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It started as an experiment. A few years ago, brands dabbled in virtual influencers - digital personas like Lil Miquela and Noonoouri - to see if audiences would engage with them the same way they did with human creators. The results? A mix of fascination and scepticism. Fast forward to today, and AI-generated influencers are securing brand deals, appearing in campaigns, and even building massive followings. But can they truly replace human influencers, or is this just a high-tech illusion?
AI-driven content tools such as ChatGPT, Synthesia, Midjourney, and Runway AI are making content creation more efficient than ever. Brands are increasingly experimenting with virtual influencers to control messaging, ensure consistency, and reduce risk. But can AI truly replace human creativity, relatability, and influence?
To answer this, we spoke with Hikari Senju, the founder and CEO of Omneky, an AI-driven advertising company that integrates artificial intelligence into marketing and creative processes. Senju has been at the forefront of AI-driven content creation and influencer marketing, giving him a unique perspective on the industry shift.
“AI influencers are a fascinating experiment, but at the end of the day, people trust people,” says Senju. “While AI can enhance content creation and streamline marketing efforts, it still lacks one crucial element: authenticity.”
AI influencers are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re here. From Lil Miquela (a virtual Instagram personality with over 2.6 million followers) to Noonoouri (a fashion AI influencer partnered with Dior), these digital personalities are securing brand deals and engaging audiences at scale.
“Brands are turning to AI influencers because they are predictable, controllable, and never get involved in scandals,” explains Senju. “This makes them an appealing alternative to human influencers, especially for luxury brands and big corporations.”
But are they really resonating with audiences? While some AI influencers show impressive engagement metrics, their ability to drive meaningful human connections remains uncertain.
“Engagement is one thing, but can an AI influencer truly influence? Can they inspire someone to change their habits, try a new product, or form a real emotional connection? That’s where AI still falls short,” says Senju.
The battle between AI and human influencers isn’t just about technology; it’s about trust, creativity, and connection. While AI is undoubtedly changing the industry, human influencers still hold some irreplaceable strengths. Let’s break it down.
Cost-effective: No need for influencer fees or sponsorship deals, making AI-generated content far cheaper for brands.
Consistency & Scalability: AI-generated influencers don’t get tired, need breaks, or demand pay raises. They work around the clock.
Full Brand Control: AI influencers are immune to human unpredictability—no scandals, no controversial tweets, no personal opinions that could backfire.
Hyper-personalization: AI can generate tailored content for different audience segments, dynamically adjusting messaging for different markets.
“AI allows brands to maintain full control over their messaging without the risks that come with human influencers,” says Senju. “But control doesn’t always equal connection.”
Trust & Authenticity:
“AI-generated personalities may be polished, but they lack the raw, unscripted moments that make human influencers relatable,” says Senju.
Adaptability & Creativity:
“Humans can react to trends in real-time, add personal insights, and improvise. AI still follows patterns,” he adds.
Community & Relationships:
“Social media is built on engagement. AI influencers can respond to comments, but can they build a real, loyal following? Not yet,” explains Senju.
“At the core of influencer marketing is human trust. AI can manufacture engagement, but it can’t manufacture genuine relationships,” Senju concludes.
Some brands are already experimenting with AI influencers, particularly in fashion and tech industries. Companies like Prada, Samsung, and Balmain have tested AI personas in their campaigns.
But human influencers still dominate where authenticity and storytelling matter most. Nike, Gymshark, and beauty brands like Fenty rely heavily on personal narratives to connect with audiences - something AI struggles to replicate.
“Brands are interested in AI influencers because they seem futuristic and cost-effective. But when it comes to real persuasion and driving conversions, humans still hold the advantage,” says Senju.
A 2024 survey found that 78% of consumers trust human influencers more than AI-generated ones when making purchase decisions.
“AI influencers might be able to generate buzz, but can they sell? That’s the million-dollar question,” Senju adds.
