Virtual influencers kya hai: The technological progress of the digital age has not only changed the direction of our thinking and dialogue, but has also given a new dimension to the relationship between brands and consumers. In social media marketing, where earlier real people used to promote brands with their experience and personality, now a new and influential world of virtual influencers is emerging there. These are fully artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and digital characters made from animation, who look, think and communicate. Now they have become not only fashion and lifestyle, but have also become a part of social, cultural and political discussions. This trend is not just a medium of marketing, but a cultural change, which raises the question, when the effect can be virtual, are the boundaries of reality being blurred? Let us find answers to these questions.
What are virtual influencers?
Virtual influencers are computer-birthted characters who are designed in such a way that they look exactly like humans, talk and express feelings. They are identified as a common social media user, but behind them works a creative team or artificial intelligence -based model, which controls their social media activities, posts and dialogues. These virtual characters are active on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Ticketkocks and sometimes their popularity also overtakes real influencers. Lil Miquela (Lil Mikela) is a prime example of this, who has presented the power of virtual influencers to the world by working as a brand ambassador with international brands such as Prada, Calvin Klein.
How do virtual influencers work?
Virtual influencers are usually made from a combination of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) techniques, which enable them to look, respond and express feelings like humans. Every post, caption, videos and dialogues are either scripted or are generated with the help of AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing) techniques, so that they can effectively communicate with their followers. Their construction uses 3D software such as Blender and Spark Ar, making an attractive and reality digital avatar. These virtual characters are a skilled team behind these virtual characters, including content creators, marketing specialists, graphic designers and data analysts, which strategically operate their social media appearance and brand cooperation.
Why is the popularity of virtual influencers increasing?
Virtual influencers provide many advantages to brands that are not possible with traditional influencers. The biggest feature is that brands have complete control over the image, behavior and every post of these digital characters, causing unexpected behavior or scandal apprehensions to almost eliminate. Their 24/7 digital availability makes them useable anytime, without time or range of space. Also, brands can run highly creative and imaginative campaign through virtual influencers, whose storylines, looks and activities can be fully designed. In addition, these are far more economical than traditional celebrities, as they do not cost travel, shooting or other logistic expenses, which gives more impact to brands.
India’s first virtual influencer
The trend of virtual influencers in India has increased rapidly in recent years, and many domestic brands are now collaborating with these digital characters. Due to the abundance of AI and design talent in the country, further innovation can be seen in this region. India’s first virtual influencer Kyra was launched in 2022 by Futr Studios. Kyra has collapsed with major brands like Amazon Prime Video, Boat, John Jacobs, Titan, Morris Garages India and ITC. By August 2024, he has more than 2.5 lakh followers on Instagram. Kyra, designed for content like fashion, fitness, lifestyle and travel, has now become India’s most recognizable virtual personality.
Revolution in brand marketing
Virtual influencers are bringing a new revolution in the marketing industry, giving brands a unique opportunity to present their identity and values in creative and completely digital form. These influencers, including reality and fiction, create an immersive experience that are far more attractive and memorable than traditional advertisements. Especially the younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials, which grew up in a digital environment, connects deeply to virtual characters. Virtual influencers are no longer limited to brand promotion, but they are also playing an active role in areas such as education, entertainment and social awareness. They are making an effective combination of information and entertainment by talking on fashion, health, lifestyle tips and social issues.
Moral and social questions
Many important challenges are also coming up with the increasing effect of virtual influencers. The biggest question is of transparency, are followers clearly told that they are not connecting with a real person, but to a digital character? Lack of transparency can damage consumer confidence and is related to issues of control and operation. Also, these AI -based characters are unable to express the real feelings and experiences of humans, which limits their authenticity. In addition, virtual influencers often promote unrealistic and ideal beauty standards, which can negatively impact young followers’ self-respect and body image. Another important aspect is of data privacy, where companies behind these digital characters analyze user data, which raises the question of how much safety and privacy of consumer data is sure.
