Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a helpful tool for us. We use it for our studies, to help diagnose illnesses, and to provide more efficient government services. That's why businesses have been quick to use it to boost profits.
One way companies leverage AI is to market their offerings to customers. This is achieved by working with famous virtual influencers to promote their brands on social media, like TikTok. Unlike typical social media influencers, these virtual influencers are easier to work with and more cost-effective. This makes them appealing to companies who want to spend their budget on other priorities.
However, choosing the best virtual influencer for your business can be hard. To help you make the right choice, continue reading as we share the ten most famous AI TikTok influencers you should consider in 2024.
Cutting-Edge Tools Behind TikTok’s AI Influencers
AI TikTok influencers did not just come about out of nowhere. AI tools were needed to generate and use them for multiple purposes.
This section will explore the technologies that allowed AI Influencers to rise on the TikTok platform. It will focus on AI-generated content and TikTok’s avatar tools.
How does AI generate lifelike digital personas for TikTok?
AI, machine learning (ML), and computer graphics work together for a digital persona to be generated. The process is as follows:
- Data Collection - Large datasets of human images, videos, and behaviors are collected to teach AI models. Once this is done, AI models can predict or act on data that was not observed before.
- AI and Machine Learning - ML algorithms are trained on collected data, especially deep learning models. These models are taught to recognize patterns in facial expressions, body movements, voice tones, and other human features.
- 3D Modelling and Animation - 3D avatars are then designed and animated through rigging and motion capture to replicate and imitate real-life actions.
- Voice Synthesis - Text-to-speech systems (like the one available on TikTok) and voice cloning applications online give the digital persona a natural-sounding voice. The content of the persona’s conversations can be based on scripts written by humans or scripts that are written using content creation software tools.
- Behavioral Algorithms - AI-driven behavioral algorithms are applied to simulate human personality traits. Natural language processing (NLP) is used to allow the persona to engage in real-life conversations.
- TikTok Integration - The digital persona is posted on TikTok to interact with users.
- Update AI Models - New data is always added to AI models, enhancing the persona’s accuracy and engagement over time.
What is the role of automation and deep learning in the consistency of your content?
Automation handles your routine tasks and ensures a steady production schedule. This allows a consistent and reliable flow of content.
On the other hand, deep learning keeps your piece aligned with your desired style and tone. It also adapts your content to what your audience wants without losing consistency.
Together, they create content that is both cohesive and responsive to the needs of your audience.
TikTok’s Avatar Tools
TikTok Symphony Avatars
Source: newsroom.tiktok.com
On June 27, 2024, TikTok launched Symphony Digital Avatars. Together with AI Dubbing and Symphony Collective, they form part of the company’s generative AI (Gen AI) ad solutions, Symphony.
With 58% of TikTok users who are probably going to trust brands they learn about from creators, Symphony Digital Avatars give brands and creators a chance to reach global audiences and share impactful messages in an immersive and authentic manner.
Symphony Digital Avatars offers two ways for brands and creators to showcase their creativity and individuality to TikTok users. These are:
- Stock Avatars - These are pre-made avatars created using paid actors and licensed for commercial purposes. Stock Avatars allow companies to add a personal touch to their content with quick and easy access to global creators from different backgrounds and nationalities who speak more than 30 languages.
- Custom Avatars - These are designed to portray a creator or brand spokesperson who can speak multiple languages. They give creators and marketers the ability to improve their brand presence and recognition. Creators can use these avatars to show their images and create multilingual versions to widen their global reach and brand partnerships. Meanwhile, brands use these avatars to incorporate their brand identity, spokesperson, or partnered creator to facilitate easy collaboration with global creators and localize their international campaigns.
Through follows and likes, TikTok users can interact directly with these Digital Avatars. Similarly, the avatar can respond to user comments, driving up further engagement.
Impact on Content Creation
AI tools have significantly changed the landscape of content creation. Virtually anyone can create their own content, which opens a lot of creative opportunities for them. Here’s a detailed look at its impact:
1. Democratization of Content Creation
- Accessibility of Tools - AI tools have made high-quality content creation available to everyone. AI platforms like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and many AI-driven video editing software allow users to create professional-level content without needing to become an expert or buy expensive gadgets.
