INFLOW Network
  • News
    • All
    • Brands
    • Get Inspired
    • How To
    • Inflow News
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Influencer Spotlight
    • Insight
    • Opinion
    • Social Media
    • Trending
    A fall-themed influencer post showing a cozy indoor setup with warm lighting, books, and a hot drink.

    Autumn 2025 Influencer marketing trends: Cozy season, big shifts

    An autumn scene with golden leaves, a warm drink, and a journal laid open on a wooden table.

    5 Fresh content angles for fall 2025

    A person looking at multiple notifications on their phone, surrounded by blurred messages and icons.

    Always on: The age of constant reachability

    A cozy fall-themed Instagram Reel of a creator holding a latte in a warmly lit café, wearing an oversized sweater.

    What’s trending on Instagram in September 2025?

    A YouTube Shorts creator filming a cozy fall outfit montage in a leaf-covered park.

    What’s trending on YouTube Shorts in September 2025?

    A TikTok creator dancing on an autumn-colored street with a phone tripod.

    What’s trending on TikTok in September 2025?

    Trending Tags

    • Trending
    • Opinion
    • Inflow News
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Influencer Spotlight
    • Social Media
    • How To
  • Network
    • Our Story
    • The Team
    • Our Network
    • What We Do
    • What They Say?
    • Life at INFLOW
  • Summits
    • Events
      • 2024
        • INFLOW Global Summit 2024
      • 2023
        • INFLOW Global Summit’23
        • Turkish Airlines x Do&Co Catering Lounge Meet-Up
        • UEFA Champions League Final Istanbul’23 Meet-Up
      • 2022
        • INFLOW Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix Meet-Up
      • 2021
        • INFLOW Global’21: Dream to Reality
      • 2020
        • INFLOW Global’20 Rise & Shine
        • INFLOW Awards’20
      • 2019
        • INFLOW Global Summit & Awards’19
        • INFLOW City of Lights Meet-Up @Paris
        • INFLOW Qatar Summit’19
      • 2018
        • INFLOW Global Summit’18
        • INFLOW Awards’18
        • INFLOW Qatar Summit’18
      • 2017
        • INFLOW Global Summit’17
        • INFLOW Meet-up & Workshops
        • INFLOW Istanbul’17
      • 2016
        • ITS Cappadocia’16
    • Influencers
    • Awards
  • Resource
    • Research
    • Videos
    • Ebooks
    • Agencies & Awards Database
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
INFLOW Network
  • News
    • All
    • Brands
    • Get Inspired
    • How To
    • Inflow News
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Influencer Spotlight
    • Insight
    • Opinion
    • Social Media
    • Trending
    A fall-themed influencer post showing a cozy indoor setup with warm lighting, books, and a hot drink.

    Autumn 2025 Influencer marketing trends: Cozy season, big shifts

    An autumn scene with golden leaves, a warm drink, and a journal laid open on a wooden table.

    5 Fresh content angles for fall 2025

    A person looking at multiple notifications on their phone, surrounded by blurred messages and icons.

    Always on: The age of constant reachability

    A cozy fall-themed Instagram Reel of a creator holding a latte in a warmly lit café, wearing an oversized sweater.

    What’s trending on Instagram in September 2025?

    A YouTube Shorts creator filming a cozy fall outfit montage in a leaf-covered park.

    What’s trending on YouTube Shorts in September 2025?

    A TikTok creator dancing on an autumn-colored street with a phone tripod.

    What’s trending on TikTok in September 2025?

    Trending Tags

    • Trending
    • Opinion
    • Inflow News
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Influencer Spotlight
    • Social Media
    • How To
  • Network
    • Our Story
    • The Team
    • Our Network
    • What We Do
    • What They Say?
    • Life at INFLOW
  • Summits
    • Events
      • 2024
        • INFLOW Global Summit 2024
      • 2023
        • INFLOW Global Summit’23
        • Turkish Airlines x Do&Co Catering Lounge Meet-Up
        • UEFA Champions League Final Istanbul’23 Meet-Up
      • 2022
        • INFLOW Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix Meet-Up
      • 2021
        • INFLOW Global’21: Dream to Reality
      • 2020
        • INFLOW Global’20 Rise & Shine
        • INFLOW Awards’20
      • 2019
        • INFLOW Global Summit & Awards’19
        • INFLOW City of Lights Meet-Up @Paris
        • INFLOW Qatar Summit’19
      • 2018
        • INFLOW Global Summit’18
        • INFLOW Awards’18
        • INFLOW Qatar Summit’18
      • 2017
        • INFLOW Global Summit’17
        • INFLOW Meet-up & Workshops
        • INFLOW Istanbul’17
      • 2016
        • ITS Cappadocia’16
    • Influencers
    • Awards
  • Resource
    • Research
    • Videos
    • Ebooks
    • Agencies & Awards Database
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
INFLOW Network
No Result
View All Result

The Rise of Virtual Influencers – How Do They Work?

