The Glamour of Virtual Supermodels in the Digital Age

In today's digital age, AI has created supermodels that are so realistic that no one can tell they aren't real. These virtual models have amassed millions of followers on social media, generating significant income in the process.

What makes them special is that their photos and videos look entirely authentic, allowing people to trust them easily. This new technology is creating a buzz across various fields—be it fashion, health, or fitness. It's becoming a one-stop marketing tool for many brands. However, the rise of AI supermodels raises an important question: has the line between real and fake blurred?

Lu do Magalu

When it comes to AI influencers, Lu do Magalu stands out as one of the biggest names on the internet. With over 7 million followers on Instagram, this Brazilian virtual superstar has been active since 2009 and boasts a net worth of $591 million. On Facebook, she has 14 million followers, 7.3 million on TikTok, 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube, and 1.3 million on X (formerly Twitter). Created by Frederico Trajano, CEO of Magazine Luiza, Lu has collaborated with major brands like Red Bull, MAC, Samsung, and Intel, even gracing the cover of Vogue Brazil in 2022.

Imma

Hailing from Japan, Imma made her debut in 2008 as the country’s first virtual supermodel, recognized for her distinctive pink hair and ultra-fashion sense. She has worked with top brands like Valentino and Dior, and she has 394,000 followers on Instagram. Japan Economics Entertainment named her one of the "New 100 Talents to Watch." Imma’s net worth is estimated at $966 million.

Shudu

Shudu, known as the "Black Woman," is the world’s first black AI supermodel, having emerged in April 2007. She has worked with major brands including Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Balmain, BMW, and Elle, and reportedly earns over $10 million annually.

Nounoury

Nounoury is a 19-year-old AI supermodel created by Joerg Zuber, founder of the creative agency Opium Effect, based in Munich, Germany. She has collaborated with luxury brands such as Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Versace, and Bulgari. In 2023, Nounoury secured a record deal with Warner Music for her first single. She primarily uses Instagram to engage her 485,000+ followers, while also being active on TikTok with over 73,000 followers and 460,000 likes.

Lil Miquela

Miquela Sousa, better known as Lil Miquela, is a prominent virtual influencer who has worked with top fashion brands like Prada, Dior, and Calvin Klein. She's also a singer and has released multiple songs since her 2017 single "Not Mine." In 2020, she debuted her music video "Hard Feelings" at the online Lollapalooza festival. Recognized as one of Time's 25 Most Influential People in 2018, Miquela was created by Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou from the Los Angeles-based company Brud. She has 3.4 million TikTok followers, 2.5 million on Instagram, and around 29,000 on X, with a net worth of approximately $125 million.

Kenza Lili

Kenza Lili, a Moroccan influencer, has been crowned the world's first Miss AI, winning a $20,000 prize. Created by 40-year-old Miriam Bessa, this AI-generated model wears a hijab and has over 196,000 followers on Instagram. Kenza aims to empower women in Morocco and the Middle East, focusing on necessary regulations in the influencer market.

Zara Shatavari

Zara Shatavari is an active Instagram influencer with her own website (https://zarashatavari.com/), where she blogs about fashion, fitness, and food. She has also written articles on stress and anxiety reduction techniques. As India’s first AI-generated brand ambassador, she was among the top 10 finalists in the first beauty pageant for AI models. Based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Zara is an ambassador for PMH Bio Care, raising awareness on PCOS and depression issues, and has over 11,500 followers on Instagram.

Naina Avatar

Naina, a 22-year-old virtual influencer, is rapidly gaining followers on Instagram. Not a real person, Naina shares fashion-related content and offers advice on outfits for various festivals. Recognized as India’s first virtual superstar, she was created by AVTR META LABS, India’s first content-operator meta-influencer company.

Anni Malu

Originally from Brazil, Anni Malu is a fully animated virtual influencer created in 2015 by Combo Estudio. She quickly rose to stardom on YouTube, with nearly 4 million followers, along with 2.6 million on TikTok, 705,000 on Instagram, and over 31,000 on X. Anni also had her own TV show aired on Cartoon Network Latin America from 2020 to 2021 and is known for promoting animated films and games like Inside Out, Ben 10, Valorant, and Animal Crossing.

Liam Nikuro

Liam Nikuro is recognized as the first male virtual influencer, created in 2019 and residing in Tokyo. A Japanese-American music producer and part-time model, he was developed by the digital creative agency 1ssec Inc. Liam has 11,700 followers on Instagram and about 1,400 on X. He shares his favorite interests like ramen, basketball, workouts, and music, often spotted with music icons like The Weeknd, Skrillex, Post Malone, and San Holo.

The trend of virtual influencers continues to rise. Sophia Novels, project manager at "The Clueless," noted that these virtual models are more cost-effective due to their digital nature, allowing for complete control over their content.

By Priyanka Yadav

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