AI in Influencer Marketing: Virtual Influencers in 2025

Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media app and seeing a stylish influencer showing off the latest sneakers or makeup—except this influencer isn’t even real. In 2025, virtual influencers powered by artificial intelligence are not just a trend, they’re a revolution. These digital personalities are changing the way brands connect with audiences, making influencer marketing smarter, faster, and more creative than ever before.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler—a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ll take you inside the world of AI-driven influencer marketing and virtual influencers in 2025. But here’s the real secret: it’s not just about using new technology. It’s about showing real results. Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects—it’s your proof of skill, your credibility, and your shortcut to trust. In influencer marketing, just like in hiring, showing your impact is what sets you apart.

The Rise of Virtual Influencers: Why 2025 Is a Turning Point

Virtual influencers are digital characters created using AI, 3D modeling, and machine learning. They have their own personalities, styles, and even drama—just like human influencers. In 2025, these AI-powered avatars are everywhere: from fashion runways to gaming streams, and from product launches to music videos.

• The virtual influencer market is booming, growing at over 26% annually and valued at $4.6 billion in 2025.
• Top virtual influencers like Lil Miquela and Shudu have millions of followers and work with brands such as Prada, Chanel, and Calvin Klein.
• These digital stars can post 24/7, never get tired, and adapt instantly to trends, making them perfect for fast-moving campaigns.
• Virtual influencers can be customized for specific markets, languages, and cultural trends, making them highly adaptable for global brands.

Takeaway: Virtual influencers are not just a novelty—they’re a strategic tool for brands looking to reach young, tech-savvy audiences and stand out in a crowded digital world.

How AI Is Transforming Influencer Discovery and Campaigns

Finding the right influencer used to mean hours of research and guesswork. In 2025, AI does the heavy lifting. Advanced algorithms scan millions of profiles, analyze engagement, spot fake followers, and even predict which creators will go viral next.

• AI-powered tools track audience sentiment, content quality, and growth patterns in real time.
• Brands can discover rising stars before they become mainstream, leading to more authentic partnerships and better ROI.
• Automated outreach and campaign management save time and reduce costs, letting marketers focus on creativity and strategy.
• AI helps brands identify micro-influencers and nano-influencers who have strong, loyal communities, not just huge follower counts.

Takeaway: AI makes influencer marketing more data-driven, efficient, and reliable, helping brands avoid fraud and maximize results.

The Power and Appeal of Virtual Influencers

Why are brands flocking to virtual influencers in 2025? The answer is control, creativity, and scalability. Virtual influencers can be programmed to match any brand’s voice, style, and values. They can speak any language, appear in any location, and create content at any time—all without human limitations.

• Brands have full control over the influencer’s image, narrative, and posts, reducing risks and ensuring consistency.
• Virtual influencers can quickly adapt to different cultures and trends, making them ideal for global campaigns.
• They are often more cost-effective than traditional influencers, as there are no travel, scheduling, or negotiation hassles.
• Brands can use virtual influencers for product launches, tutorials, live Q&A sessions, and even interactive experiences in the metaverse.

Takeaway: Virtual influencers offer brands unmatched flexibility and creative freedom, making it easier to launch bold, innovative campaigns.

Real-World Examples: Virtual Influencers Leading the Way

Some virtual influencers are already household names. Lil Miquela, for example, has over 2.6 million followers and has worked with luxury brands, released music, and even sparked social debates. Shudu, known as the world’s first digital supermodel, collaborates with major fashion houses and beauty brands, showcasing products in visually stunning campaigns. Another popular virtual influencer, Imma from Japan, is recognized for her pink bob and unique style, and she has partnered with brands like IKEA and Puma.

• These digital stars are especially popular with Gen Z and digital-first audiences, who value uniqueness and futuristic appeal.
• Brands use virtual influencers to run interactive campaigns, test new markets, and experiment with creative ideas that might not work with human creators.
• Virtual influencers can participate in live streams, host virtual events, and even engage with fans through AI-powered chat, creating a sense of real interaction.

Takeaway: Virtual influencers are redefining what it means to be a celebrity, and their impact is only growing as technology advances.

Challenges: Authenticity, Trust, and Human Connection

Despite their popularity, virtual influencers face skepticism. Many consumers still trust human influencers more, especially when it comes to making purchase decisions. A recent survey found that 65% of people in the US are unlikely to buy products promoted by AI influencers.

• Building emotional connection and trust is harder for digital avatars, as they lack real-life experiences.
• Some audiences may find virtual influencers less relatable or even “creepy,” especially older generations.
• Brands must balance novelty with authenticity, using virtual influencers as part of a broader, human-centered strategy.
• Transparency is key—brands need to clearly disclose when an influencer is virtual to avoid misleading their audience.

Takeaway: Virtual influencers work best when combined with real creators and authentic storytelling, ensuring campaigns feel genuine and trustworthy.

The Future: Where AI and Influencer Marketing Are Headed

Looking ahead, AI will make virtual influencers even more realistic and interactive. Expect to see avatars that can host live events, answer questions in real time, and even collaborate with human creators on complex projects.

• AI will enable hyper-personalized content, where virtual influencers can tailor their message to each follower.
• As technology advances, expect more brands to experiment with “hybrid” campaigns, blending real and virtual influencers for maximum impact.
• The virtual influencer market is expected to keep growing, with more brands investing in AI-driven campaigns and digital personalities.
• New platforms and tools will allow smaller brands and individual creators to design their own virtual influencers, democratizing access to this technology.

Takeaway: The line between real and virtual will keep blurring, creating new opportunities—and challenges—for marketers.

How Fueler Helps Marketers and Creators Stand Out

With AI and virtual influencers taking over, it’s more important than ever to show your real impact. That’s where Fueler comes in. Fueler is a portfolio platform that helps companies hire talent through assignments and real work samples. In a world where results matter, your portfolio is your best proof of skill and creativity.

• Showcase successful influencer campaigns, both virtual and real, with data and creative samples.
• Build trust with brands and clients by demonstrating real-world outcomes and innovative strategies.
• Stay ahead by showing your expertise in AI tools, influencer marketing, and digital storytelling.
• Use Fueler to highlight your adaptability to new trends, including your work with virtual influencers and AI-driven campaigns.

Final Thought

AI is revolutionizing influencer marketing in 2025, with virtual influencers leading the charge. These digital personalities are more than a trend—they’re a new way for brands to connect, create, and compete. But remember, technology is just a tool. The real winners will be those who can use AI to tell authentic stories, build trust, and show real results. If you want to stand out in this new world, start building your portfolio and embracing the future—today.

FAQs

1. What are virtual influencers and how are they created?

Virtual influencers are digital personalities made using AI, 3D modeling, and machine learning. They look and act like real people, but are controlled by brands or agencies for marketing campaigns.

2. Why are brands using virtual influencers in 2025?

Brands use virtual influencers for their flexibility, creative control, and ability to engage young, tech-savvy audiences. They can post any time, adapt to trends, and run global campaigns without human limits.

3. Are virtual influencers more effective than human influencers?

Virtual influencers offer advantages like scalability and control, but many people still trust human influencers more. The best results often come from combining both in a campaign.

4. How is AI changing influencer discovery and campaign management?

AI tools scan social media to find rising stars, analyze engagement, and predict campaign success. They help brands avoid fake followers and make influencer marketing more data-driven and efficient.

5. What skills do marketers need to succeed with AI and virtual influencers?

Marketers need digital storytelling, data analysis, creativity, and a strong portfolio to prove their results. Platforms like Fueler help showcase these skills and land top opportunities in the AI-driven influencer world.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.