- Enhanced Creativity - A study published in Science Advances suggests less creative writers who use AI write better and more enjoyable stories than those who don’t use them. It also helps in the generation of new ideas. However, the study noted that they tend to be repetitive compared to human writers.
- Personalization - AI enables tailored content for a particular audience—the content changes based on the user’s feedback.
2. Accessibility Benefits
- Resource Efficiency - Complex and repetitive tasks are automated, saving time and reducing the need for more resources to be used.
- Inclusivity - Users with disabilities can use technology with the help of AI. For instance, TikTok has many accessibility features to help disabled people navigate the platform.
- Education and Skills Development - AI can generate valuable information for users across the globe. For example, ChatGPT does not only use its current data for information generation. It also searches the web, making it a search engine as well.
Top 10 AI Influencers on Tiktok
These top AI virtual influencers on TikTok will help you pick the best one to help your business. They are:
1. Janky & Guggimon (@jankyandguggimon)
@jankyandguggimon
- Profile - Janky and Guggimon are two TikTok stars created by Superplastic. Their TikTok account is known for its mix of animated skits, music videos, and fashion content. Between the two, Janky is the playful and mischievous one, while Guggimon has a darker and more horror-inspired style. Together, they appeal to fans who fancy edgy and creative digital content.
- Style - Their content focuses on streetwear, high fashion, and punk aesthetics. The duo's videos combine comedy and artistry making them unique.
- Influence - Janky and Guggimon’s tandem is a hit with social media users. For instance, Janky’s Instagram account has 993,000 followers while Guggimon has 1.3 million followers. As for their joint TikTok account, they have 11.7 million followers.
- Notable Collaborations – In early 2022, Gucci partnered with Janky and Guggimon. Together, they created a porcelain design and turned it into a non-fungible token (NFT).
@jankyandguggimon EXCISE ME??? JANKY X @Gucci DROPPIN FEB 1 LLFFFFFGGGGGG #jankywasfirst #guccigang #iknowsomethingyoudont ♬
2. Lu Do Magalu (@magalu)
@magalu
- Profile - Lu Do Magalu or Lu, is another famous AI TikTok influencer created by the Brazilian retailer Magazine Luiza (Magalu). She first appeared on August 13, 2009, to endorse iBlogTV on behalf of Magalu. Even though Lu has a massive following on TikTok, it’s important to note that most of her fans are from Brazil.
- Style - Lu’s style is friendly, trendy, and relatable. She shares content about fashion, technology, and lifestyle. Magalu uses an approachable and engaging tone when interacting with her followers. Her goal is to connect to more audiences, especially millennials and Gen Z.
- Influence - Lu is a famous icon in Brazil, giving significant internet traffic and profits for Magalu. At the time of this writing, Lu has 7 million followers on Instagram and 7.3 million followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaboration - In 2021, Brazilian pop star Anitta and TikTok star Lu worked on a music video to promote Magazine Luiza. It combined entertainment and e-commerce making her a versatile virtual influencer.
@magalu Curtiram a minha #TrocaDeLook? Todos os looks que eu usei #TemNoMagalu ♬ som original - Lu do Magalu
3. Qai Qai (@realqaiqai)
@realqaiqai
- Profile - Qai Qai is a digital character created as a doll for Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr. —the daughter of Alexis Ohanian and tennis player Serena Williams. The character was positively received on social media, transforming into a virtual influencer best known for her inspirational and fun content.
- Style - Qai Qai’s content often includes funny skits and positive messaging to engage her followers. She shares a mix of animated videos, memes, and inspirational posts that emphasize self-belief and resilience. Her style is mostly family-friendly, which is loved by both children and adults alike.
- Influence - Qai Qai is one of the most famous TikTok stars in the world. She is known for her advocacy of mental health awareness. When it comes to her social media accounts, Qai Qai has 338,000 followers on Instagram and 4.6 million followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaborations: On January 19, 2024, Qai Qai signed a partnership deal with Republic Records and Invisible Universe. Their collaboration led to them creating new and original music.
