The global virtual influencer market size was valued at USD 6.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 8.30 billion in 2025 to reach USD 111.78 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 38.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
A virtual influencer or CGI influencer is a digitally created character crafted using computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, or AI to represent a brand, personality, or influencer on social media and other digital platforms. These CGI influencers are designed to resemble real people, complete with distinct traits, backstories, and unique styles. They engage with audiences, promote products, and create content just like human influencers but are entirely virtual creations controlled by humans behind the scenes.
The rapid growth of the global virtual influencer market can be attributed to the advancements in AI-driven avatars, increased collaborations between brands and virtual personalities, and a shift toward digital-first consumer engagement. CGI influencers offer brands significant advantages, such as greater control over content, lower risks compared to human influencers, and the ability to transcend geographical barriers and time zones without logistical challenges.
This innovation in marketing and entertainment has gained considerable momentum, as AI-generated personas can cater to specific demographics, maintain a consistent online presence, and avoid potential controversies typically associated with human influencers. Notable virtual influencers, such as Lil Miquela and Shudu, have built large followings on platforms like Instagram, further demonstrating the growing impact of these digital personalities.
Source: Straits Research, University of Maine
The above diagram shows that 60% of internet users use social media, thus indicating the scale and impact of social media. In the virtual influencer market, this depicts a large potential audience and expanding engagement opportunities, which is why utilizing the platform in marketing strategies is essential.
The integration of AI and machine learning is transforming the global virtual influencer market, enabling the creation of highly realistic digital personas that replicate human-like behaviors, emotions, and interactions in real-time. Advanced algorithms analyze user behavior and preferences, allowing these virtual influencers to engage audiences more effectively and meaningfully. This technology makes CGI personalities more relatable, enhancing their ability to connect with followers.
The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has significantly expanded the reach and influence of virtual influencers. These platforms provide a dynamic environment where virtual characters can showcase creativity, interact with audiences, and promote brand messages through visually engaging and interactive content. As online content consumption surges, especially among younger generations, CGI influencers are increasingly seen as valuable marketing tools.
This ongoing growth in social media usage presents enormous opportunities for virtual influencers to engage audiences and drive digital marketing strategies.
The growing interest in virtual experiences is fueling the demand for virtual influencers, especially with advancements in VR and AR technologies. These innovations provide opportunities for CGI influencers to create immersive, interactive experiences that engage users on a deeper level. As the metaverse—an interconnected virtual space blending physical and digital realities—continues to evolve, CGI influencers have the potential to revolutionize user engagement in this emerging digital ecosystem.
This shift toward virtual experiences is expanding the role of virtual influencers in customer interaction and brand promotion.
Despite their growing popularity, virtual influencers face significant ethical and authenticity challenges. As audiences become more discerning, there is rising skepticism about the transparency and genuineness of AI-created personalities. Unlike human influencers, virtual influencers lack personal experiences and emotions, making it difficult for audiences to relate to them on a deeper level. This lack of emotional authenticity leads to concerns about their credibility and trustworthiness.
The rise in popularity of esports and virtual gaming platforms offers a promising opportunity for virtual influencers to tap into a fresh, engaged fan base. These platforms provide virtual influencers with an exciting new avenue to connect with audiences and generate brand collaborations through immersive virtual experiences. CGI influencers are increasingly being integrated into gaming streams, enabling them to engage directly with users in real-time.
This integration represents an untapped market for virtual influencers to expand their reach and influence.
| Study Period | 2021-2033 | CAGR | 38.4% |
| Historical Period | 2021-2023 | Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 | Base Year Market Size | USD 6.33 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2033 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 111.78 billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
North America leads the global virtual influencer market, driven by its advanced technological infrastructure, strong media presence, and numerous brand collaborations. The region has become a hub for developing virtual influencers, integrating them into mainstream marketing strategies. With an increasingly digital-first population, North America provides a prime environment for influencers to thrive.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fueled by the massive social media penetration and digital transformation in countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. The region's thriving entertainment and gaming industries are key drivers behind the rising popularity of virtual influencers. In 2023, the APAC region accounted for approximately 60% of the global social media user base, with expectations for steady annual growth. By 2024, the region is set to add over 59 million new social media users, surpassing the combined user base of other regions, further cementing its significance.
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The non-human avatars segment dominates the global virtual influencer market, driven by their widespread appeal in industries like fashion, entertainment, and gaming. These avatars offer brands a unique advantage by maintaining curated personalities, staying controversy-free, and adapting seamlessly to diverse marketing campaigns. For instance, Lil Miquela, a computer-generated character described as a “21-year-old robot living in LA,” has amassed over 2.5 million followers on Instagram, showcasing the growing impact of AI-driven personas in shaping trends and influencing public perception.
The solutions segment leads the market, covering the entire lifecycle of virtual influencers from creation to digital platform launch. This includes advanced 3D modeling, animation, and AI-driven personality development for realistic avatars. Dentsu VI is a notable player in this segment, offering an end-to-end suite of creative services that enable brands to create and manage virtual influencers. Their solutions help businesses build unique CGI identities, enabling effective engagement in the Metaverse and other digital platforms, where virtual influencers are becoming increasingly pivotal in marketing strategies.
The fashion and lifestyle segment currently holds the largest market share in the virtual influencer space. Brands in this sector utilize virtual influencers for product launches, fashion shows, and influencer marketing campaigns to drive audience engagement and enhance online presence. CGI influencers enable brands to create immersive digital experiences. For example, Superplastic's collaboration with Gucci, featuring their virtual influencer Janky, led to a highly successful digital fashion campaign that reached millions of followers, highlighting the growing role of virtual influencers in revolutionizing fashion marketing.
Key players in the global virtual influencer market are making significant investments and pursuing strategic initiatives like collaborations, acquisitions, and partnerships to boost their product offerings and strengthen their market position. These efforts are aimed at integrating advanced technologies like AI and ML to create more lifelike and engaging virtual personas.
UneeQ: An Emerging Player in the Global Virtual Influencer Market
UneeQ is an emerging player in the virtual influencer market, focusing on developing hyper-realistic, AI-driven digital humans for personalization in customer experiences. The avatars of UneeQ are interactive and have real-time conversations and tailored interactions, making them highly engaging for brands. This approach makes UneeQ a leader in combining AI with human-like relatability, perfect for sectors such as healthcare, retail, and customer support, where authenticity and interaction are crucial.
Recent Developments by UneeQ:
As per our analyst, the global virtual influencer market is positioned for remarkable expansion, driven by rapid advancements in AI and the surging demand for interactive, immersive digital experiences. Companies adopting scalable, relatable, and cutting-edge solutions are establishing themselves as industry leaders in this evolving landscape. These influencers offer unparalleled flexibility, enabling brands to craft highly personalized and consistent messages that can resonate across diverse platforms and audience segments.
However, the market faces challenges such as ethical concerns over the authenticity and transparency of AI-driven personalities. As audiences become more discerning, questions surrounding the trustworthiness of virtual influencers arise. This could potentially dampen their adoption if not addressed. Despite these hurdles, the ongoing technological evolution and the growing integration of virtual influencers into mainstream marketing campaigns present abundant opportunities for innovation, ensuring their role as a key drive.
