The demand for AI Influencers in the market is increasing at a rapid speed. In general, AI is being utilized by companies and businesses across all industries to complete various tasks and duties. In Fact, 63% of professionals are planning on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to influencer marketing in upcoming years globally.
In this guide, we are going to take a look at the latest trends, market size, and statistics related to AI Influencers worldwide to understand their impact and how virtual influencers are transforming the world using AI.
Key AI Influencer Statistics
- The global AI Influencer market was projected to reach USD 6.95 billion in 2024.
- 63% of professionals are planning on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for influencing marketing in upcoming years globally.
- 52.8% of marketers believe virtual influencers have a prominent impact on the future of marketing.
- 65.50% of the female audience interacts with virtual influencer content.
- The influencer marketing industry is worth $24 billion U.S. Dollars.
- The United States has the highest number of virtual influencers worldwide.
- Reel is the most popular form of content shared by AI influencers on Instagram.
Market Size of Influencer Marketing Industry
As of 2024, the Influencer marketing industry is worth $24 billion U.S. Dollars. In 2023, the market size was $21.1 billion, and in 2022, it was $16.4 billion. There has been a massive rise in the market size from 2022 to 2023.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the market size of influencer marketing from 2016 to 2024:
| Year | Influencer Marketing Market Size |
| 2024 | $24 billion |
| 2023 | $21.1 billion |
| 2022 | $16.4 billion |
| 2021 | $13.8 billion |
| 2020 | $9.7 billion |
| 2019 | $6.5 billion |
| 2018 | $4.6 billion |
| 2017 | $3 billion |
| 2016 | $1.7 billion |
Source: Statista
AI Influencer Market Size
The global AI Influencer market size is projected to reach 6.95 billion U.S. Dollars in 2024 based on a CAGR of 39.9%. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the figures of AI Influencer market over the years:
| Year | Market Size |
| 2024 | 6.95 billion |
| 2025 | 9.65 billion |
| 2026 | 13.40 billion |
| 2027 | 18.61 billion |
| 2028 | 25.85 billion |
| 2029 | 35.91 billion |
| 2030 | 49.88 billion |
One of the top reasons behind such immense growth of AI influencers in the market is the evolving digital landscape and extensive usage of social media across the world.
The Rise of AI Influencers
AI Influencers are constantly gaining recognition among the audience on social media. Most brands and companies are adopting AI technology in their workplace. In Fact, some virtual influencers are even earning thousands of dollars in revenue on a monthly basis. Let’s take a look at some of the statistics associated with AI Influencers:
- 52.8% of marketers believe virtual influencers have a prominent impact on the future of entertainment and marketing.
- 71% of brands believe that AI Influencers are capable of delivering higher ROI in comparison to human influencers.
AI Influencer Engagement and Audience Demographics
Surprisingly, virtual influencers have outperformed human influencers when it comes to average engagement rates. Based on the below-mentioned table below, the average engagement rate of virtual influencers is 2.84%, while the percentage for human influencers is 1.72%.
Average Engagement Rate of Virtual and Human Influencers.
| Virtual Influencer | Human Influencer |
| 2.84% | 1.72% |
This suggests that virtual influencers have a higher capability of generating engaging content for their audience compared to human influencers.
Audience Demographic of Virtual and Human Influencers
Taking a closer look at the audience demographic towards virtual and human influencers, it was revealed that female audiences are more likely to engage or interact with content generated by virtual influencers compared to human influencers. The percentage of females interacting with virtual influencer content is (65.50%) and for younger audiences aged 13 to 17 is (11.6%).
| Audience Demographic | Virtual Influencer | Human Influencer |
| Female Audience | 65.50% | 44.18% |
| 13 to 17 years old | 11.60% | 6.35% |
Number of Marketing professionals planning on using AI and ML for influencing marketing in the upcoming year globally
A number of Marketing professionals are planning on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for influencing marketing in upcoming years globally.
