A new type of social media influencers has appeared in the world of marketing. These influencers are gaining a lot of attention from people because of their perfect looks, carefully curated lifestyles, and interesting personalities. However, what makes them different is that they are not real people, instead, they are created using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge design. These are AI models or as others like to call them AI influencers.
One of these AI influencers is Aitana Lopez, who is the first Spanish AI model to become incredibly popular on the internet. She was created by a team of marketers who said that they were tired of dealing with real-life Instagram models, who had “big egos”.
This article explores the fascinating story of Aitana, from how she was created by a Spanish digital marketing agency to how the agency has been able to promote her online to the point that she now generates over $10,000 per month through brand sponsorship and influencer marketing deals.
The article also looks at the wider impact that virtual influencers have on the fashion world. We will discuss the creative process involved in bringing an AI model to life, the influencer marketing business, and the potential for AI to make social media marketing more affordable to everyone. Additionally, we will talk about the concerns and criticisms surrounding virtual models and consider what the future holds for this trend.
Aitana Lopez (AI model)
The birth of a virtual icon
Aitana's story begins with Rubén Cruz, a graphic designer and the founder of a Spanish digital marketing agency called The Clueless. During a difficult time when their projects were being canceled and they couldn't rely on their collaborators, Cruz and his team came up with a bold idea: they decided to create their own influencer. They wanted a model who could represent the brands they worked with, without the complications and egos often associated with human models.
And so, Aitana came into existence. She's a 25-year-old woman from Barcelona with pink hair, a nearly perfect body, and a captivating personality. Creating her was a complex process that involved a deep understanding of current trends, what people like, and the values that resonate with modern audiences.
Creating the perfect AI influencer
To create a virtual model that would stand out among the many online influencers, Cruz and his team had to carefully consider every aspect of Aitana's identity. They took inspiration from the increasing popularity of oriental culture in Europe and incorporated elements like her distinctive pink hair and love for gaming.
Aitana was designed to embody the qualities that today's audiences admire. She's outgoing, caring, determined, and committed to a healthy lifestyle.
However, creating a virtual influencer goes beyond just designing an attractive avatar. To truly connect with her followers, Aitana needed a believable backstory and a carefully curated online presence. The agency team meets weekly to plan Aitana's activities, deciding on the places she'll visit, the events she'll attend, and the photos she'll share with her growing fan base.
Unlike traditional models who require physical photo shoots and wardrobe changes, Aitana's content is entirely created using a combination of AI and expert Photoshop skills. This means she can seamlessly transition from a weekend getaway in Madrid to a fitness photoshoot, all without ever setting foot in the real world.
The power of personality in the digital age
One of the key factors contributing to Aitana's success is her well-defined personality. In an industry where models often serve as blank canvases for designers, Aitana stands out with her distinct character and relatable traits. Her followers connect with her passion for fitness, her determination, and her caring nature. This level of depth and authenticity has helped her amass a substantial following on Instagram, with her photos garnering thousands of views and reactions.
Aitana's popularity has even caught the attention of celebrities, with a well-known Latin American actor reportedly reaching out to ask her on a date, unaware that she is a virtual creation. This anecdote underscores the blurring lines between reality and digital fiction and the growing influence of virtual personalities in popular culture.
The results speak for themselves
Aitana's success has not only captivated audiences but has also translated into huge success for her creators. The AI model currently has more than 300,000 Instagram followers.
According to Cruz, the virtual model can earn up to $11,000 per month, with an average of around $3,000. Her income streams are diverse, ranging from sponsored content for fitness brands to more intimate offerings on platforms like Fanvue. Cruz says that his agency charges $1000 for each advertising post on Aitana’s Instagram page.
The demand for personalized virtual models has skyrocketed in the wake of Aitana's success. Brands are eager to create their own digital ambassadors who can embody their values and aesthetics without the risks associated with human influencers, such as scandals or inconsistency. The Clueless agency has already expanded its AI model roster with the addition of Maia, a more reserved counterpart to Aitana, and they anticipate this trend will only continue to grow.
