Virtual influencers are rapidly taking over the digital marketing space. Not long ago, they seemed like a futuristic idea, but today they are becoming an integral part of major brands’ strategies. It is predicted that by 2026, up to 30% of influencer marketing budgets will be directed towards virtual characters, highlighting their growing influence and importance.
Why are virtual influencers so popular?
One of the key reasons for their success is the ability to create unique characters that perfectly specific database by industry match the brand. Unlike real influencers, virtual models are not subject to human errors and scandals, they are controllable and can be adapted to any business needs.
In addition, virtual influencers provide a high level of audience engagement. According to research , the average engagement rate (ER) for such characters in 2023 was 5.9%, which is three times higher than that of real influencers. Moreover, the return on investment (ROI) when working with them is also impressive – 13.7%.
Advantages and difficulties
Despite the impressive results, creating content with virtual influencers requires significant resources. The main challenge is the high cost of rendering videos and photos. However, with the development of technologies such as neuroavatars and AI tools, this process is becoming easier and cheaper. Companies like The CluelessAI offer the creation of sophisticated, long-lasting virtual models that can quickly adapt to the needs of clients and create different variations of content in minimal time.
Example of success
One of the first and most famous virtual influencers was Lil Miquela. Who attracted the attention of millions of users around the world. Her successful creative industries: how ideas change the world and the economy career on social media. Became a new standard for digital marketing campaigns and showed that virtual models can be just as successful as real ones.
What does the future hold for virtual influencers?
As technology becomes more accessible and audiences become more fascinated with digital characters, their role in marketing will only grow. Virtual models will be able to integrate deeper into brands, offering more calling list personalization and flexibility. They will not just be an advertising tool, but a full-fledged part of communication with the audience. In a few years, virtual influencers will likely become as common an element of marketing campaigns as real stars.