AI Influencers Are Changing And Here’s How It Will Affect Brand Marketing

As 2024 draws to a close, the internet is quickly becoming flooded with marketers taking a stab at their 2025 predictions. 

From an increase in employee-generated content (EGC) to concerns over privacy personalisations, the guesses for how the marketing landscape will change in 2025 are wide and vast, with each marketer bringing their unique perspective to the table. 

One prediction, however, is on everyone’s minds. AI influencers. 

@cynthia__ai

Hi I’m Cynthia! The worlds first #ai influencer. Embark on this journey wirh me and comment below what video you would like me to make next! #CynthiaAI

♬ Best background music for corporate CM, company description videos, etc. – harryfaoki

2024 saw a rise in the role of virtual influencers in marketing. As technology advances, these influencers have become increasingly more life-like, effective, and accepted in society. Whilst the general sentiment to AI influencers continues to be one of wariness, there is no denying that consumers are warming up to the idea (albeit slowly). 

The past year was, for all intents and purposes, the year of the AI influencer. Yet, these semi-human celebrities are only going to take up more space in our lives. If predictions are correct, then 2025 will see AI influencers not only grow in popularity but improve in terms of their appearance and functionality. 

With AI influencers on their upward trajectory, and only improving in quality, where does that leave human influencers? 

AI INFLUENCERS IN 2025

AI influencers for brand marketing are getting an upgrade. If you were to call to mind a virtual influencer, it is likely that you would conjure up an image of an eerily perfect, static, AI. Carefully crafted and smoothed to perfection, yet lacking any emotion or personality. 

Ultimately, this has been the calling card of AI influencers across the world. Even the most popular accounts such as Lil Miquela are on the whole cold and shallow – despite their teams’ best efforts, even their carefully curated captions do little to add any humanity to the whole affair. 

@garyvee

Virtual 🤖 influencers coming to a feed near you … entrepreneurs pay attention … cpgs pay attention. … hope this helps someone innovative 💜🔑 #ai #artificialintelligence #influencers #virtualinfluencer #garyvee

♬ original sound – GaryVee | +1 212 931 5731 – GaryVee | +1 212 931 5731

This has been the definitive difference between human and AI influencers for the past few years. It has been the mantra of influencers across the world; we could never lose our jobs, because AI cannot replace the genuine relationships we have with our followers. A relationship formed via live streams, community management, and video content. 

Yet, this is soon to change. The biggest prediction for AI influencers in 2025 is that they are finally going to cross this line of humanity; to finally be able to form genuine emotional connections with their audiences. 

2025 is the year that we see these uncanny, not-all-popular influencers pick up steam. Not only in terms of social media presence and popularity but in terms of intelligence. We are moving beyond static avatars to AI-powered characters that have the ability to engage in real-time, genuine interactions with their followers. This is no longer just about pretty images or aesthetic posts. These influencers are gaining the ability to make authentic connections and have intelligent conversations. 

@sineadbovell

Are AI influencers coming to tiktok? Maybe #techwithsinead

♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

Previously, the defining advantage human influencers held over AI was their ability to forge authentic connections – through emotion, nuanced conversations, and a natural air of humanity that AI simply couldn’t replicate. 

But what happens when that advantage disappears? When AI influencers can evoke emotion, respond intelligently, and create the kind of genuine, personalised connections once reserved for humans? 

The implications for brands are staggering. Imagine having an influencer who not only perfectly embodies your brand and its values, but is able to work 24/7 and can interact with thousands of followers all at the same time in personal conversations. 

This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking a level of scalability and consistency that human influencers can’t compete with – a prospect that could transform marketing as we know it.

HOW TO USE AI INFLUENCERS IN 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, the lines between human and AI influencers are blurring faster than ever. The advancements in AI technology are propelling virtual influencers into a new realm of authenticity, challenging the notion that genuine connection is exclusive to human creators.

For marketers, this evolution presents not only a fascinating opportunity but also a daunting challenge. While AI influencers offer scalability, precision, and novelty, human influencers remain unmatched in their ability to bring personal experiences, spontaneity, and relatability to the table.

@lilmiquela

Comment How long should I keep my hair like this 🦄🌈💓 by the most talented @Daniel Moon Hair @Hair Los Angeles coolest salon EVER!!! #losangeles #hair #haircolormagic

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

The question is not whether AI influencers will dominate the marketing landscape but how brands will balance their strategies to leverage the strengths of both human and virtual influencers. In 2025, it won’t be a case of one replacing the other; instead, we may see a new era of collaboration and coexistence that reshapes the way we define influence in the digital age.

This is the secret sauce. Finding a way to balance both human and AI influencers as we move towards an increasingly digital world. Human influencers will never truly be out of fashion – they will always offer unique positives and abilities that AI can simply not replicate. 

@fitaitana

me ENCANTA este trend 🥹 #trendingvideo #AIinfluencer #AI #aitana #dopaminemenu

♬ did i tell u that i miss u – adore

Moreover, there is also the argument that as AI influencers become more and more widespread, human influencers will become even more valuable. Consumers will grow to appreciate these influencers more and the human quality they offer. 

At the end of the day, 2025 is sure to be full of surprises. From AI becoming more impressive day by day, to changes in other areas such as social commerce, the marketing industry is sure to see a great many changes over the year. As always, the future of marketing will belong to those who adapt, innovate, and embrace these shifting dynamics with a forward-thinking approach.

Our influencer marketing agency and social agency are located worldwide, with our agency network based in the USA, UK, UAE and China.

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