Influencers have been taking the marketing world by storm for several years now, leading to a significant change in the way brands approach advertising their products and services. The latest trend in the influencer world is the rise of virtual celebrity influencers, who are overtaking social media platforms with their impressive following and impact on their fan base.
What are virtual celebrity influencers?
Virtual celebrity influencers are computer-generated beings that have been programmed to look, act and talk like human beings. These virtual influencers use social media platforms to create and share content much like human influencers do but with a unique twist – they’re not real. Unlike their human counterparts, virtual celebrity influencers don’t have physical existence, and they exist purely on social media platforms.
Why are virtual celebrity influencers so popular?
There are several reasons for the popularity of virtual celebrity influencers. One of the main reasons is the ability to control them entirely, which allows marketers to tailor their message and brand identity precisely. Virtual influencers also avoid the pitfalls that are generally associated with human influencers, such as scandals, poor behaviour and personality conflicts. Additionally, virtual influencers appeal to a younger demographic that is more likely to engage with digital content and have a mindset open to experimentation.
How do virtual influencers differ from human influencers?
At first glance, there may not be much visible difference between virtual celebrity influencers and real-life influencers. However, taking a closer look, some notable differences can be observed. Firstly, virtual influencers don’t age, get tired or sick, which means they can create and share their content without interruption. Secondly, virtual influencers always look perfect, with no cellulite, wrinkles or blemishes that human influencers sometimes suffer from. Finally, virtual influencers are always on brand and stay on message, ensuring the message isn’t lost in translation.
Are virtual influencers the future of social media marketing?
The increasing popularity of virtual celebrity influencers suggests that they could very well be the future of social media marketing. Their growing influence and impact on their audience demonstrate that virtual influencers could soon be the norm, rather than the exception. However, it’s important to note that human influencers still hold a significant place in the marketing world, and virtual influencers may not be suitable for every brand or campaign. It remains to be seen how the relationship between human and virtual influencers will evolve in the future.
Examples of virtual celebrity influencers
Several virtual celebrity influencers have already created a considerable following on social media platforms. Some of the most popular are:
Lil Miquela
Lil Miquela is one of the most popular virtual influencers, with over 2.8 million followers on Instagram. She advocates for social activism and has collaborated with several brands such as Prada, Samsung and Calvin Klein. She’s also known for her ever-changing hairstyles and futuristic outfits.
Noonoouri
Noonoouri is a 19-year-old “digital fashion model” created by Joerg Zuber. She has worked with Dior, Versace and Prada, to name a few, and has over 330k followers on Instagram. She’s widely known for her avant-garde fashion sense and flashy lifestyle.
Sam
Sam is a more recent addition to the virtual influencer world, created by the 3D design agency Genies. Sam is also a social activist, advocating for mental health awareness and fighting climate change. Sam is significantly different from other virtual influencers, as he’s a 3D avatar that can be customized by his followers.
Conclusion
The rise of virtual celebrity influencers is an exciting development in the marketing world. The ability to control every aspect of their persona and message has significant advantages, and their growing influence on younger demographics cannot be ignored. While they may not replace human influencers altogether, virtual influencers will undoubtedly become more prevalent in the future. With the rapid advancements in technology, it’s only a matter of time before virtual influencers become even more realistic and life-like, making them an indispensable tool in any marketer’s arsenal.
If you’re curious about how virtual influencers can benefit your brand, it’s time to start exploring the possibilities. Who knows, you might find your brand’s perfect partner in a virtual influencer.