@realqaiqai I’ve always wanted to be featured in one of Ryan’s unboxing videos! Check out the Official Best Friend Music Video at the link in ny bio! ? @Pocket.Watch @Republic Records #newmusic #ryansworld #ryansworldmovie ♬ original sound - Qai Qai
4. Apoki (@apoki.vv)
@apoki.vv
- Profile - Apoki is a virtual K-pop singer and AI influencer from South Korea developed by Afun Interactive. She is known for her vibrant personality and charming performances. She is a combination of the appeal of K-pop and the power of AI technology making her stand out from the rest of AI influencers.
- Style - Apoki’s style blends modernism and K-pop artistry. Her outfits are often colorful and stylish with a touch of high-tech accessories. Her content ranges from dance performances and music videos.
- Influence - Apoki has captured the attention of K-pop fans around the world. This is seen in her massive following on various social media platforms. For instance, she currently has 140,000 followers on Instagram and 4.4 million followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaborations - She has collaborated with fashion brands like Charles & Keith and Burberry. The latter of which involved Apoki promoting Burberry’s latest collection.
@apoki.vv APOKI in @Burberry ? #AD #Burberry #APOKI #아뽀키 #アポキ ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - Apoki 아뽀키
5. MIQUELA (@lilmiquela)
@lilmiquela
- Profile - Lil Miquela is an online and TikTok influencer developed by the tech company Brud. She is a 21-year-old robot living in Los Angeles with a human-like persona. Miquela’s content mainly revolves around the topics of fashion, music, and social issues. Due to her expansive reach, she is considered a famous Tiktoker, with about 3.4 million followers.
- Style - Her content is a combination of high fashion, casual streetwear, and pop culture. She often features outfits from famous designers and brands. She leans more towards modern and trendy styles, which is appealing to Gen Zs.
- Influence - She is known to have a massive social media following of 2.5 million on Instagram and 3.4 million on TikTok. She has also worked for companies like Prada, Samsung, and Calvin Klein.
- Notable Collaboration - In 2019, Lil Miquela teamed up with supermodel Bella Hadid. This collaboration had the two work on a Calvin Klein ad.
@lilmiquela I am here. This is my truth. #MYTRUTH #MYCALVINS @bellahadid @calvinklein ♬ original sound - MIQUELA
6. Barbie (@barbie)
@barbie
- Profile - Mattel’s Barbie is perhaps one of the most recognizable dolls in the world. That is why her transition to social media, especially TikTok, was a successful one. Her TikTok account features Barbie talking about lifestyle tips and fashion advice. She is also seen in different places on her account. Barbie’s content continues her long-standing image as a symbol of women's empowerment, diversity, and creativity.
- Style - Barbie loves to incorporate the color pink in every outfit that she wears. She is also seen doing makeup tutorials and also offers motivational messages to her audience.
- Influence - Barbie’s 64-year-old reign is seen in the support she receives in her social media accounts. For instance, Barbie has 3.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.1 million followers on TikTok. This makes her influence extensive not only in the past but until now.
- Notable Collaborations - Throughout the years, Barbie has worked with countless brands. These include Vans, Walmart, and Krispy Kreme to name a few.
@barbie Dough-not worry, we’ve got extra ? Grab the limited-edition Barbie x @Krispy Kreme doughnuts before they’re gone, now through 9/15! #Barbie #Doughnuts #Friends #KrispyKreme #DidYouEatMyDoughnuts ♬ original sound - barbie
7. CB da Casas Bahia (@casasbahia)
@casasbahia
- Profile - CB is the digital character of the company Casas Bahia, one of the biggest retail brands in Brazil. He is fond of playing games, sustainability, and youth culture. CB also shares with the world the beauty of Brazil.
- Style - CB’s content mostly focuses on light-hearted humor, memes, and brand promotions, often showcasing playful interactions with followers and other influences. He regularly participates in viral challenges and posts about products that he would want to market to his audiences.
