As technology continues to advance, new trends are constantly emerging. In recent years, social media has given rise to a new type of influencers: the virtual influencers. So what exactly is a virtual influencer? Simply put, a virtual influencer is a computer-generated image or avatar that is created to resemble a realistic persona. These images are created using 3D modelling and animation tools and then brought to life by their creators through social media, typically Instagram, TikTok or Youtube (Vtubers).
Virtual Influencers on Social Media
Virtual characters have been around for a while now. Hatsune Miku, one of the most famous virtual characters, was created back in 2007 as a virtual singer. She combines the Vocaloid software voicebank with advanced 3D animation and hologram technology, making her the first virtual character to achieve widespread global recognition. Hatsune Miku has become one of Japan’s most popular “singers” and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The virtual characters on different social media platforms soon followed. In 2009, the Brazilian magazine Louisa introduced Lu Do Magalu, a virtual influencer used to endorse different products over the years. Since then, Lu Do Magalu has accumulated an impressive audience of over 6 million followers on Instagram, making her one of this platform’s most popular virtual influencers. However, her sphere of influence remains limited to the Brazilian audience.
In 2016, the US-based startup Brud created Lil’ Miquela Sousa, who has become the first truly global virtual influencer. Lil’ Miquela is a virtual character, a 19-year-old robot girl residing in Los Angeles. Since her inception, she has collaborated with several prominent fashion brands, including Dior, Prada, and Calvin Klein. Besides her high-fashion modelling gigs, Lil’ Miquela also ventured into music and has millions of views on her music videos. Her influence in the digital world has not gone unnoticed, as TIME Magazine featured her on their list of “25 Most Influential People on the Internet.”