| AI and ML usage for Influencer Marketing | Share of respondents |
| Yes | 63% |
| No | 27.1% |
| Maybe | 9.9% |
Source: Statista
Perception of AI Influencers Effectiveness
When it comes to the perception of AI Influencers Effectiveness the reaction is mixed as some people consider it positive while some consider it negative. Although the majority of the ratio (49.3%) thinks AI influencers are Very positive. While 28% of the people consider it neutral.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the perception of people regarding AI Influencers’ Effectiveness:
| Very Positive | 49.3% |
| Somewhat Positive | 12.7% |
| Neutral | 28% |
| Somewhat Negative | 4% |
| Very Negative | 6% |
AI Influencers by Country
The United States is the leading country with the highest number of virtual influencers worldwide. Followed by Japan in the second position and the United Kingdom in the third position.
Here is a breakdown of the Top countries with the highest number of virtual influencers globally:
| Country | Number of Virtual Influencers |
| United States | 44 |
| Japan | 11 |
| United Kingdom | 9 |
| Brazil | 7 |
| South Korea | 6 |
AI Influencers Content Distribution
When it comes to content distribution, Reels which are short-form videos on Instagram acquire the largest share of content (43/3%) utilized by AI Influencers to interact with their audience. Followed by traditional posts in the second position with (42.8%) share and lastly Carousels with (13.9%) share of AI Influencers.
This showcases that short-form video content is a more digestible format that helps influencers connect with their audience.
| Type of Content | Share of AI Influencers |
| Reels | 43.3% |
| Posts | 42.8% |
| Carousels | 13.9% |
Top Platforms Where Consumers Follow AI Influencers in the United States
According to a survey conducted in the United States in March 2022, it was revealed that the majority of Americans follow AI Influencers on YouTube (28.7%). Followed by Instagram, is the second social media platform with the highest share of consumers following virtual influencers with (28.4%). TikTok is in third place with (20.5%) and Facebook in fourth position with (14.6%).
Here is a breakdown of the top social media platforms and the share of consumers following AI Influencers:
| Platform | Share of consumers following AI Influencers |
| YouTube | 28.7% |
| 28.4% | |
| TikTok | 20.5% |
| 14.6% | |
| 4.6% | |
| Spotify | 2% |
| Other | 1.2% |
Source: Statista
Share of consumers who bought a product/service promoted by virtual influencers in the United States
A survey was conducted in the United States in March 2022 to understand consumers’ behavior toward purchasing a product or service promoted by AI Influencers. It was revealed in the survey that 35% of respondents are likely to purchase a product or service promoted by virtual influencers. However, 65% of respondents claimed they are not likely to buy a product promoted by a virtual influencer.
| Product Purchased by AI Influencer | Share of respondents |
| Yes | 35% |
| No | 55% |
Source: Statista
Consumers who bought a product promoted by AI Influencers U.S. 2022, by age
Surprisingly, the age group 35 to 44 has the highest share of consumers to purchase a product promoted by AI Influencers in the United States according to a survey conducted in the U.S. in 2022. Although, 55% of respondents do claim not to purchase a product promoted by virtual influencers.
Here is a breakdown of the share of consumers who bought a product promoted by AI Influencers in the United States in 2022 by age:
| Age Group | Yes | No |
| 18 to 24 | 40% | 60% |
| 25 to 34 | 40% | 60% |
| 35 to 44 | 45% | 55% |
| 45 to 54 | 28% | 72% |
| 55 and older | 18% | 82% |
Source: Statista
AI Influencers are popular, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials
When it comes to acceptance and growing popularity of AI influencers or virtual influencers then Gen Z and Millennials are the leading generation that is accepting AI technology in such scenarios. One of the key reasons behind this growing popularity is that AI influencers are seen as being more relatable and authentic than human influencers.
