The Rise of Virtual Influencers in Digital Marketing

The distinction between the virtual and the real world is becoming more blurred as artificial intelligence-generated characters are not limited to advertisements but extend their presence into the realms of personal relationships and companionship. Notably, some individuals seek solace in these virtually generated companions due to feelings of alienation and the difficulties of finding suitable human partners for conversation.

Dr. Konrad Maj, head of the HUMANTECH Centre at SWPS, acknowledges that while there’s a psychological risk, society may find contentment in such interactions. The trend is fueled in part by the aspiration of many born between 1997 and 2012, with a survey by Morning Consult revealing that 57% of this demographic desire to become influencers.

Influencers typically embody openness and bravery, as noted by Jakub Biegaj of the Influencer Agency Gethero, since presenting oneself live on camera does indeed require courage. The effectiveness of influencers in marketing is evident, with 79% of people engaging in regular online shopping and brands keen to leverage an influencer’s audience for product promotion.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) influencers are crafted to closely mimic real individuals, posing the question of whether customized influencers can perfectly align with specific brands. With popular virtual figures like Lil Miquela, who boasts over 2.5 million Instagram followers and numerous brand campaigns, the potential seems evident. AI influencers can command substantial earnings for sponsored posts on social media platforms.

Jakub Biegaj remarks that ultimately, virtual influencers are a conception of marketing agencies, while analyst Maciej Jagaciak notes the increasing challenge in distinguishing these AI-generated personas from real humans, calling it an advanced form of deception. The content created here thoughtfully considers lifestyle interests while remembering the ongoing situation in Ukraine, underlining our commitment to support and provide valuable information.

Advantages of Virtual Influencers in Digital Marketing

Consistent brand alignment: Virtual influencers can be perfectly crafted to align with a brand’s image and values, ensuring a consistent marketing message.
Control over image and messaging: Brands have full control over the actions, appearances, and words of virtual influencers, minimizing the risk of off-brand behavior.
Cost-efficiency: Virtual influencers may be more cost-effective in the long run as they don’t require the same investments as their human counterparts in terms of transportation, accommodation, or personal fees.
Global Reach: They have the potential to reach a diverse, global audience without the constraints of language or culture, as their personas can be easily adapted.
No scandal risk: Unlike human influencers, virtual influencers won’t become embroiled in scandals, which protects brands from potential negative association.

Disadvantages of Virtual Influencers in Digital Marketing

Lack of authenticity: Virtual influencers may lack the authenticity that human influencers provide, which can be key to building trust with an audience.
Ethical considerations: The use of virtual influencers raises questions about transparency, as consumers might be misled into thinking they are interacting with real humans.
Limited improvisation: While AI has come a long way, virtual influencers may still struggle with spontaneous interactions or real-time engagement compared to human influencers.
Depersonalization: The rise of virtual influencers could contribute to societal depersonalization, with decreased emphasis on human connection.

Key Challenges and Controversies

The blurring line between virtual and real can lead to ethical challenges, such as the need for disclosure when using virtual influencers to endorse products, to avoid deceiving the audience. There is also the potential issue of over-reliance on AI companionship, which could impact real human relationships.

In terms of the psychological impact, some individuals might place emotional investment in relationships with virtual influencers, leading to potential mental health concerns. Furthermore, as AI continues to evolve, there could be broader societal implications in terms of employment and the value of human work.

Related links:
For more information on digital marketing and influencers, you could visit
Forbes,
AdWeek, or
Marketing Dive. These platforms often discuss the latest trends in marketing, including the rise of virtual influencers.

The source of the article is from the blog queerfeed.com.br

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