15 AI Influencers Redefining Digital Marketing + Key Takeaways for Your Brand

Have you heard of AI influencers? Even if you’re not into virtual AI avatars, you’ve probably come across the buzz. Like human social media stars, these digital personalities have taken over platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Some have even landed deals with major global brands, earning millions for their creators.

So, what makes AI influencers so fascinating? From their perfectly curated personas to their ability to engage audiences in unique ways, these digital creations are changing how we think about online influence. Let’s dive in to discover who these AI influencers are and why they’ve captured the attention of fans and businesses alike.

What Exactly are AI Influencers?

AI influencers are digital personas created using artificial intelligence and 3D modeling to engage audiences on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, rather than human influencers.

Why AI Influencers Are Redefining Social Media

AI influencers are all the rage as of late. By using virtual models, savvy entrepreneurs have put a spin on the traditional social media influencers, giving us a sneak peek of things yet to come for content creators. The 3D avatars can be modified in any way you see fit, creating archetypes for just about any project (nerdy gamer, cute fashion influencer, aloof comedian – I think you get the picture!) all using a lifelike appearance and seemingly human experience.

A Growing Market

According to recent data from Influencer Marketing Hub, more than 60% of brands have already used AI influencers in their influencer marketing campaigns. This surge is fueled by brands seeking cost-effective ways to create highly customized, on-brand “personalities” that remain perpetually fresh, engaging, and controversy-free. A report from Gartner suggests that brands can achieve a 30% cost savings after incorporating AI influencers into their marketing mix.

Due to their current popularity, using virtual avatars might be more lucrative than hiring real influencers with millions of followers. With computer generated characters, you can attract lots of attention without having to spend too much money. Even better, the virtual characters aren’t affected by age, sickness, or medium, allowing graphic designers and marketers to create entities that will transcend time and space. 

The Technology and Creators Behind AI Influencers

These AI robots are made by all sorts of companies and digital enthusiasts. Many creators use them to promote their online stores, graphic design studios, and other businesses in the influencer space. There are also a few examples where a model was created to raise awareness regarding a certain environmental or social problem. 

In most cases, a company has a well-laid-out plan for why they’re creating one of these avatars. Their visual appearance is tailor-made for connecting with a certain target audience or accomplishing a company’s business goal. 

What to Know Before Creating Your AI Influencer

Thinking about creating your own AI influencer? It’s an exciting idea, but there are a few things to consider before diving in and leveraging this powerful tool.

Start by defining your purpose. Is this influencer going to represent your brand, connect with a specific audience, or promote a cause? The clearer your goals, the easier it will be to design an avatar that fits the bill. For example, a fun, quirky AI influencer might be perfect for reaching younger audiences, while a sleek, professional avatar could appeal to a business-savvy crowd.

Be prepared for the technical side. Creating a high-quality AI influencer requires advanced tools like 3D modeling software, animation programs, and even artificial intelligence platforms. If this sounds overwhelming, consider hiring a professional team or outsourcing to an agency experienced with using or working with AI-generated content.

Finally, think about the long-term commitment. AI influencers need consistent updates, new content, and ongoing management to stay relevant. They may not age or get sick, but their appeal can fade if they don’t keep up with trends. A clear strategy for maintaining their relevance will make all the difference in creating high-quality content.

Why Are Brands Embracing AI Influencers?

The concept of virtual influencers capitalizes on the current artificial intelligence fad. Although it’s hard to tell if the gimmick will still be popular ten years from now, there are a few good reasons why companies use these digital avatars to generate personalized social media content.

First and foremost, when you use AI-generated influencers, you have full control of their appearance. For example, you can create beautiful digital supermodels with alluring voices and mannerisms. This is especially important for single entrepreneurs who think their voice and image are inappropriate for social media. It also helps any foreign speaker with an accent or imperfect English.

