By Dr KamiarTarighi

In 2025, fame doesn’t require flesh and blood — just flawless pixels and a powerful algorithm.

Welcome to the age of virtual influencers, where AI-generated avatars are signing brand deals, starring in music videos, and stealing the spotlight from human celebrities. From fashion campaigns to film festivals, these digital personalities are becoming impossible to ignore — and the entertainment world is taking notice.

 

Who Are Virtual Influencers?

Virtual influencers are digitally created personas designed to look, act, and even “feel” like real people. Some are animated with hyper-realistic visuals, while others lean into stylized, artistic aesthetics.

1. Lil Miquela — the OG digital darling — has collaborated with Prada, appeared in Calvin Klein ads, and boasts millions of followers on Instagram.
2. Imma, a pink-haired Japanese virtual model, is a street style icon with global brand endorsements.
3. Even K-pop is joining the movement with aespa, a girl group that performs alongside their AI avatars.

These aren’t just social media experiments — they’re marketable, managed personalities, with entire teams behind their every move.

Why Brands Love Them

For businesses, virtual influencers are the dream:

• They don’t age, get tired, or have scandals.
• Their look is always on-point, and their messaging is 100% controllable.
• They can be “anywhere” at once — in Tokyo, Paris, and L.A. — without booking a single flight.

It’s no surprise luxury brands, tech giants, and even environmental campaigns are tapping into their limitless potential.

Hollywood Gets Digital

Virtual celebrities are no longer just product promoters — they’re now crossing into entertainment:

• Virtual actors are being developed for roles in animated and even live-action films.
• AI-generated pop stars are releasing chart-topping singles (yes, created and performed by AI).
• Film studios are exploring hybrid productions, blending real-life talent with digital co-stars.

With platforms like TikTok and YouTube pushing the boundaries of content, virtual influencers are quickly becoming part of the Hollywood ecosystem — appearing at virtual events, voice acting, and even hosting segments.

Real Concerns in a Fake World

Of course, this trend isn’t without controversy. Critics question the ethics of authenticity, and worry about the impact on real influencers and creatives. If AI avatars become the faces of fashion, music, and even acting, what happens to the humans who built those industries?

And let’s not forget the big one: What happens when fans can’t tell what’s real anymore?

What’s Next?

Expect to see:

• More film studios developing digital-only talent
• Virtual reality meet-and-greets with AI celebrities
• And even AI-hosted red carpets or awards show segments

As technology evolves and fans continue to engage, virtual influencers are shaping up to be the next big power players in Hollywood — one perfectly rendered selfie at a time.

In a city built on illusion, perhaps it makes perfect sense that some of its newest stars aren’t real at all.