Changing the influencer marketing space
One of the most notable impacts of AI influencers is their ability to make influencer marketing more accessible to everyone. Traditional influencer marketing often comes with a high price, where top influencers can charge millions for a single post. This creates a major obstacle for smaller brands trying to make a mark in the digital world.
Cruz commented, "Kim Kardashian earns a million euros for an Instagram photo, and she doesn't cure cancer. Nobody should make a million euros just by posting a photo on a social network, it seems ridiculous to me."
AI models like Aitana provide a more affordable alternative, allowing brands to create high-quality and engaging content without breaking the bank. By offering a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, virtual influencers have the potential to level the playing field.
Concerns and criticisms
The rise of virtual influencers has brought excitement and opportunities, but it has also sparked valid concerns and criticisms. One major concern is the potential negative impact on younger audiences. They might feel pressured to conform to the unrealistic standards of beauty and perfection portrayed by these digital models.
Another issue is the sexualized nature of many virtual influencers, which some argue reinforces harmful stereotypes and objectifies women. The creators of Aitana recognize these concerns but argue that they are merely following the aesthetic choices made by human influencers and brands.
"If we don't follow this aesthetic, brands won't be interested. To change this system, you have to change the vision of the brands. The world in general is sexualised," its creators said.
To tackle these problems, the industry must establish clear guidelines and ethical standards for creating and promoting virtual influencers. Transparency is key, ensuring that audiences understand they are interacting with AI-generated personalities and not real individuals. Moreover, brands and agencies need to take responsibility for the content they produce and strive to promote diverse, inclusive, and healthy representations of beauty and success.
The future of social media marketing in the era of AI influencers
As artificial intelligence (AI) keeps advancing and virtual influencers become more sophisticated, the world of social media marketing is on the verge of a major transformation. The success of trailblazers like Aitana gives us a glimpse into a future where digital personalities will play a central role in shaping online conversations, driving brand engagement, and connecting with audiences worldwide.
However, these new AI models also bring challenges and ethical considerations. As the boundaries between reality and digital fiction become blurred, it becomes crucial to address issues of authenticity, transparency, and responsibility. Marketers must strike a balance between using the power of AI for innovation and ensuring that virtual influencers don't contribute to unrealistic expectations or harmful stereotypes.
Looking ahead, we can anticipate virtual influencers becoming an increasingly integral part of social media marketing strategies. As more brands embrace this trend, we may witness a rise in diverse, inclusive, and culturally relevant digital personalities that reflect the richness and complexity of human experiences. By harnessing AI responsibly and creatively, marketers have the opportunity to redefine what influence means and connect with audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.
The emergence of AI influencers also raises questions about the future of traditional influencer marketing. While human influencers will likely continue to have a huge role, they may need to adapt and evolve to remain relevant in a world where virtual personalities can offer unique advantages like round-the-clock availability, complete brand control, and the ability to surpass physical limitations.
We have already seen some influencers like Caryn Marjorie, creating AI model versions of themselves and this has helped them make way more money than before. For Caryn, she earns almost $5,000,000 per month from her AI sidekick- Read the case study here:
As social media marketing keeps evolving, it's important for brands and marketers to stay updated on the latest developments in AI and virtual influencers. By embracing this new frontier with innovation, responsibility, and empathy, the industry can unlock new opportunities for meaningful engagement and drive positive change in the digital realm.
Conclusion
The rise of Aitana, the first Spanish AI influencer, marks a huge turning point in the digital transformation of the influencer marketing industry. Her success story highlights the immense possibilities of AI in creating personalities that are relatable, influential, and able to capture the attention of audiences while driving brand engagement. With the growing prominence of virtual influencers, they have the potential to level the playing field and make high-quality, impactful content available to brands of all sizes.