Unlike real people, these virtual personalities won’t get your brand in trouble. They won’t start controversies or do anything that would jeopardize your brand the way human models might. As they’re digital models, you can easily transfer them to just about any online medium without losing a beat. Even better, with the right technology, they can also participate in real-life events. 

High-Profile Brand Success

Leveraging virtual AI influencers is already beyond the experimental stage, as major brands are already beginning to reap the benefits.

• H&M saw an 11x increase in ad recall by featuring AI influencers in their video ads on Instagram
• Calvin Klein‘s collaboration with Lil Miquela (featured below) resulted in a whopping 60% increase in social media engagement
• Virtual influencers outperform human influencers, sparking an engagement rate of 2.84% compared to 1.72% for old-fashioned humans.

These early successes highlight how a well-designed AI influencer can captivate diverse audiences and drive concrete results, from boosted brand sentiment to higher click-through rates.

How to Collaborate with an AI Influencer

Collaborating with an AI influencer can open new doors for your brand. These digital personalities offer endless creative possibilities while eliminating the risk of the public scandals or unpredictable behaviors often seen from human models.

But how do you get started?

First, choose an AI influencer whose style and audience align with your brand. For example, if you’re in the fashion industry, look for digital avatars known for their cutting-edge looks or partnerships with high-end brands. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok are great places to find AI influencers dominating these niches for luxury fashion brands.

Next, clarify your goals. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or build a community? Clearly defining your goals will help you work closely with the creators behind these AI personalities to craft campaigns that deliver results. For instance, you might use an AI influencer to launch a new product by having them showcase it in creative, futuristic ways.

Finally, focus on authenticity. Even though AI influencers aren’t human, their audiences expect them to feel relatable and consistent. Collaborate on storytelling that feels natural and builds trust, ensuring your brand comes across as innovative and connected.

Practical Tips for Leveraging AI Influencers

Adding an AI influencer to your marketing lineup can feel like uncharted territory, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few simple ways to make your campaign shine:

1. Set Clear Objectives. Decide early if you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, generate sales, or build a community. This clarity informs the entire collaboration, from the AI influencer’s personality traits to the type of content they’ll create.
2. Research Thoroughly. Before picking an AI influencer, explore their social media profiles, audience demographics, product endorsements, and past brand partnerships. For instance, if your target market is Gen Z, align with an avatar known for fashion-forward content on TikTok or Instagram.
3. Craft a Narrative. Even though these influencers aren’t human, storytelling still matters. Plan content arcs around your product launch, event, or campaign theme. A well-structured narrative keeps audiences engaged and encourages them to follow the “life” of your AI personality.
4. Mix Human and AI Collaboration. Pair AI influencers with real people for a balanced approach. Team up with a human creator who resonates with your audience, then let the AI influencer add a futuristic spin to the content. This synergy can spark conversation and highlight your brand’s innovative edge without losing the interactive experiences provided by human influencers.
5. Monitor Metrics and Adapt. Keep track of likes, comments, conversions—whatever metrics matter to you. Use that data to refine your messaging or switch platforms if needed. AI influencers can adapt fast, but remember: you’re still in the driver’s seat.

By implementing these tips, you’ll not only streamline your collaboration with AI influencers but also ensure that each campaign aligns perfectly with your brand goals and honors the ethical questions raised by AI use, as I’ll discuss in greater detail below.

15 AI Influencers Redefining Social Media

Interestingly enough, most of the featured AI models were created more than five years ago. Like their human counterparts, it took quite a while for some of them to grab the public’s attention. 

In the following section, I’ll go through the 15 most popular robot influencers, explaining why they became popular, who made them, and what kind of industry they cater to. 

1. Lil Miquela

Lil Miquela, or Miquela Sousa, is a 19-year-old robot of Brazilian descent living in the US. According to rumors, the character was inspired by British supermodel Emily Bado and has been scorching the social media timeline since 2016.

The storyline follows Miquela as she strives to become one of the biggest fashion ambassadors in the world. Some of her more notable content involves projects with Calvin Klein, Prada, and Bella Hadid.

