This article explores the intriguing universe of “Virtual Influencers” , from their origins to their impact on modern digital culture.
Virtual Influencers
Who are Virtual Influencers?
Virtual influencers are “characters” created by individual artists, large companies or specialist agencies that invest significant resources in developing and promoting their avatars. They are generated telegram philippines using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and animated using 3D graphics; unlike traditional influencers, they do not exist in the traditional sense, but emerge from the ingenuity of the creators. Although these creators remain behind the scenes, they exercise complete control, shaping every aspect of a virtual influencer’s life, from their fashion sense to their social interactions.
Virtual influencers usually have their own identity, story, personality, style and values that make them unique and recognizable. They also have social networks such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Twitch, where they share photos, videos, passions, opinions and collaborations with other colleagues. The virtual influencer phenomenon began to emerge in 2016, with the arrival of characters such as Lil Miquela.
The impact of Virtual Influencers on Marketing
Virtual influencers are having a huge impact on digital marketing , revolutionizing the way firms interact with their audiences and promote their products and services. In fact, more and more brands and companies are deciding to rely on Virtual Influencers, as they offer considerable advantages:
Complete creative control : Creators can craft every aspect of an influencer’s personality, eliminating off-brand behavior and maintaining a flawless brand image.
High engagement rates : Unique appearances and engaging stories generate higher engagement rates than traditional influencers. This increase in engagement is critical for brands looking to maximize the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns and reach ever-wider audiences.
Global reach and appeal : These digital personalities can reach audiences around the world, and this global presence is especially beneficial for brands looking to establish or strengthen their international presence.
Cost-effective marketing : Unlike human influencers, Virtual Influencers do not need to travel or complete other logistical steps to participate in a campaign.
Innovative storytelling and settings : The virtual nature of these influencers allows for unprecedented creativity in storytelling, with creative backdrops such as exotic locations and imaginative worlds.
Despite these great advantages, they also have disadvantages that must be taken into account:
Lack of authenticity : Unlike human influencers who share real-life experiences and emotions, virtual influencers can only simulate such experiences, and this can lead to a lack of real connection with the audience.
Ethics and transparency concerns : The creators of these digital personalities often remain anonymous, which can lead to ethical dilemmas, especially if the public is unaware that they are interacting with a fictional character.
Dependency on creators: Unlike human influencers, who can create spontaneous and diverse content based on their daily lives and personal experiences, virtual influencers are limited to what their creators can imagine. This limitation can make their content seem repetitive and lacking in dynamism.