Rising Influence of AI and Virtual Influencers:

Virtual influencers, created through artificial intelligence or computer software, have gained immense popularity on platforms like Instagram. Consequently, they lead to significant earnings for their creators. Major brands like BMW and Balenciaga have already embraced these virtual influencers, recognising their potential.

A recent study explored the earnings potential of the top 60 ‘human replica’ AI influencers, evaluating their potential earnings per sponsored post by analysing follower numbers. As a result, the study revealed how lucrative virtual influencer marketing can be.

Top-Earning Virtual Influencers

1. Lu do Magalu (@magazineluiza)

Lu do Magalu leads the pack with the highest earning potential from a sponsored Instagram post, around £26,700. Created as part of a promotion for iBlogTV by Magazine Luiza in 2009, Lu has posted to Instagram 45 times in the past 30 days. If monetised, her creators could have made up to £1.2 million in a single month.

2. Miquela Sousa (@lilmiquela)

Miquela Sousa, created by Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou, ranks second with an estimated earning potential of up to £12,900 per post. Lil Miquela has been a workhorse for her creators, collaborating with brands like BMW, Samsung, and Calvin Klein.

3. Leya Love (@leyalovenature)

Leya Love, a creation of Cosmiq Universe AG, could earn an estimated £3,900 per sponsored post. Known for blending digital modelling with environmental advocacy, Leya has posted twice in the past month, potentially earning over £7,800.

4. Alara X (@iamxalara)

Alara X could earn up to £3,600 per sponsored post. Created by IAMX Digital Human, Alara aims to be one of the first human-like avatars in the Metaverse, offering interactive storytelling through virtual and mixed reality experiences.

5. Thalasya Pov (@thalasya_)

Thalasya Pov has the potential to command £3,300 per sponsored post. Identified as the first Indonesian digital human character, if her creators had maintained a schedule of one sponsored post per month since her last post 44 months ago, they could have amassed up to £145,200.

6. Noonoouri (@noonoouri)

Noonoouri is recognised for her chic style and advocacy for veganism and sustainability, with the potential to earn up to £3,200 per post. Created in 2018 as a Metaverse avatar, she has secured high-profile endorsement deals with Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga and was recently signed by Warner Music.

7. Imma (@imma.gram)

Imma garners potential earnings of £3,000 per post. Known for contemporary fashion and art, Imma has worked with brands like Porsche Japan, Ikea, and Puma.

8. Alexis Ivyedge (@alexisivyedge)

Alexis Ivyedge could earn up to £2,600 per sponsored post. The self-proclaimed ‘bombshell, model, and social media starlet’ has more than 334,000 followers.

9. Aitana Lopez (@fit_aitana)

Aitana Lopez, known for her pink hair, has gained over 290,000 followers and could earn more than £2,400 for a single post.

10. Shudu (@shudu.gram)

Shudu, the self-proclaimed ‘world’s first digital supermodel,’ has amassed over 240,000 followers. Her creator could charge up to £2,000 per sponsored post, which is close to the average UK wage of £2,913. Shudu has been involved in several high-profile campaigns, adding a unique blend of fashion and technology to the influencer market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the significant earning potential of virtual influencers, showcasing their ability to command impressive fees for sponsored posts. With brands increasingly turning to these digital personas, the realm of virtual influencer marketing continues to expand, offering lucrative opportunities for creators.