They don’t sleep, they don’t eat, and they certainly don’t take coffee breaks. Yet AI influencers are climbing the ladder in endorsements and product placements, leaving their human counterparts trailing behind.

“In the realm of Influencer Marketing, AI influencers are an absolute game-changer,” says Steffan Black, a tech expert at ZenShield.

What are AI Influencers?

A study published in Emerald Insights reveals that Artificial Intelligence (AI) influencers are digital entities created using machine learning aspects of AI. They are meticulously crafted models with realistic attributes and life-like features, down to minute details such as freckles, eye wrinkles, or even unique personality traits. Far from being mere projected images, these virtual influencers operate through complex AI algorithms that impact their individual voice, reactions, and conversations.

What sets AI influencers apart?

• Unlimited Stamina: AI influencers are never exhausted. They can maintain a relentless online presence, keeping up with changing trends, generating content and engaging with followers without rest.
• Infallibility: Contrary to humans, AI influencers do not make mistakes. They don’t land into controversies or legal tangles, providing a safer bet for branding collaborations.
• Global Reach: AI influencers can communicate in several languages, helping brands target a broader, diverse audience in real-time, across different time zones.
• Personalization: With AI’s analytical capabilities, influencers can create highly personalized content that resonates with specific audience segments.

How Much Do They Earn?

According to the AI Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report 2023, AI influencers are set to revolutionize the digital landscape further, with their impact extending beyond mere social media presence.

Take, for instance, the renowned virtual influencer, Lil Miquela, who boasts an impressive 3.6 million TikTok followers and 2.7 million Instagram followers. With a net worth in the eight-figure range, she is widely recognized for her association with fellow virtual personality, Blawko. Moreover, her fee for an Instagram post stands at an astonishing $10,000.

As reported by analysts cited by The US Sun, the AI influencer market is currently valued at $4.5 billion and is projected to experience a 26% increase by 2025. These digitally crafted personas, generated by artificial intelligence, are the brainchildren of skilled digital artists and graphic designers who utilize AI to fabricate remarkably realistic identities.

While AI influencers are climbing their way to the top, they are not without challenges. Issues could arise with the digital nature of influencers, cultural sensitivities, or with AI algorithms extending beyond control. However, with careful planning and continuous advancements in technology, there is immense potential in harnessing AI power in influencer marketing. As Steffan Black rightly puts it, “While the digital arena has its own twists and turns, it’s an exciting space to conquer.”