The number of brands who choose to work with virtual influencers is increasing everyday. Is this the end of real-life influencers?

Sıla Ekşioğlu by Sıla Ekşioğlu
April 13, 2021
in Influencer Marketing
The Rise of Virtual Influencers - How Do They Work?
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Although we have witnessed incredible technological developments, virtual influencers are still spectacular for most of the social media users. As they are very successful at arousing interest among audience, brands see the potential in them and they are ready to invest money in virtual influencer marketing. As a substitution for real-life influencers, brands started to use virtual influencer in their influencer marketing campaigns a few years ago. It is at a point that the popular fashion brand, Balmain, took it to whole other level and launched a campaign with full of digital models in 2018. It doesn’t matter if they are real or not, their impact is obvious.

Why do brands choose to work with virtual influencers?

The benefits of working with virtual influencers is obvious. Working with real-life influencers can be pretty challenging sometimes. To find the perfect time to meet them, making arrangements on the campaign together, finding the perfect location and date can be quite time-consuming for brands.

However, working with virtual influencers is highly time-effective and also, cost-effective. First of all, they don’t have to travel the world, virtual influencers can be anywhere, anytime. They are not limited to any logistic choices in this matter. Restriction on accommodation and travel expenses can be reasonable for the campaigns especially if the budget is not too much. Also, virtual influencers don’t require a photography or make-up crew. Collaborating with virtual influencers can also be beneficial in time saving because they don’t have to take hundreds photos. When a problem arises, it takes minutes to fix it and there is no need to wait for the perfect weather or lightning. Besides, working with virtual influencers may enable brands to take more control over the campaign because virtual influencers are mostly flexible.

One of the difficulties in finding the perfect influencer for a campaign or brand is that choosing an influencer who aligns with the brand story. With only a little touch, it is easy to adapt virtuals to any culture or any audience. It is even possible to readjust the influencers’ personality. So, they can fit in with any brand or campaign’s story.

Challenges of Working with Virtual Influencers

However beneficial it is for the brands, there are potential challenges as well. The most possible and biggest challenge may be the inability to build trust. One of the key elements in influencer marketing is to build trust relationship with the audience.  The audience may have hard times to believe the authenticity of a product recommendation coming from a virtual influencer. In the end, they are not able to try the products they recommend. For example, they can’t actually try the clothes on themselves, or see the effects of a beauty product on their skin as the real-life influencers do. It may cause audience to not take virtual influencers seriously.

Let’s get to know the most popular virtual influencers to keep up with!

The Most Popular Virtual Influencers

Lil Miquela

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miquela (@lilmiquela)

I am sure most of you heard of Miquela Sousa, one of the first virtual influencers, and she is definitely the most popular one with 3M followers. She worked with some of the highest level brands such as Dior, Prada, Calvin Klein and Vogue. It is hard to believe but she even released a single and music video a few years ago. Lil Miquela uses her power on social media to draw attention to sensitive issues such as Black Lives Matter campaign, and protection of LGBTQ rights.

Shudu

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shudu (@shudu.gram)

The world’s first digital supermodel, Shudu was created by British photographer, Cameron-James Wilson in 2017. She looks so realistic that Fenty Beauty posted her on their page without knowing that she is a computer generated imaging in 2018. Currently, she is working with Balmain in the company’s digital campaign called “Virtual Army”.

For more information on creation and the rise of digital modeling, you can click here to read Cameron-James Wilson’s experiences on computer generated imaging or watch his speech linked to the article.

Bermuda

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bermuda (@bermudaisbae)

Bermuda has became one of the most controversial virtual influencers on social media. One of the many reasons is that she was a Trump supporter, however she changed her political views. Other than that, she likes to humiliate other virtual influencers, and it seems attract many Instagram users. Her former relationship with another virtual influencer, Blawko, also caused some tongues to wag.

