Storytelling is the art of conveying anecdotes and connecting people. Communication and fiction have always been present in the minds of the population. The world has gone through many ways of telling stories. The media and advertising emerged from traditional communication. Then, all this took a leap and became communication through the Internet and social networks. Social networks became present in areas we would never have thought of. These digital platforms were a way of communicating through the appearance of influencer marketing. The latest addition to this world are virtual influencers. They are virtual storytellers who use networks to transmit their message and their opinions. Virtual influencers are an example of the intelligence and potential of man and machine.
Who are virtual influencers?
Virtual influencers are the latest trend in advertising campaigns.influencer marketingWhen you look at it, virtual influencers seem like normal, flesh-and-blood influencers. But the reality is the opposite.
These influencers are computer-generated fictional characters. They fantuan database have human-like traits, both physically and socially. Virtual influencers are beings produced by AI that have the following characteristics:
- They are designed and curated by an individual or a group of individuals.
- They have no capacity for independent thought or creative capacity.
- These influencers are brand entities, sometimes created for a specific brand and product.
- They exist separately from their creators/designers.
What is the difference between a real and virtual influencer?
The main characteristics of real influencers are:
- They are real human beings who have a large number of followers on social networks.
- Real influencers have their own creative identity and aesthetic theme.
- They are made of flesh and blood, so they add the touch of “human connection.”
- They are representative of current marketing trends.
- Real people are more likely to make naive mistakes. These how to test and optimize targeted advertising? mistakes are also difficult to remove from reputation.
Unlike real influencers, virtual influencers have the following characteristics:
- Virtual influencers exist in the digital world, in terms of algorithms, designs and layouts.
- They do not have a creative outlet of their own. They are the product of a single individual or a group of dynamic people.
- Virtual influencers are a glimpse into the future.
- Although, Brands have more power over the design of promotional activities. Virtual influencers are just an image or facade in campaigns.
- It is relatively easier to cover up any communication errors in promotional activities.
The dividing line between real and virtual influencers is not clear-cut. Both influencers have a large number of followers and have a status in society. Brands approach both, and both are also brands in themselves.
Brands are turning to virtual influencers. The added advantage is that there are fewer chances of delays and errors. Virtual influencers are separate entities from the designers or creators working on them, just like the functioning of a formal business. Although virtual influencers are not on par with real ones, switzerland leads their following is almost identical.
The Puma brand created a virtual character,Maya, Although, for the promotion of their new kit and promoted it at the level of real influencers. These influencers are like the influencers we know today: they visit different places, take photos in different places, interact with the audience, have experiences available to us and much more. They need to have approximately 10k followers to be labeled as influencers, just like real-life influencers. They need to have a loyal, interactive and engaging community.
Maya targeted a Southeast Asian audience and was a model generated from combining facial features from over a thousand Southeast Asian faces. These types of influencers are less likely to make cultural mistakes and stir up conflict. The minute facets of culture are ingrained in their algorithms.
Who creates Virtual Influencers and what social networks do they use?
Virtual influencers are created by artists, graphic designers, animators and digital creators. Anyone with knowledge of design technology can create a digital avatar.
Although, Different brands sponsor these virtual characters. Most of these campaigns are based on social media. Instagram is the largest market for virtual influencers, followed by YouTube.
