Knowledge and Acceptance
Virtual influencers are well-known, as seen by the survey, which found that 79% of participants were familiar with these online personalities. On popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, where over half of users follow at least one virtual influencer, this broad familiarity translates into sizable followings. The widespread appeal and adaptability of virtual influencers are highlighted by their cross-platform popularity, which makes them an effective instrument for digital marketing.
Customer Involvement and Trust
The extent of customer trust and involvement with virtual influencers is one of the survey’s key findings. Although just 15% of respondents strongly believe in the products that virtual influencers promote, 27% are willing to buy things based on their advice. This suggests that virtual influencers have a great deal of potential to affect consumer behaviour, particularly if the market adjusts and grows more receptive of these online personalities.
Preferences of the Market
In some industries, virtual influencers are very successful. According to the report, the top areas where virtual influencers have the biggest impact are gaming (36%), technology and gadgets (33.5%), beauty and cosmetics (32.7%), fashion (28.8%), and entertainment (21.5%). These domains complement the digital and visually captivating characteristics of virtual influencers, which makes them perfect for endorsing goods and services in these sectors.
Consumer Patterns in Purchasing
Virtual influencers have a significant impact on consumers’ purchase decisions. 27% of respondents said they would consider buying anything based on a virtual influencer’s recommendation, and about 29.5% of respondents have already done so. Still, a bigger portion (43.5%) is not persuaded, suggesting that more work has to be done to establish credibility and confidence in this new marketing paradigm.
Prominent Online Influencers
Numerous online influencers have effectively established noteworthy specialisations for themselves. The Instagram account Miquela Sousa, founded by the company Brud, has 2.7 million followers and has worked with well-known companies like Dior and Prada. The Clueless’ Aitana López, the first artificial intelligence influencer in Spain, may make up to $11,000 a month, demonstrating the profitable possibilities of virtual influencer marketing. Another well-known virtual influencer, Lu do Magalu, has a robust presence on several platforms, illustrating the wide-ranging impact and reach that these digital entities are capable of.
Openness and Customer Expectations
Consumers continue to have serious concerns about transparency. According to the survey, 36 percent of participants think virtual influencers should make it clear in their bios and social media accounts that they are fake. The preference for video introductions as a disclosure approach is higher among respondents in the 45-54 age group (34%), indicating a greater desire for transparency. Keeping audiences’ confidence and credibility with virtual influencers requires transparent information regarding their fake nature.
Virtual Influencers’ Future
Virtual influencers have a bright future ahead of them, as long as artificial intelligence and digital technology continue to progress and expand their potential. Virtual influencers provide brands with certain benefits in terms of control, consistency, and risk management, but they won’t completely replace the requirement for genuine human connections and authenticity. Accepting this shift and using virtual influencers into marketing plans can give brands creative approaches to interact with consumers and maintain an advantage in the cutthroat digital market.
In summary
An important development in the influencer marketing space is the emergence of virtual influencers. They are an invaluable tool in contemporary marketing tactics because of their capacity to draw in and hold the attention of audiences, as well as the control and adaptability they provide to brands. Virtual influencers are expected to become more important as consumer behaviour and technology continue to innovate, which will open up new possibilities for both companies and creators. In order to keep consumers informed and involved in this fascinating new era of digital marketing, success in this field requires striking a balance between innovation and openness.
Source: https://theinfluencermarketingfactory.com/virtual-influencers-2024/