The solution? A hybrid approach. Just as brands are learning to combine AI efficiency with human storytelling, influencers are also finding ways to leverage tools without losing their authentic voice.
This is where paid social media engagement platforms come in - helping real influencers boost their engagement, increase visibility, and stay competitive.
PopularityBazaar specializes in increasing social proof and engagement metrics across multiple platforms, allowing creators to build credibility and attract more organic followers. For influencers looking to grow their presence on top platforms like TikTok or Instagram, PopularityBazaar offers a range of engagement services, including buying TikTok views or getting Instagram likes to increase content exposure and visibility. In this way, creators can ensure their content reaches the right audience, stays competitive in a fast-paced social media ecosystem, and maximizes engagement without compromising authenticity.
Instead of AI replacing human influencers, the future is likely to involve collaboration. Real influencers are already leveraging AI tools to boost their content production.
“The smartest creators are using AI to streamline their workflow,” says Senju. “From automated captions to AI-assisted video editing, they’re embracing technology rather than fighting it.”
For example:
TikTok creators use AI-powered tools to edit and optimize videos, with AI-driven editing tools speeding up content production by up to 50%.
YouTubers are integrating AI-generated scripts and voiceovers, with 38% of U.S. content creators reporting that AI tools have improved their content efficiency.
Instagram influencers leverage AI-driven engagement prediction tools, leading to a 30% increase in post reach compared to non-AI-assisted content.
“The future isn’t ‘AI vs. Humans.’ It’s ‘AI + Humans.’ The most successful influencers will use AI to enhance their creativity while keeping their personal brand intact,” predicts Senju.
“We’re already seeing AI as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement. The best creators know how to use it wisely, blending efficiency with personal storytelling,” Senju adds.
So, how can content creators ensure they stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape?
Stay Authentic – Lean into Personal Storytelling
AI-generated content can mimic human expression, but it lacks true personality. Share behind-the-scenes moments, struggles, and successes to build a deeper connection with your audience. People don’t just follow influencers for polished content—they follow because they relate to them.
Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI can help with tasks like editing, captions, scheduling, and engagement analysis, but don’t let it strip away originality. Keep your creative intuition intact. AI can enhance your strategy, but you should always have the final say in your content.
Focus on Building a Strong, Engaged Community
AI can generate likes and comments, but real influence is about meaningful conversations, audience loyalty, and trust. Create content that invites discussion, respond to followers personally, and make your audience feel heard.
Leverage AI to Improve Efficiency, Not Creativity
AI can speed up video editing, suggest hashtags, or optimize post timing, but creative decisions should remain human-led. The best influencers will use AI to free up time for high-value, personal engagement.
Emphasize Human-Centered Content
AI influencers lack spontaneity—capitalize on that by producing content that’s raw, unfiltered, and real. Live videos, unedited moments, and interactive Q&As are areas where human influencers can outshine AI.
“At the end of the day, trust is what drives engagement. AI can create the illusion of influence, but real influence is built on relationships,” Senju emphasizes.
AI influencers may be efficient, scalable, and cost-effective, but they still lack the human touch that makes content compelling. While AI can generate content at an unprecedented scale, it still struggles with genuine emotional connection, unpredictability, and storytelling.
“AI will be a huge player in content creation, but it won’t replace human influencers entirely. The best marketers will find ways to integrate AI while keeping their brand voice personal and engaging,” Senju concludes.
Brands may experiment with AI influencers, but the most effective marketing strategies still rely on human trust, relatability, and community-building. Consumers value authenticity, and even the most advanced AI cannot replicate the depth of human experience.
Looking forward, AI will likely enhance influencer marketing rather than replace it. The smartest creators and brands will use AI to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and expand creative possibilities—while keeping real human engagement at the center of their strategy.
“The best future is not AI replacing humans, but AI amplifying human creativity,” says Senju. “The ones who understand this will dominate the influencer space.
