Virtual influencer

A virtual influencer, also known as a virtual persona or virtual model, is a computer-generated fictional character that can be used for a variety of marketing-related purposes, but most frequently for social media marketing in lieu of human "influencers". Most virtual influencers are designed using computer graphics and motion capture technology to resemble real people in realistic situations. Common derivatives of virtual influencers include VTubers, which broadly refer to online entertainers and YouTubers who represent themselves using virtual avatars instead of their physical selves. In addition to their roles in marketing, some virtual influencers are also used in educational and therapeutic contexts, providing interactive experiences for users.

History
Virtual influencers are fundamentally synonymous with virtual idols, which originate from Japan's anime and Japanese idol culture that dates back to the 1980s. The first virtual idol created was Lynn Minmay, a fictional singer and main character of the anime television series Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982) and the animated film adaptation Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984). Minmay's success led to the production of more Japanese virtual idols, such as EVE from the Japanese cyberpunk anime Megazone 23 (1985), and Sharon Apple in Macross Plus (1994). Virtual idols were not always well received – in 1995, Japanese talent agency Horipro created Kyoko Date, which was inspired by the Macross franchise and dating sim games such as Tokimeki Memorial (1994). Date failed to gain commercial success despite drawing headlines for her debut as a CGI idol, largely due to technical limitations leading to issues such as unnatural movements, an issue also known as the uncanny valley. Virtual idols have influenced the development of digital entertainment, inspiring the creation of virtual concerts and holographic performances.

Since their inception, many virtual idols created have achieved continual success, with notable names including the Vocaloid singer Hatsune Miku, and the virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI. Technological advancements have also enabled production teams to use artificial intelligence and advanced techniques to customize the personalities and behavior of virtual idols. Technological advancements have also enabled virtual influencers to engage in real-time interactions with fans, using AI to respond to comments and messages on social media.

Benefits
From a branding perspective, virtual influencers are much less likely to be mired in scandals. In China, celebrities caught in bad publicity such as singer Wang Leehom and entertainer Kris Wu have heightened the appeal of virtual influencers, since their existence relies entirely on computer-generated imagery, and hence are unlikely to cause any damage to a brand's image by association. Some studies have also suggested that Generation Z consumers have a unique appetite for virtual idols and influencers, since they grew up in the age of the internet. Studies also show that human-like appearance of virtual influencers show higher message credibility than anime-like virtual influencers, and that virtual influencers as a whole are viewed as more trustworthy, credible, and relevant compared to human influencers. Furthermore, virtual influencers offer brands the ability to maintain complete creative control over their campaigns, ensuring consistent and on-brand messaging.

Virtual bands

 * Eternity - A South Korean virtual idol group formed by Pulse9.
 * Gorillaz - A British virtual band formed in 1998.
 * K/DA - A virtual K-pop girl group created as part of the League of Legends video game franchise.
 * MAVE: - A South Korean virtual girl group formed in 2023 by Metaverse Entertainment.
 * Pentakill - A virtual heavy metal band created as part of the League of Legends video game franchise.
 * Plave (band) - A South Korean virtual boy band formed by VLast.
 * Squid Sisters and Off the Hook - Two virtual pop idol duos as part of the Splatoon series.
 * Studio Killers - A Finnish-Danish-British virtual band formed in 2011.

Virtual Instagram Influencers

 * Lil Miquela - A virtual influencer who has collaborated with major brands like Prada and Calvin Klein.
 * Shudu Gram - A virtual supermodel created by Cameron-James Wilson, modeling for brands like Balmain and Fenty Beauty.
 * Imma - A pink-haired Asian virtual influencer who has collaborated with brands like IKEA Japan, Porsche and even the biggest brokerage of Japan - Nomura Holdings Inc!
 * Lu - A Brazilian virtual influencer created by Magazine Luiza who has collaborated with brands like Adidas, and also comments on relevant social issues such as LGBT rights.

Vocaloids

 * Hatsune Miku (modeled after Saki Fujita)
 * Kagamine Rin/Len (modeled after Asami Shimoda)
 * Megurine Luka (modeled after Yū Asakawa)
 * Meiko (modeled after Meiko Haigō)
 * Kaito (modeled after Naoto Fūga)

VTubers

 * Kano
 * Kizuna AI
 * Neuro-sama
 * VShojo
 * Ironmouse
 * Projekt Melody
 * Nijisanji
 * Hololive
 * Akai Haato
 * Gawr Gura
 * Hoshimachi Suisei
 * Natsuiro Matsuri
 * Mori Calliope

Other examples

 * Aitana López
 * Ami Yamato
 * April Isabella
 * Crazy Frog
 * FN Meka
 * IA
 * Kuki AI
 * Kyoko Date
 * Kyra