Virtual influencers are like computer-made celebrities who can chat with you on social media. They're making us see celebrities and how we buy things in a new way. Let's get into this article to understand virtual influencers—where they began and what they bring to the future of advertising.
Where Did Virtual Influencers Begin?
Virtual influencers aren't a completely new idea. It started in 1996 with a virtual popstar from Japan. But things have changed a lot since then. Computers have gotten smarter, and we now have social media everywhere. That's why virtual influencers are all the rage nowadays.
Imagine artists using computers to create a virtual person. They can make this person look and act however they want. These virtual influencers talk to you online just like real people. But remember, they're not real—they're computer-made.
Why Brands Are Excited About Virtual Influencers
Virtual influencers have quickly become popular on internet, and lots of companies want to work with them. Popular virtual influencers like Lu Do Magalu, Lil Miquela, and Guggimon have teamed up with big brands like Balmain, Balenciaga, and Prada.
Why do brands love them so much?
Sure, let's simplify that:
Well, there are a few reasons why brands like virtual influencers. One major plus is that brands can easily make virtual influencers do what they want. Unlike human influencers, brands can plan exactly how a virtual influencer looks and behaves, aligning them perfectly with the brand's vision and values.
And guess what? Virtual influencers can create content all day, every day. This ongoing stream of content keeps audience engaged, and help brand target their specific audience effectively. Luxury brands have especially noticed how virtual influencers can enhance their marketing strategies.
What's Coming in 2023
Here's what to expect from virtual influencers in 2023:
Targeting Specific Groups: Brands will use virtual influencers to talk to certain groups of people, like the young crowd. They'll create virtual influencers that these groups really like.
Promoting Niche Market Products
Virtual influencers will play a pivotal role in promoting goods and services in niche markets like music, gaming, and esports. Their ability to appeal to a highly interested community makes them a valuable asset for businesses in these domains.
Fun Experiences: You'll get to try things on virtually. It's like trying clothes, but online. And you can chat with virtual influencers while doing this.
Real Stories: Virtual influencers will tell stories that feel real. By portraying personal experiences & values, they will establish genuine connections, fostering trust & loyalty.
Creating Branded Content Series: Brands will develop branded content series centered around virtual influencers, allowing them to subtly promote products while engaging consumers in entertaining and relatable narratives.
Hosting Virtual Events
Virtual influencers will be in the spotlight for hosting online gatherings where brands can talk to people from all over the world. These events can be about showing new things or answering questions, making everyone feel like a part of a big group.
Launching Influencer Marketing Campaigns
The virtual human industry is getting bigger, and brands are going to use virtual influencers in their advertising more. It's like using a cool character to tell people about their stuff. Collaborations with virtual influencers are predicted to achieve exceptionally high levels of engagement.
The Ethical Side: Being Open and Honest
However, as virtual influencers blur the lines between reality and fiction, being transparent becomes super important. Some virtual influencers look so real that telling them apart from actual humans can be tricky, especially in ads. This raises concerns that need clear guidelines to make sure everything is clear & honest.
India is setting a great example by making it mandatory for virtual influencers to disclose when they're promoting something, following their Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Platforms like TikTok are also making rules to label things that are fake or changed.
Living Together: Real and Virtual Influencers
Looking ahead, it's clear that virtual influencers aren't here to replace human influencers completely. Instead, they're going to live & work together, each bringing their unique strengths out.
Human content creators will find virtual influencers both inspiring and good competition. We should work together, using the good parts of both virtual and human influencers. Brands and creators can team up, using the best of both to connect with more people and form genuine relationships.
In simple words, virtual influencers becoming popular is like blending awesome technology, creative thoughts, and clever advertising. As we go into 2023, let's be excited about this digital change. Virtual influencers will keep making our internet life interesting. We have many exciting possibilities, and the virtual world is like a thrilling adventure, just waiting for us to jump in and explore all its awesome and fresh things.