Like many other CGI influencers, Miquela became popular because of the concept’s novelty. Although she has interesting storylines, where she’s portrayed as a singer and fashion critic, the digital influencer became renowned for her cute appearance. Lil Miquela posts in English and was made by Sara DeCou and Trevor McFedries. 

2. Imma

An interesting thing about Imma is that she was the first Japanese virtual avatar. First appearing in 2018, she quickly captivated international audiences with her curiosity and constant questioning of her existence. Besides being a fashion model, Imma shows a keen interest in anything related to Japanese and global music and art.

The main reason why Imma became so popular so quickly has to do with her unique appearance. With a petite build and peculiar pink bob, she stood out from other, more generic virtual entities. The AI-driven influencer was created by ModelingCafe, a Tokyo-based company specializing in CG.

During her short career, Imma was featured in numerous influencer campaigns, partnering with brands such as Puma, Adidas, Ikea, Porshe, and Balmain. 

3. Lu do Magalu

Lu do Magalu, also known as Lu of Magalu among English speakers, is a Brazilian AI-powered influencer who posts strictly in Portuguese. Being one of the oldest digital humans, dating back to 2009, she was introduced during a Magazine Luiza (Magalu) campaign promoting iBlogTV. Since then, the company has used the model for all sorts of campaigns, including unboxing, software tips, and product reviews.

Lu’s career was directly connected to Magazine Luiza’s business strategy. Over the years, she became the face of the company, being featured in most of their promotional material and on their website. Besides the brand’s campaigns, Lu do Magalu also participated in Brazilian Dancing with the Stars, numerous music videos, and various charitable events. 

Further Reading: AI and Virtual Influencers: What is Their Role in Influencer Marketing? (with examples)

4. Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the most controversial AI-generated models on our list, often being in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. From denying climate change to supporting Trump during his electoral campaign, there’s little this AI entity won’t do to attract attention. Among other things, she gained notoriety during her turbulent friendship with Miquela. 

Like most entities on the list, Bermuda is mostly known for her involvement in the fashion and music industry. The AI robot was created in 2016 by Brud, the same company that created Miquela and posts exclusively in English. Mercedez Benz and Chanel are just two companies that the virtual model worked with. 

5. Shudu Gram

Shudu Gram is a South African model in her 20s who lives in Great Britain. She is a brainchild of The Diigitals Agency and Cameron James, the same creator who ideated Brenn and Koffi. Unfortunately, this has led to numerous controversies as she was presented as a black female model created by a white man. 

Many AI experts consider Shudu to be the first real digital supermodel. Since her inception in 2017, she has promoted many brands, including Smart Car, Balmain, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. The robot gained popularity in 2018 when Fenty Beauty reposted one of her Instagram posts. 

Among other things, the digital entity became popular for her fight for robot rights. It’s also worth noting that Shudu Gram doesn’t speak in any of her posts. 

6. bee_nfluencer

Bee Influencer is one of the most adorable virtual entities found online. Created by the Fondation de France in 2019, this virtual insect is here to spread the environmental messages to everyone willing to listen. The model took off almost immediately upon inception, becoming popular for its unique appearance and eco-friendly posts.

The foundation posts all the messages in English, trying to reach as many people as possible. With Bee Influencer, the organization tries to protect the French and European bee colonies, which disappear at an alarming rate of 30%. 

Further Reading: How to Become an Influencer (in Any Industry) in 13 Easy Steps

7. Noonoouri

Noonoouri took the world by storm when she was first introduced in 2018 by Joerg Zuber and Opium Effect. Portraying a 19-year-old German girl with massive starry eyes, the model communicates with its audience in German and English. In fact, the cartoonish appearance is what made this digital entity stand out from the likes of Bermuda and Lu do Magalu, whose physical appearances function as important parts of their work.