- Influence - CB is a marketing powerhouse in his home country of Brazil. That’s why it’s expected that other brands there are also creating their virtual influencers to compete. As for his social media following, CB has 3.8 million followers on Instagram and 2 million followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaboration - CB mostly endorses Casas Bahia on his social media accounts. This is unsurprising as he is the virtual mascot of the said company.
@casasbahia Posso chamar hoje de CBDay? Então se liga nessa dica rápida para aproveitar o #casasbahiaplay sem deixar a bola passar ⚽ Vai que é tua!!! #casasbahia ♬ som original - CB da Casas Bahia ?
8. Hatsune Miku (@hatsunemiku0831)
@hatsunemiku0831
- Profile - Hatsune Miku is a virtual pop star and Vocaloid developed by Crypton Future Media Inc.
She is known for her synthesized voice and turquoise twin-tail hairstyle. Miku has also performed live in holographic concerts and is deemed one of the most successful virtual idols ever. - Style - Hatsune Miku’s style is a blend of futuristic fashion and anime-inspired aesthetics. Her signature outfit is based on a schoolgirl’s uniform with futuristic elements like digital accessories and glowing accents. Her content includes music videos, footage of live concerts, and fan art.
- Influence - Hatsune is a pioneer in the virtual idol industry, setting the standards of what a virtual influencer and performer should be. She is also seen in video games and art exhibitions. She currently has 93,600 followers on Instagram and 422,100 followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaborations - On August 31, 2023, Hatsune Miku collaborated with Pokémon. Together, they created multiple illustrations, songs, and music videos.
@hatsunemiku0831 『初音ミク』とコラボレーションした数量限定ゲーミングマウスが登場！ ■特徴 ・PMW 3327光学センサー採用 ・12,400dpiまでの解像度調整が可能 ・1,000万回のクリック耐久性を誇るスイッチを採用 ・1680万色RGB LEDを搭載し、6種類のバックライト効果を演出 #初音ミク #hatsunemiku #ゲーミングマウス #Thermaltake ♬ rest (feat. Hatsune Miku) - Neji-Shiki & Hatsune Miku
9. imma (@imma.tokyo)
@imma.tokyo
- Profile - Imma is a virtual influencer based in Japan. She was developed by Aww Inc. and ModelingCafe. Imma’s content focuses on fashion, lifestyle, and Japanese culture. She is often portrayed as a fashionable and charismatic figure.
- Style - Imma’s style is a blend of modern fashion and minimalist aesthetics. She often showcases top-of-the-line brands and Japanese trends.
- Influence - Imma popularized the concept of digital characters in Japan. She has a significant following on social media, with 388,000 followers on Instagram and 471,200 followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaborations - Imma has worked with top brands such as Burberry, IKEA, and Thailand’s True5G. Some of her campaigns also showcased her working alongside human models.
@imma.tokyo Hello Thailand friends ?? สวัสดี サワッディー? #pr #BESTwithTRUE5G #TRUE5Gximma #TrueTOGETHER ♬ original sound - imma
10. Milla Sofia (@millasofiafin)
@millasofiafin
- Profile - Milla is a 24-year-old AI influencer and fashion model from Finland. She enjoys sharing her adventures, fashion experiences, and everyday life online.
- Style - Milla’s style is both elegant and modern. She also promotes luxury brands and fashion trends. Her posts often feature fabulous outfits and scenic backgrounds.
- Influence - Mila has a presence across various places, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. At the time of this writing, she has 186,000 followers on Instagram and 129,600 followers on TikTok.
- Notable Collaboration - On August 8, 2023, Milla collaborated with the Finnish store Tyyliluuri. The company sells different phone accessories in Finland.
@millasofiafin Guess who just became the newest supermodel for the fabulous Finnish fashion phone haven, @tyyliluuri.fi puhelimen kuoret ? ?? Time to strike a pose with these stylish phone cases! #Tyyliluuri #Phonecase #PhoneFashionista #millasofia ♬ nhạc nền - OLD MUSIC - Mum'smy Shop
The Marketing of AI Influencers on Tiktok
What are the reasons why brands love AI Influencers?
Companies love to create their own AI influencers or collaborate with them. Here are some of the reasons why:
Brand Control
Developing an AI influencer allows businesses to have total control of the AI influencer’s identity. This allows companies to have a brand image and messaging that is consistent with their values and target audience.
