Virtual Influencers: who they are, where they work best, and why they matter

In recent years, influencer marketing has undergone a radical transformation. From global brand partnerships to immersive storytelling and measurable results, a new generation of content creators has emerged to redefine the market: virtual influencers.

These are not real people, but digital personalities created using artificial intelligence (AI) or CGI (computer-generated imagery). They're capable of populating social feeds, reels, and digital marketing campaigns—often achieving better results than traditional creators.

Increasingly referred to as AI influencers or AI-generated influencers, these digital figures have already been integrated into campaigns by major brands such as Prada, Samsung, L’Oréal, Valentino, and Fenty Beauty.

But who exactly are virtual influencers? Which industries are they most effective in? And who are the most relevant names in 2025?

In this article, we analyze the latest data, recent case studies, and explore why more and more brands are choosing to invest in CGI influencers for their marketing strategies.

What are virtual influencers and why are brands embracing them?

Virtual influencers are digitally created personas designed to simulate human presence on social media platforms. These are "born-digital" characters with a recognizable aesthetic, a consistent personality, and meticulously crafted storytelling.

The features that make them particularly appealing to brands include:

Consistent visual identity and storytelling, unaffected by human unpredictability
No reputational risks or personal setbacks
Fully customizable communication and brand alignment
Ability to participate in immersive, futuristic, or virtual world campaigns

Industries like fashion, beauty, gaming, and tech are currently leading in adopting AI influencers, but we're also beginning to see collaborations in travel and entertainment. AI-generated influencers are increasingly used in brand strategies that require high consistency and creative experimentation. These digital creators can star in advertising campaigns, endorse products, and even interact with audiences in real-time using augmented reality (AR).

Who’s leading the market? 3 virtual influencers to watch

Virtual influencers are gaining traction across media channels—especially on Instagram—thanks to visually curated and creative content, which allows them to build highly engaged communities.

Here are three standout AI influencers in the global landscape:

Lil Miquela (@lilmiquela)

One of the most prominent virtual influencers, active since 2016, and often considered a pioneer of the trend. Lil Miquela has worked with brands like Calvin Klein, Prada, Samsung, and Pacsun, offering a mix of fashion content, social activism, and emotional storytelling.

Collaborations (last 12 months): 16 branded mentions with 18 brands
Efficiency: 8.6%
Engagement rate: 0.60%
Followers: 2.46 million

Aitana Lopez (@fit_aitana)

Created by The Clueless agency, this Spanish AI model and influencer has gained attention with her hyper-feminine, pink and gaming-inspired aesthetic. She stands out in beauty, fitness, and lifestyle niches.

Collaborations: 15 mentions with 11 brands
Efficiency: 10.3%
Engagement rate: 1%
Followers: 360,150

Imma (@imma.gram)

One of the most recognizable virtual influencers in Asia, Imma has a minimalist, visually refined style. She has partnered with brands such as IKEA, SK-II, and Amazon.

Collaborations: 17 mentions with 16 brands
Efficiency: 10.9%
Engagement rate: 0.90%
Followers: +400,000

These three AI influencers, while targeting different audiences and brand narratives, represent some of the most compelling examples of virtual influencer marketing today.

Why brands are choosing ai influencers

AI influencers represent a revolutionary shift in influencer marketing, combining technology and creativity to create fully controlled and innovative digital personas. For brands, partnering with a virtual creator means:

Total control over brand image and messaging
No risk of scandals or inappropriate behavior
Limitless creative possibilities, from CGI campaigns to metaverse integration
Highly engaged, curiosity-driven audiences

In a landscape where even “authenticity” is increasingly curated, digital faces offer a blank canvas to build new narratives. It’s no surprise that many companies now view AI influencers as a strategic marketing asset—perfectly blending aesthetics, performance, and creative control for high-impact campaigns.

From creativity to data: how to analyze virtual influencers

With Inflead, brands can analyze virtual influencer performance just like with human creators—tracking metrics like engagement, efficiency, sponsorship value, categories, industry relevance, and more.

Using Advanced Search, you can:

Identify the most effective AI influencers for your brand
Assess whether your audience is ready to engage with a digital persona
Plan data-driven marketing strategies

Want to know if an AI influencer can work for your brand? Book a demo or start your 14-day free trial now.

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