Digital world is changing so quickly and we will definitely see more virtual influencers emerging, with new challenges to work with them, and maybe they will find a way to build trust with their audience. Who knows?


What do you think of this new wave of influencers? Will they take over real life influencers in the future or is it not possible? Let us know what you think by commenting below and don’t forget to follow us on our socials!

Related Posts

Creator filming a fashion reel in sardine-core aesthetic at golden hour.
Blog

From feed to fabric: How Influencers are weaving summer’s viral trends

by INFLOW Network
August 29, 2025
A travel influencer filming content at sunset near a remote beach location
Blog

The rise of the vacation star: How travel influencers are shaping the summer escape?

by INFLOW Network
August 2, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A fall-themed influencer post showing a cozy indoor setup with warm lighting, books, and a hot drink.

Autumn 2025 Influencer marketing trends: Cozy season, big shifts

October 1, 2025
An autumn scene with golden leaves, a warm drink, and a journal laid open on a wooden table.

5 Fresh content angles for fall 2025

September 30, 2025
A person looking at multiple notifications on their phone, surrounded by blurred messages and icons.

Always on: The age of constant reachability

September 29, 2025
A cozy fall-themed Instagram Reel of a creator holding a latte in a warmly lit café, wearing an oversized sweater.

What’s trending on Instagram in September 2025?

September 28, 2025
A YouTube Shorts creator filming a cozy fall outfit montage in a leaf-covered park.

What’s trending on YouTube Shorts in September 2025?

September 27, 2025

inflownetwork

Driven by Passion, Powered by Engagement

INFLOW Network
This summer’s style is being shaped not by magaz This summer’s style is being shaped not by magazines but by creators who turn micro-trends—like “Sardine Girl Summer,” French chic revivals, and Pucci nostalgia—into real-time cultural movements.
In September, online trends blend reflection, nost In September, online trends blend reflection, nostalgia, and spontaneous challenges, turning summer’s final moments into scrollable and shoppable experiences.
In 2025, the internet feels smaller and more predi In 2025, the internet feels smaller and more predictable, with the “dead internet theory” turning from fringe idea into a prevailing mood shaping how we browse and connect.
In 2025, LinkedIn has become an AI-driven echo cha In 2025, LinkedIn has become an AI-driven echo chamber where generative tools write most long-form posts, making genuine originality the rarest skill.
In August, YouTube Shorts swings between awe at AI In August, YouTube Shorts swings between awe at AI’s surreal creativity, sharp humor about politics, and endless summer celebrations that feel like the season will never end.
In August, Instagram trends capture summer’s bit In August, Instagram trends capture summer’s bittersweet finale with playful, nostalgic, and self-aware reflections that look back fondly while hinting at what’s ahead.
In August, TikTok captures summer’s final moment In August, TikTok captures summer’s final moments with playful challenges, guessing games, and nostalgic montages that blend friendship, fun, and the season’s fleeting glow.
In 2025, LinkedIn’s surge in video content marks In 2025, LinkedIn’s surge in video content marks a cultural shift, redefining professional credibility, visibility, and personal branding beyond traditional text updates.
In 2025, AI-powered browsers are transforming from In 2025, AI-powered browsers are transforming from passive tools into active partners, revolutionizing how we search, navigate, and interact with the web.
Load More... Follow Us
İnflow-network-new-logo-white

INFLOW Network is a driving force,
merging influencers and brands to
redefine the digital marketing sphere.

Categories

  • Blog
  • Brands
  • Get Inspired
  • How To
  • Inflow News
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Influencer Spotlight
  • Insight
  • Media
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Research
  • Social Media
  • Trending

Stay Connected

  • News
  • Network
  • Summits
  • Resource
  • Contact

© 2024

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest Influencer Marketing News, Trends, & Tips in your inbox

    No Result
    View All Result
    • News
      • Trending
      • Opinion
      • Inflow News
      • Influencer Marketing
      • Influencer Spotlight
      • Social Media
      • How To
    • Network
      • Our Story
      • The Team
      • Our Network
      • What We Do
      • What They Say?
      • Life at INFLOW
    • Summits
      • Events
        • 2024
        • 2023
        • 2022
        • 2021
        • 2020
        • 2019
        • 2018
        • 2017
        • 2016
      • Influencers
      • Awards
    • Resource
      • Research
      • Videos
      • Ebooks
      • Agencies & Awards Database
    • Contact
      • Contact
      • Contribute

    © 2024