Moreover, AI influencers are programmed to adapt to a company’s audience engagement, and not on what competitors are doing. This ensures that a business’ content will come out as tailor-made for its followers.
Cost-Efficiency
Businesses consider AI influencers as an affordable alternative to human influencers. There’s no need for them to pay for expensive photoshoots, travel, or engage in lengthy negotiations.
AI Influencers are also available 24/7. This means that they can work overtime compared to their human counterparts.
What are real-world examples of successful use of AI on TikTok?
Companies have tried to use AI influencers in their ads on TikTok. While the results are a mixed bag, it is undeniable that AI Influencers have changed influencer marketing forever. Here are some examples:
1. McDonalds Japan Ad
On August 17, 2024, McDonalds Japan released an ad promoting their famous fries. The ad showcased the fries as well as the AI models who are seemingly enjoying them. Most of the Japanese commenters found the ad cute. However, some felt that the ad was weird and creepy. Nevertheless, the ad garnered 14,000 likes and more than 300,000 views.
2. Bershka Ad with Nobody Sausage
On October 26, 2021, Spanish clothing retailer Bershka teamed up with famous AI influencer Nobody Sausage. The ad showcased two animated sausages dancing while wearing Bershka outfits. Most of the comments were positive and the video garnered more than 19,000 likes.
@bershka The ? rocking the moves @nobody sausage #bershka #bershkastyle #nobodysausage #salchichasbailando ♬ original sound - BERSHKA
Navigating the Challenges of AI Influencers
Balancing Authenticity and Innovation
According to a 2023 survey conducted by KPMG Australia, 61% of consumers were cautious about trusting AI systems, and a 2024 YouGov survey found that 54% of Americans felt the same. Such skepticism is normal for new technologies like AI, especially when its outputs can seem generic and disengaging.
To address these concerns, businesses should disclose that AI influencers are computer-generated and not real people. Moreover, AI should be managed by humans to avoid sharing confusing information with customers. These measures can help businesses build trust and credibility with their customers.
Ethical Considerations
AI Influencers can be biased as they only follow what their owners have programmed them to do. Because of this, customers—especially the younger ones—could be manipulated into thinking that the company’s offerings are the best even if they’re not.
In addition, AI Influencers could gather customer data through their comments or any of their online activity. This can pose a threat to the customer’s privacy. These ethical challenges of AI must be addressed by businesses through transparency with their customers.
What’s Next for AI Influencers on TikTok?
Emerging Trends to Watch
The future of AI influencers on TikTok will likely include more lifelike personalities capable of real-time interactions with users. They may also use augmented reality to make their content more engaging to TikTok users.
As updates are continuously introduced to AI, we might see more AI influencers who can generate content on their own based on customer feedback. These trends could cause unsettling feelings in those who are against AI technology. But with the adoption of AI increasing by the day, there is no doubt that this is the way of the future.
Beyond Tiktok: Expanding Horizons
AI influencers on TikTok may expand to more industries, such as transportation and finance. However, their potential for misuse shouldn’t be ignored. AI has been known to cause the spread of fake news through deep fakes and AI clones. Whatever the case may be, AI influencers are changing the way we live and the world as we know it.
Wrapping Up
AI influencers can provide new opportunities for businesses that want to scale up their businesses fast on platforms like TikTok. They are reliable, cost-efficient, and are easier to manage. However, these AI influencers must be used with caution as they might be used to scam unknowing customers. It is the responsibility of businesses to ensure that their AI influencers follow ethical and legal standards to protect customers. By doing this, both companies and consumers can reap the benefits of AI influencers and AI in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are AI influencers?
AI influencers are virtual personas created with the help of artificial intelligence and computer graphics. They are designed to interact with users on social media platforms like TikTok. Just like human influencers, they also create content for their respective audiences.
