• Aitana is changing how companies advertise online.
• Aitana’s audience is 69% female. Over half (54%) are 18-24.

6. Imma

• Instagram handle: @imma.gram
• Instagram followers: 389k
• Origin: Japan

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A post shared by imma (@imma.gram)

Originated from Japan, she is first virtual model and a pioneer in virtual modeling. Till now, she has been
collaborating with top fashion brands like Valentino and Nike.

Imma loves fashion, art, films, and Japanese culture. She stands out with her bright pink bob and bangs.

Highlights:

• Imma’s audience is 57% female and 43% male.
• She reached over 4 million users with just 49 posts and others.
• She collabs and works with Coach, Apple Guess, Alexander Wang, and more.

7. Rozy

• Instagram handle: @rozy.gram
• Instagram followers: 170k
• Origin: South Korea

One and only in korea, Rozy is a virtual influencer created by Sidus Studio-X. Korean folks call her ‘GamSeong JangIn’ which means ‘expression expert’.

Her official Instagram account highlights her glamorous lifestyle, featuring shopping sprees, relaxing by the pool, trips to exotic places like Singapore, golf outings, and fine dining.

Highlights:

• Rozy collaborated with 5 brands on Instagram.
• She reached over 43k users with 3 posts.
• 65% of her followers are based in Korea.

8. Leya Love

• Instagram handle: @leyalovenature
• Instagram followers: 555k
• Origin: Unknown (but belongs to planet Earth)

Gorgeous and humble, Leya Love virtual influencer aims to inspire people and bring them together while spreading awareness about important issues on a global scale.

Unlike fashion and shopping, she cares about climate activism, art, mental health, animals, the metaverse, and creativity.

Highlights:

• Leya has worked with 4 brands including Volkswagen.
• Leya’s love audience is 57% female between age 25-35.
• This virtual influencer is a co-author of the bestselling book too.

9. Kyra

• Instagram handle: @kyraonig
• Instagram followers: 266k
• Origin: India

Kyra is India’s first virtual influencer, created by Himanshu Goel in 2022. She loves yoga, traveling, and empowerment.

She calls herself a “dream chaser, model, and traveler.” Kyra often posts about her travels, yoga sessions, and
motivates her followers to focus on self-improvement and live their best lives.

Highlights:

• Kyra collaborated with 4 brands on Instagram.
• Kyra’s audience is 72% female ages 25 and 34.
• She was also featured on Shark Tank India.

10. Milla Sofia

• Instagram handle: @millasofiafin
• Instagram followers: 164k
• Origin: Finland

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A post shared by Milla Sofia (@millasofiafin)

Milla Sofia from Finland. She is the first virtual influencer and a 24-year-old fashion model. Extremely powered by Artificial Intelligence, she looks incredibly realistic but doesn’t physically exist.

She is more than just her looks because she’s a fashion lover ready to make an impact in the industry.

Highlights:

• She is into fashion, technology, and creativity.
• She is currently collaborating with Tyyliluuri as reported.
• Milla Sofia’s audience is 57% female, between age 18 to 25.

Final Thoughts

Indeed, virtual influencers bring a cool and eye-catching twist to your brand. All these virtual influencer either CGI created or through the use of application empowering brands to market their ideas in a unique and easy way.

Additionally, these can bring severe cost reduction in content production or hiring professionals for the shoot and model, alike.

By leveraging AI influencer generator apps, you can generate digital influence for social media on your own. Give it a try and boost your brand presence!