AI Influencers: Can They Steal Spotlight from Humans?

This is the influencer era and you all have evolved into thinking creatively over time because of social media. I want you to imagine an influencer who doesn’t take sick leaves, doesn’t have scandals and can look perfect in any setting, I mean it, literally. AI influencers are basically CGI influencers. These darlings are computer-generated personas that are reshaping the influencer culture. They’re always active on social media, surprisingly have loyal fans and can perform everything their human counterparts can without the drama. Sounds interesting and futuristic?

You must be aware of AI mommy, Kavya Mehra, if not, go check out our previous article Here! Now, let’s get into details and read deeper!

What Exactly is an AI Influencer?

An AI influencer is a character created entirely by computers. No late-night editing, no tantrums, no existential crises, they are just perfect pixelated beings crafted to suit any scenario. Unlike human influencers, they exist only in the digital realm. They are as simple as a blend of creativity, artificial intelligence and bits of sci-fi magic.

Are AI Influencers the Buzzword?

AI influencers are not just quirky experiments or entertainment toys on social media. They’re a serious business tool. At the recent Business Today AI Conference 2024, Abhishek Razdan, Co-Founder of Avtr Meta Labs, showcased India’s first AI-powered virtual influencer, Naina. She has over 400,000 Instagram followers and 120,000 YouTube subscribers. She’s already got an online family in the influencer world.

Razdan says AI influencers are game-changers: “They are ageless, speak multiple languages and can be tailored to specific needs.”
What he says is absolutely right! They can communicate in diverse languages without regional barriers and will reach a wider audience. With such AI influencers, brands can reach influencers who cater to vast demographics or varied cultures. A single character that connects with audiences across India, from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari, while staying consistent in task, tone and messaging.

Let me introduce you to Indian AI Stars.

• Kyra (@kyraonig) is India’s first AI content creator by FUTR Studios. From Instagram to the MET Gala, she’s everywhere. Is she portraying what it means to be an actual influence?

• Naina (@naina_avtr) is a 22-year-old “influencer” from Jhansi who handles celebrity interviews, fitness reels and modelling gigs. With over 3 lakh followers, she’s become a Gen-Z icon. When she started, brands didn’t know they actually needed her.

• Tia Sharma (@tiasharma.ai) is a fashionista created by actress Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar. She predicts trends, works with luxury brands and has sass without the stress.

• Sravya (@sravyagram) is another FUTR Studios creation. She is an MBA polyglot who just erased many lines between virtual and reality. She’s gathered fans from across many states.

• Maya (@maya_unlimited) is Myntra’s in-house AI stylist trying to overtake digital fashion. She feels like a personal stylist and can never make a mistake on her own.

What are the Perks of Partnering with Pixels than People?

Let’s not kid ourselves, if you are a brand and are working with human influencers, you might have seen missed deadlines, PR disasters or disagreements over creative directions. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

Look at the AI influencers, for what they are, every brand’s dream.

• Deadline dodgers? I think they have yet to hear of them.
• Shoot locations? Done without tickets, travel and jet lag.
• Customisations? Can they shape-shift to match your vision? Certainly, yes!
• Scandals? Never, no emotions or skeletons in their virtual closets.

AI influencers are cost-effective in the long run. Once created, they can be infinitely reusable and adaptable. Their creators offer them as a lucrative prospect for brands to maximise ROI, not rate of interest; it’s return on investment!

But Wait, Is Everything Picture-Perfect?

Influencer marketing functions on trust and authenticity. Human influencers’ raw, unfiltered connection with their audience makes many campaigns succeed. Despite their flawless appearance, AI influencers lack human reliability, no matter how much we program them. Also, there are ethical complexities.

Though you know AI influencers won’t promote anything on their own, you might feel deceived suddenly when you realise your favourite “person” has always been a well-coded program. They rarely reveal facts but mainly promote the brand’s reach and their creator’s monetary benefits. Since nobody here is to blame, or, as I said, no emotions and no scandals, nothing can affect these AI creators, viewers must be careful in following and purchasing their suggestions.

Let me emphasise the importance of transparency. Audiences should know they’re engaging with an AI persona, brands must make it very clear.

Beyond Brand Collabs, there is a Bigger Picture too!

AI influencers aren’t just about selling sneakers or beauty products. They can significantly contribute to education, social causes, and skill development. Naina will soon collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to promote AI literacy and upskilling initiatives.
Soon, AI influencers will host TV shows, produce original content or even star in movies. It’s the future. AI content creation will soon make global scaling easier, breaking language and geographic barriers.

Are Human Influencers Doomed? A Cliche!

Not so soon readers. I agree; AI influencers steal many opportunities, and Instagram veterans still believe that human charm isn’t going anywhere. Meanwhile, there’s room for both. Audiences will eventually learn to appreciate the best of both worlds.

AI influencers still need to be more powerful, but now that they are here, they’re not just passing through. They’re here to stick themselves to content creation and influence, collaborate and create. Brands may still be at a crossroads, deciding between embracing the futuristic trend or sticking to human connections. Either way, the digital landscape is nothing like before, it has changed forever.

The question is, are you ready to scroll into the future to watch non-existent faces all over?
So, human or AI? Why should we choose sides? Maybe it’s about coliving. Can both exist?

The AI creators won’t just stop with lifestyle and fashion. Soon, there will be AI influencers in all niches humans are creating.

Come back soon so you can read more about AI influencers, especially Adult content models.