How do the top 5 virtual influencers on TikTok compare in terms of style, followers, and notable collaborations?
| Influencer | Style | Followers (TikTok) | Influence | Notable Collaboration |
| Janky & Guggimon | Streetwear, high fashion, punk aesthetics; playful and edgy | 11.7 million | Appeal to fans of edgy, creative content with animated skits. | Gucci (Porcelain NFT project) |
| Lu Do Magalu | Friendly, trendy, and relatable; focus on fashion and lifestyle | 7.3 million | A major icon in Brazil, drives traffic and sales for retailer Magalu. | Brazilian pop star Anitta (Music video collaboration) |
| Qai Qai | Family-friendly, humorous, positive messaging | 4.6 million | Mental health advocate, shares fun and inspirational content. | Republic Records (Music partnership) |
| Apoki | K-pop inspired, vibrant, modern, stylish | 4.4 million | Popular among global K-pop fans with animated performances. | Burberry, Charles & Keith (Fashion collaborations) |
| Lil Miquela | High fashion, casual streetwear, pop culture | 3.4 million | Influences fashion, music, and social issues discussions. | Calvin Klein (Ad with Bella Hadid) |
How do AI influencers create content?
AI influencers use artificial intelligence and machine learning to create content. Here’s how the process works:
- Collecting Data - AI collects information from different social media platforms and analyzes trends, popular music, and viral videos.
- Recognizing Patterns - Machine learning assists AI in observing patterns in what users like, such as commonly used video formats, facial expressions, and body movements.
- Generating Content - Based on this data, the AI influencer creates videos, animations, and even voice-overs that look and sound human.
- Adapting to Trends - AI influencers update their content frequently by analyzing user interactions with their posts. This strategy helps them stay relevant and keep up with the changing algorithms of TikTok and other social media platforms.
How do AI influencers interact with followers?
AI influencers interact with followers through comments, messages, and live streams, using natural language processing. This simulates real conversations and responds to user engagement in a personalized way.
How do AI influencers compare to human influencers?
| Feature | AI Influencers | Human Influencers |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher |
| Customizability | Highly customizable | Limited customization |
| Engagement Authenticity | Simulated interactions | Genuine interactions |
| Availability | 24/7, no downtime (barring technical difficulties) | Limited by human schedules |
| Content Consistency | High, automated | Varies with individual effort |
How do brands use AI influencers for marketing?
Brands use AI influencers to promote their products and services to customers. They also help companies to reach their target audiences with personalized and relatable messages.
How customizable are the AI avatars on TikTok?
AI avatars on TikTok are highly customizable in terms of appearance, clothing, and personality traits. Customization options allow companies to align their avatars with their branding and marketing strategies.
What are the top platforms for finding AI influencers on TikTok?
To find the best AI influencers on TikTok for your business, you may want to read the following articles to help you out:
What are the top AI tools for creating digital personas?
To craft digital personas for your business, you may want to consider the following:
How do the top five AI tools for creating digital personas compare with each other?
| Rank | AI Avatar Generator | Key Features | Pricing |
| 1 | HeyGen | - Customizable avatars from video or photo | Free trial; paid plans starting at $24 a month |
| - more than 100 premade avatars | |||
| - more than 300 voices in 40 languages | |||
| - Streaming software integration | |||
| 2 | Elai | - more than 80 avatars | Free trial; Paid plans start at $23 a month |
| - 450 voice options | |||
| - 75 languages to choose from | |||
| - Interactive in-video elements | |||
| 3 | Synthesia | - more than 160 avatars | Starting at $22 a month |
| - more than 120 languages and accents to choose from | |||
| - Create customizable avatars | |||
| - Video generation from script | |||
| 4 | Vidyard AI Avatars | - Stock and custom avatars | Available on request |
| - 28 languages to choose from; automatic translation of prompt or script upon request | |||
| - Script generator | |||
| - Fast avatar creation | |||
| 5 | Colossyan | - In-video interactive options like quizzes | Starting at $19 a month |
| - more than 50 premade avatars | |||
| - 70 languages to choose from | |||
| - AI assistant for scriptwriting |
Are there any ethical concerns with AI influencers on TikTok?
Yes, there are ethical concerns with AI influencers on TikTok, including issues of transparency and authenticity. AI influencers may deceive viewers about who they are. Their content may also contain biases or misinformation.
