Influencer marketing is now an established practice that has allowed companies to reach a large audience and achieve important marketing objectives through collaboration with influencers. A figure that, after having established itself, is evolving thanks to the introduction of new technologies. In fact, they are spreading more and more virtual influencers.
These are characters who they carry out all the typical activities of influencers, how to share original posts, videos and images on various social platforms, sponsor products and collaborate with companies, interact with followers, earn and much more. However, there is a big difference with classic influencers: they are not human.
Virtual influencers, what are they
Virtual influencers are non-real characterscreated thanks to new technologies that manage to reproduce extremely realistic features and elements. The first virtual star was born in Japanin 1996, but it was in 2003 that this type of character was used for the first time in company promotion and marketing.
It happens in Brazil, where an electronics store uses a real mascot that encourages purchase and guides potential customers in their choice during their visits to the stores. A character who a few years later becomes exclusively virtual and ends up founding his YouTube channel and opening a profile on Instagram. In a short time has reached staggering numberswith many followers ready to listen to what he has to say.
The strength of computer-generated virtual influencers lies in their realism, although there is no shortage of fictional characters. They are expressive, they have their own personality, values, interests, interact with web users and publish original and engaging content. Given their exclusively digital nature, in fact, they manage to do everything that humans cannot, such as visiting exotic or fantasy places. They have much fewer difficulties and barriers.
Virtual influencers have interests, a personality, interact with users, collaborate with companies and perform many other actions like virtual influencers
Their creation can start by taking video game characters, real or imaginary people, as models. In addition to their creators, there are also figures who manage the various accountscreating coherent communication.
Behind every successful virtual influencer there is an in-depth study and extremely competent professionals. Artificial intelligence, the application of which is growing day by day, will contribute to the growth of this market.
Where you can find virtual influencers
Virtual influencers are active on almost all social networks. They can be easily found on Instagram, on TikTok and on YouTube and other platforms. Here they share every type of content, such as stories, posts and reels, images and videos, audio and everything that can capture people’s attention.
I’m even able to make live showsin which they interact in real time with their followers.
Virtual influencers deal with various topics, among which fashion, beauty, environment, technologies and music stand out
Sometimes virtual influencers operate as true independent characters, other times they are born to be able support a specific company, a famous person, an organization or a certain cause.
They represent a good opportunity for companies and brandswho can amaze their audience with a highly innovative collaboration, capable of attracting curiosity and which overcomes any difficulty deriving from physical and geographical limits
Virtual influencers, who are the most famous in Europe and around the world
Zaira is an Europen virtual influencer, created by Buzzoole and an extremely knowledgeable team of people. She was born to represent generation Zis able to speak more than one language and specializes in technologies.
Lu of Magalu is among the first virtual influencers, as it first saw the light of day in 2009, on YouTube. He is from Brazil and on Instagram It has almost 7 million followers. Mind-boggling numbers, which appeal to any influencer. He has collaborated with many brands from different sectors on the Meta platform, some very well known throughout the world.
Nefele is an Europen virtual influencer, born from the idea of three young boys who were inspired by mythology for its creation. Created in 3D computer graphics, one of its objectives is to spread the concept of imperfection and to invite all their followers to feel comfortable with their appearance and personality, enhancing diversity.
Her success is undeniable, despite not being able to count on millions of followers like some of her colleagues. On Instagram she shares posts of all types, stories and reels
A virtuous mission too Leya Lovea virtual influencer created with the aim of spreading love towards others and that of nature, to encourage web users to have greater awareness and a positive approach to life. It has more than 560 thousand followers and declares herself an ambassador of love for planet earth. Leya has collaborated with many companies, especially on the subject of sustainability.
Miquela Sousa is a 19 year old Brazilian virtual influencer living in Los Angeles, created by a company that deals with artificial intelligence. With more than 2.5 million followers she has managed to attract the attention of large companies, such as Vogue.
Noonoouri she is French, was created in 2018 and has a less realistic, doll-like appearance than other virtual influencers. On Instagram has more than 400 thousand followers, claims to be vegan, supports environmental causes and talks about fashion, art and technology. You have collaborated with major brands in the fashion world including Balenciaga.
To know more: Influencer marketing, the guide