Virtual Influencers are the future of online collaborations and in countries like China, they are already a reality. Let’s find out who are the main virtual influencers in China.

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) have always played an important role in promoting a product, and if so far we are used to having human opinion leaders or influencers giving us their opinion on products, now we will also have some… non-human ones.

WHO ARE VIRTUAL INFLUENCERS IN CHINA?

In the west, virtual influencers digitally generated characters who exist only online, though their followings and fanbase are very real still have the aura of something that is niche and futuristic.

Key Opinion Leader (o KOL)

In China, a virtual Key Opinion Leader (o KOL) is an increasingly popular way of connecting with audiences, particularly young audiences.

For marketers, virtual influencers are a low-risk alternative to real-life stars they’re available at all hours of the day to do whatever is required with minimum fuss.

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) have always played an important role in promoting a product, and if so far we are used to having human opinion leaders or influencers giving us their opinion on products, now we will also have some… non-human ones.

Ayayi is the most famous virtual influencer in China 

Ayayi is the most famous Chinese influencer, but she is a meta-human

China, after its experience with the digital university student, has recently launched its first “human goal”, that is, a digital person who looks extremely real and who is equipped with artificial intelligence: Ayayi.

Two months ago, the girl appeared for the first time on the Chinese e-commerce platform Xiaohongshu, and her first post got three million views. Her account has instead registered more than 40,000 new followers.

Ayayi was created with a technology that gave her skin a texture adaptable to various lights and shadows. At the beginning, in fact, many users of the e-commerce site did not understand whether or not it was a real person. It is also possible to interact directly with her, and she even attracted the perfume brand Guerlain, which has already expressed the desire to collaborate with her.

COLLABORATIONS WITH VIRTUAL INFLUENCERS

Brands can partner with a hyperrealistic “meta-human” like Ayayi, created by Ranmai Technology; a ‘virtual idol’ like digital performer Luo Tianyi; or even a character from an existing franchise like a mobile game. Or they can create their own, as many brands – including western brands who market to China – are now opting to do.

We expect a future with many virtual idols, however, Is this going to be positive for our society? Would you include a virtual influencer in your marketing strategy?

Collaborations in China are a key factor to grow in this huge market. Social media such as Wechat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu are fundamental tools to express and share this kind of collaboration.

Long Advisory digital marketing agency in China

Long Advisory supports American and European companies in China through digital marketing. In fact, our experience has led us to believe that today, the best and most convenient approach to make your brand well-known in China is through a digital approach. Furthermore, thanks to our know-how we know how to make your brand known to potential Chinese consumers. With the effective coordination of Long Advisory, your company will see a new rise in the largest market in the world: China.

Interested in expanding your brand in China? Contact us for more info and details at info@longadvisory.eu

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