Although most known for her music videos (signed by Warner Music record label), the virtual avatar is also heavily involved in the eco-friendly fashion industry. Over the years, she has partnered with top brands and names such as Donatella Versace, Iris van Herpen, and Zuhair Murad. She is heavily invested in various charitable and environmental work. 

8. Thalasya 

Most people recognize Thalasya as the first Indonesian virtual human who communicates with her audience exclusively in her native tongue. She became popular while traveling the country, acting as a great tourist ambassador for Indonesia. Like many foreign AI models, she eventually found her way to the US, where she did lots of marketing projects. 

For the most part, Thalasya works with tourism and food-related industries and is the official ambassador of Chocolatos ID. However, she also manages Yipiiiii fashion store alongside her friend Zeline. Thalasya was made by Magnavem Studio, while Ind Alliance creates all her music. 

9. Rozy

Rozy, or Rozy Oh, is 21 and hails from Seoul, Korea. She was generated in 2020 by Sidus Studio-X and uses Korean and English to connect to her audience. The thing that makes her stand out from the other models is her hyperrealism; Rozy has unique factual features and facial expressions that mimic those of human influencers.

If you check her content on social media platforms, you’ll notice that Rozy leads a dynamic lifestyle. Besides being a model, a DJ, and a singer, she also loves all sorts of extreme sports like skateboarding and surfing. Similar to other AI avatars on the list, Rozy also supports various environmental causes.  

Further Reading: Influencer Marketing Strategy for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

10. K/DA

K/DA was an interesting project made by Riot, a major gaming company from the US. The company gathered some of its major playable characters from League of Legends (Ahri, Akali, Kai’Sa, and Evelynn) and created a music band reminiscent of K-POP groups. As you can presume, all their songs were performed in English by a mix of American and Korean singers. 

The band made its appearance during the 2018 League of Legends World Championship when they had an augmented reality live performance. Their featured song, “Pop/Stars,” immediately took off on social media, becoming the most popular K-POP song debut of all time. Since then, the group has been featured all over the place, and you can get their songs via Spotify and other music platforms. 

11. Qai Qai

Qai Qai was created in 2017 by Invisible Universe while making her social media debut in 2018. The baby AI robot was a gift for Olympia, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s daughter. Presumably, one of the parents is running the account, which mostly focuses on baby-themed content such as nursery songs.

Given the couple’s popularity, the doll gained fame almost instantly upon introduction. One of her main characters is hyperrealism and a large number of expressions for an AI robot. Besides being featured in songs and picture books, Qai Qai was also used as a basis for the same-named dolls. 

Further Reading: 25 Best AI Tools for Marketing and Business

12. Guggimon

This scary, bunny-like character saw the light of day in 2019. Created by Superplastic and Paul Budnitz, the virtual character hails from Montreal, Canada, and doesn’t speak in his videos. In most cases, he is featured alongside Janky, another company’s creation, and you can find him on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Although Guggimon caught attention almost immediately, he went viral after partnering with Cristie’s auction house. After that, the character was also featured in Fortnite as one of the playable skins. As a comedy character, Guggimon is mostly shown exacting violence at Janky in a Tom-and-Jerry fashion. 

13. Any Malu

Somewhere between a cartoon character and a virtual influencer, Any Malu is a Brazilian AI web personality created in 2015.  She speaks Portuguese and English, depending on the audience, and is among the most likable AI characters you can find online. Most of her content involves funky cartoons and sketches, with young kids being the target audience. 

Any Malu was initially meant to be a virtual spokesperson for Combo Estudio, according to the company manager, Marcelo Pereira, the studio intended to showcase its portfolio by creating a digital avatar and sharing it via YouTube. After gaining enormous popularity, the company got a deal from Cartoon Network to feature Any in her own show. 

14. Ion Göttlich

The most famous sports influencer on the list, Ion Göttlich, is an Italian cyclist who stars in his own web show. Built like a truck, he gets caught in all sorts of shenanigans with his sidekick. The character was first shown in 2015 and was made by a South African digital professional, Claudio Pavan. In his skits, Ion doesn’t talk, and most of the comedy revolves around different situations. 

