These Are The Virtual Influencers Taking Over Social Media in 2023

What is a virtual influencer? 

A virtual influencer is an AI-generated person who, like a regular influencer, has a following on social media and posts various types of content. 

For brands, a virtual influencer can be hugely beneficial. As virtual reality influencers aren’t real people, they can be flexible and adaptable to a brand’s needs in comparison to human influencers, who can potentially let emotions dictate a brand deal.

A study found that 58% of people follow a virtual influencer on social media. What’s more, virtual Instagram influencers can offer almost three times the engagement rate of human influencers!

Thinking of tapping into the world of AI and partnering with a virtual influencer? We’ve created a list to help get you started.

THE TOP VIRTUAL INFLUENCERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Lu do Magalu (6.4M followers)

Lu is a famous Brazilian virtual influencer with currently the most visibility in the world. Originally created for one of the biggest marketing retailers in Brazil, Magazine Luiza, she has been featured in various brand deals and even runs her own blog!

Lil Miquela (2.7M followers)

Miquela Sousa AKA Lil Miquela is a virtual influencer, model and singer who has partnered with luxury brands like Calvin Klein, Prada and Dior. With a following of over 2.7M on Instagram, her fans- “Miquelites”- saw her debut in her first music video ‘Hard Feelings’ last year.

Barbie (3.6M followers)

Barbie is probably the most famous virtual influencer in the world. As everyone knows, her following of 3.6M on Instagram has continued to skyrocket from the popularity of the Barbie movie last month. Thanks to this, it’s no wonder that Barbie has secured tons of brand deals and collaborations.

Thalasya (463K followers)

Indonesian virtual influencer Thalasya is known for her content where she showcases her travels around her home country. She advertises restaurants and hotels to fund her travels and has her own clothing line Yipiiii which she runs alongside her human bestie Zeline.

Noonoouri (460K followers)

Created in Germany, this 19-year-old virtual influencer has worked with luxury fashion brands like Versace, Lacoste and Bulgari. Noonoouri is not just a digital character- she’s also an avid social activist and vegan and has partnered with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Zendaya!

Bee_nfluencer (238K followers)

B is the very first virtual influencer bee. Yes, you heard correctly. This bee first appeared on Instagram in 2019 and was created by the Foundation de France to partner with brands worldwide to raise money and help save bees. Recently, B has partnered with Carrefour to promote the Bee Fund in the metaverse!

Imma (398K followers)

Tokyo-based virtual influencer Imma is Japan’s first virtual model who made her debut in 2018. This virtual girl with her distinctive pink bob boasts brand collaborations with Adidas, Burberry, TikTok and Ikea Japan. Her interests include Japanese culture, fashion and film- she’s even been featured in Japan Economics Entertainment’s “New 100 Talent to Watch”.

Bermuda (242K followers)

Bermuda first appeared in December 2016 and, despite being one of the older virtual Instagram influencers, she has gained popularity for motivating women to follow their dreams and encouraging them to pursue careers in the robotics industry. She produces her own music and also has her own YouTube channel!

Qai Qai (4.5M followers)

Can you believe this little doll is currently the most famous virtual influencer? Qai Qai is the doll of celebrity Serena Williams’ daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, brought to life. Her sassy attitude and entertaining personality have gained her over 4.3M followers on TikTok where she features content based around dancing and singing.

CB (3.6M followers)

Passionate about gaming, pop culture and sustainability, CB is one of Brazil’s most recognised virtual influencers. His infectious, fun personality has landed him tons of brand deals with gaming and tech companies. He also has his own app where he promotes his own discount codes for products.

Shudu (241K followers)

Shudu is the world’s first digital supermodel and was created in the UK in 2017. This stunning virtual influencer has been featured on Fenty Beauty’s social media and has graced fashion covers like Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle.

Rozy (157K followers)

Rozy Oh- meaning “one and only” in Korean- is South Korea’s very first virtual influencer. She’s collaborated with popular South Korean beauty and fashion brands, and is well-known for her expressive face, bubbly personality and stylish fashion sense. She also attended the Metaverse Fashion Week in Milan in April this year!

Any Malu (596K followers)

Created in 2015, Any Malu is a fully animated virtual influencer and YouTube star. What’s more, this Brazilian virtual influencer has over 280 million views on YouTube and even has her own TV show on Cartoon Network!

Leya (413K followers)

Leya is a virtual influencer, social activist and proud advocate of the World Awareness Movement. She describes herself as an ambassador for planet Earth and she aims to promote peace, unity and oneness with nature.

Anna Cattish (463K followers)

Anna is a Russian animator and illustrator, who first made her appearance over 10 years ago. She identifies as part of the honkfu visual label, which are artists that create speciality animation and character-based imagery. With her quirky, cute style, it’s no wonder she’s gained a large following on Instagram.

These top virtual influencers show how influencers don’t have to be human to have fans, followers, brand deals and even a TV show! Their popularity is proof that virtual influencers can connect with audiences around the world and can help brands stand out from the crowd.

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