5 examples of Brands using AI influencers

In the digital era shaped by innovation, AI influencers are redefining modern marketing. These digitally created personalities, powered by advanced artificial intelligence and stunning visual design, are steadily gaining ground on social media. Brands are turning to AI influencers to reach out to Gen Z and millennial audiences, deliver personalized content, and maintain tighter control over their digital image. This trend is rapidly transforming global brand strategy and design.

What Are AI Influencers, and Why Are They Trending?

AI influencers or virtual influencers are computer-generated characters managed by individuals or agencies. With unique personalities and eye-catching aesthetics, they interact with followers, promote products, and even set trends. The appeal? They are available 24/7, never embroiled in real-world scandals, and offer brands the ultimate control in messaging and image. According to experts, the market for AI-driven influencer marketing is projected to grow exponentially as more brands recognize their potential for scalability, creative storytelling, and global reach.

India Joins the AI Movement: 

• Kyra (@kyraonig) – India’s First Virtual Influencer

Created by FUTR Studios in 2022, Kyra is a photorealistic 22-year-old virtual creator from Delhi who has captured the attention of over 243K Instagram followers. With her sleek, modern, and aspirational brand aesthetic, she’s already worked with Amazon Prime, boAt, John Jacobs, and even appeared at Metaverse Fashion Week. Kyra represents the new face of Indian digital fashion and tech-forward branding.

• Naina Avtr (@naina_avtr) – The AI Superstar from Jhansi

Launched by Avtr Meta Labs, Naina Avtr brings a youthful, energetic vibe to the AI influencer space. With 168K+ followers, Naina focuses on fitness, dance, and fashion, collaborating with leading brands like Nykaa, Pepsi, and Puma. Known for posting Reels with brand CTAs, referral codes, and pop-culture-infused content, Naina connects deeply with young aspirational users, especially in Tier 2 and 3 markets, making her a powerful tool for mass-appeal brand strategies.

Top Global Brands Embracing AI Influencers

Several top brands have already woven AI influencers into their brand strategy and design. Here are five such trailblazers:

• Prada: Collaborated with renowned AI influencer Lil Miquela to launch campaigns that bridge fashion and technology.
• Samsung: Worked with virtual influencer Rae to introduce new mobile phones in Southeast Asian markets, effectively engaging younger, tech-savvy consumers.
• Dior: Leveraged Noonoouri, a digital fashion model, to showcase their makeup and luxury goods to millions online.
• Balmain: Developed its lineup of exclusive virtual models known as the “Balmain Army” to present digital fashion collections.
• Coca-Cola: Ran an AI-powered campaign in China featuring virtual idol Ayayi, boosting online engagement for limited-edition collectibles.

Case Studies: Successful AI-Driven Campaigns

Here’s a closer look at campaigns that highlight the effectiveness of AI influencer marketing:

• Prada x Lil Miquela

Prada tapped Lil Miquela, a virtual fashion icon, for multiple luxury campaigns, including Milan Fashion Week. These collaborations generated hundreds of thousands of cumulative Instagram likes and positioned Prada as an innovator in digital storytelling.

• Samsung x Rae

With its Samsung Galaxy S21 launch in Singapore, Samsung partnered with Rae, an AI influencer with a bold and lively personality. Rae’s posts received high engagement rates (often outperforming traditional influencer content) and created buzz among Gen Z followers, driving product awareness and social impressions.

• Coca-Cola x Ayayi

Coca-Cola’s campaign with Ayayi revolved around launching unique Metaverse-inspired cans in China. Ayayi produced interactive digital content, driving a significant spike in social shares and in-app campaign participation, showcasing the ROI potential for branded virtual collaborations.

Why Brands Are Choosing AI Over Human Influencers

Brands are increasingly opting for AI influencers due to several compelling advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Virtual influencers require a one-time investment in design and programming and can be deployed across multiple campaigns, minimizing costs over time.
• 24/7 Availability: AI influencers can post at any hour, engage with global audiences, and never “take a break,” ensuring continuous brand presence online.
• Controlled Image: Brands maintain total creative control over the influencer’s actions, speech, and values, reducing the risk of unpredictable PR crises.
• Personalization: AI-driven analytics allow hyper-customized content, enabling campaigns that adapt in real-time to evolving consumer trends.
• Scalability: AI influencers can instantly pivot to new markets, languages, and platforms, far outpacing the expansion potential of human influencers.

The Future of AI Influencers in Branding

Looking ahead, industry analysts anticipate the following trends:

• Increased Interactivity: AI influencers will leverage advancements in natural language processing and AR/VR to engage audiences through live chats, personalized video calls, and virtual meet-ups.
• Brand-Driven Influencers: More companies will develop proprietary AI influencers tailored to their brand identity and products.
• Integration with eCommerce: Virtual influencers are expected to drive seamless eCommerce experiences—previewing, trying on, and even purchasing products within social platforms.
• Ethical Considerations: Brands will need to balance innovation with transparency to avoid misleading consumers on what is real versus generated content.

As brands continue to adapt, those strategically investing in AI and virtual influencer marketing are poised to lead the next wave of AI-driven brand campaigns—blending creativity, technology, and brand storytelling like never before.

At Seagull Advertising, we believe the future of branding lies at the intersection of creativity and technology. That’s why we’re actively exploring how AI influencers can unlock fresh, scalable, and emotionally resonant ideas for the brands we work with. From experimental content formats to data-driven storytelling, we see immense potential in harnessing AI for deeper engagement and future-ready brand narratives. If you’re curious about where virtual influencers can take your brand next—we’re already thinking ahead. Reach out to us for soaring, AI-powered ideas that elevate your brand to the next level.