The AI model gained global recognition in 2018 when it was used as a promotional figure for the track cycling World Cup held in France. Later on, Ion was hired as a commentator for Eurosports and was involved in all sorts of sports commercials. 

Further Reading: 16 Compelling Influencer Marketing Examples to Inspire Your Next Campaign

15. Milla Sofia

Milla Sofia is a creation by Amber Raiken, a Finnish digital enthusiast. The 24-year-old captivated the world with its beauty, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after AI fashion models. Although the model doesn’t talk, it still makes quite a statement with incredible photos. The AI character works as a brand ambassador for a Finnish retail store Tyyliluuri. 

The Ethical Side of AI Influencers

As AI influencers grow in popularity, so do questions about their ethical implications. On the one hand, they’re praised for their creativity and innovation. On the other, some critics worry about their impact on diversity, transparency, and the jobs of human influencers.

One major concern is representation. While AI influencers can be designed to reflect all kinds of cultures and identities, some critics argue that they oversimplify complex social issues. For instance, Shudu Gram—a black digital supermodel created by a white designer—sparked debates about cultural appropriation and representation in the fashion industry.

Transparency is another hot topic. Audiences want to know if the personality they’re following is human or AI. Failing to disclose that an influencer is artificial can lead to mistrust. Brands working with AI influencers should always be upfront about their non-human nature.

Finally, there’s the question of fairness. With their polished perfection and lack of human limitations, AI influencers could overshadow real creators who bring authentic stories and connections to the table. To use AI influencers responsibly, brands should balance their use with partnerships involving human influencers to foster an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem that pairs machine learning and standard influencer culture.

How to Ethically Integrate AI Influencers into Your Marketing Strategy

Navigating the ethical landscape of AI influencers can feel daunting, especially as brands race to capture audiences in new, tech-forward ways. Yet balancing innovation with transparency and respect for human creators is both achievable and essential. Here are a few steps to guide you:

Disclose AI Origins Clearly

Transparency is king when it comes to earning trust. If your audience has no idea they’re interacting with a digital avatar, they may feel deceived once they find out. Make it clear that your influencer is AI-powered by adding a note in the influencer’s bio or accompanying promotional material. This small act of honesty can go a long way in building authentic connections.

Champion Diversity and Inclusion

Digital avatars have the potential to represent an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. If you’re creating or collaborating with AI influencers, make conscious decisions about cultural representation, body types, and abilities. Thoughtful design ensures you’re not inadvertently contributing to stereotypes or cultural insensitivity.

Promote Responsible Messaging

Because AI influencers are carefully programmed, brands maintain unprecedented control over what they say and do. Use this advantage for positive impact—avoid perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards or harmful ideologies. Instead, center messages around values your brand can stand by, whether it’s sustainability, empowerment, or social change.

Maintain a Human Touch

AI influencers can be powerful amplifiers, but they shouldn’t entirely replace genuine human voices. Collaborate with real creators—particularly those who bring unique perspectives and life experiences that no algorithm can replicate. By combining AI’s technical flair with human authenticity, you foster a well-rounded and inclusive campaign.

Stay Up-to-Date on Regulatory Guidelines

This space is evolving quickly, and global regulations surrounding AI, data privacy, and influencer disclosures are still in flux. Keep an eye on new laws and industry guidelines to ensure you’re always on the right side of compliance. Your brand can then remain nimble and credible as expectations around AI usage shift.

By proactively addressing these ethical considerations, you can showcase AI influencers as an asset rather than a liability. When used responsibly, they have the potential to spark engagement, creativity, and fresh narratives—while still uplifting the real people and stories that ground our social media communities.

Are AI Influencers the Future of Digital Influence?

AI influencers are here to stay, offering unparalleled opportunities for brands to innovate and connect with audiences. By balancing creativity, transparency, and inclusivity, businesses can harness the power of these digital personas to drive growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.