Brands are increasingly using AI Influencers in Marketing Campaigns
With AI technology being used at a larger scale across all industries, more and more brands and marketers are increasing the usage of AI Influencers in their marketing campaigns. One of the main reasons behind brands implementing AI influencers in their campaigns is because of its authenticity, full control, and global reach.
AI Influencers are being utilized by marketers for expansion into new industries
AI Influencers are being utilized by brands and marketers to promote a variety of different and unique products and services. This includes promoting food, travel, beauty, fashion, and even financial products.
Development of new technologies in the AI Influencer industry
Advances in Computer-generated imagery (CGI) technology are playing a prominent role in making AI Influencers more realistic, sophisticated, and reliable. This is leading to new and innovative ways marketers can utilize virtual influencers for entertainment and marketing purposes and help attract larger audiences.
Most Popular AI Influencers
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular AI Influencer names globally that have been playing a crucial role in building the AI influencer industry:
1. Lu Do Magalu @Magazineluiza
Lu Do Magalu is the most-followed AI Influencer on Instagram. She currently has 6.9 million followers on her Instagram account. She was first introduced back in 2009 on YouTube where she promoted iBlogTV. Since then, Magalu has created a massive name for herself in the AI influencer market. Magalu is currently active on both Instagram and YouTube, where she constantly posts different types of videos, such as product reviews, software tips, unboxing videos, and more.
2. Lil Miquela @Lilmiquela
Lil Miquela is one of the most popular virtual influencers worldwide. Right now she has about 2.6 million followers on her Instagram account. Miquela began her social media journey in 2016 and started collaborating with various high-end fashion brands and businesses such as Prada, Calvin Klien, and more. Apart from this, one of her most notable works has been shooting for a Calvin Klien advertisement alongside model Bella Hadid.
3. Shudu @Shudu.Gram
Shudu is another notable name in the AI Influencer industry. She was created in 2017 by Cameron James Wilson, a fashion photographer. Shudu has about 240K followers on Instagram. Shudu Gram was first introduced in April 2017 and since then she has been part of various fashion brands and has even been featured in Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Smart Car, and more brands.
4. Bermuda @Bermudaisba
Bermuda is another popular AI Influencer that has gained excellent recognition on the social media platform Instagram. She currently has 229K followers on Instagram. Bermuda was created by a Los Angeles-based startup called “Brud.” This computer-generated influencer has been active on Instagram and is seen constantly collaborating with top fashion brands and technology industries.
5. Imma @Imma.Gram
Imma is a Japanese AI Influencer produced by Aww Inc. in 2018. She currently has 388K followers on Instagram and is often seen working for some of the top fashion brands in the world. Imma has collaborated with Porsche, Dior, Nike, Puma, Amazon, and other leading brands worldwide. She also posts images with some of the known figures and celebrities in Japan.
The Future of AI Influencers
With brands and marketers utilizing generative AI tools at a larger scale, the potential of AI Influencers integrating with businesses is expected to increase in the future. With time generative AI tools are also becoming more and more precise and reliable for users in almost every industry. Therefore, applying generative AI videos, images, and chatbots to AI influencers will help brands connect with their target audience in a better place.
AI Influencers have their own sets of benefits such as 24/7 availability and the ability to connect with people without any language and cultural barrier, which helps brands to promote their products and services globally without any restrictions. Overall, the future of AI Influencers looks pretty bright considering the amount of audience it can attract globally.
FAQs
How big is the AI influencer market?
The AI Influencer market is worth 3.60 billion in 2022 and according to a report by KBV research, the market size of AI Influencers is expected to reach a milestone of $37.8 billion by 2030 globally.
How Many AI-generated Influencers Are There?
There are 150 AI-generated influencers on Instagram, while the total number of AI-generated influencers across all social media platforms is yet to be discovered.
Who is the most popular AI influencer?
Lu do Magalu (@magazineluiza) is the most popular AI Influencer on Instagram and she currently has 6.9 million followers on Instagram.
