The Rise of Virtual Celebs: Meet the Top 5 Robots Taking Over Your Screens!

Have you heard of virtual influencers? They are computer-generated characters with their own personalities that hang out on social media, just like regular influencers. Crazy, right?

But get this, a recent study in the US found that over half of the people surveyed were already following virtual influencers. That’s wild! According to Christopher Travers, the founder of VirtualHumans.org, these digital influencers can actually offer even more control and engagement than their human counterparts. In fact, they can get almost three times more engagement than real influencers! So, together with the folks over at VirtualHumans.org, the SheSight team put together a list of the top virtual influencers that you need to know about. Let’s check out these virtual peeps!

Lu do Magalu

Lu do Magalu was the most popular virtual influencer in 2022 and continues to be the most visible virtual human globally, making her top ranking unsurprising. With over 14.6 million followers on Facebook, 6 million followers on Instagram, over 2.6 million subscribers on YouTube, and 1.3 million followers on both Twitter and TikTok, her reach is impressive. However, her fame and impact are largely concentrated in Brazil, her country of origin. Lu do Magalu made her debut over a decade ago on behalf of Magazine Luiza, a major Brazilian retail corporation, as part of the marketing campaign for iBlogTV on YouTube. She has since appeared in product reviews, and unboxing videos, and shared software tips for the retail giant.

Lil Miquela

Also known as Miquela Sousa, Lil Miquela is a virtual model and robot who has collaborated with top fashion brands such as Prada, Dior, and Calvin Klein. In 2017, she even released a single called “Not Mine”, and this year she debuted her first music video, “Hard Feelings”, at the Lollapalooza online festival. Created by Brud, a startup in Los Angeles, this Brazilian-American virtual beauty with freckles has amassed a following of 3 million on Instagram, affectionately dubbed “Miquelites,” along with 3.6 million TikTok followers and over 31,000 Twitter followers.

Barbie

Barbie is a well-known name that needs no introduction. This iconic blond beauty from the late 1950s has expanded her fanbase to social media platforms. Her largest following is on Facebook, but she also has a significant presence on other platforms, especially YouTube, where she takes on the role of a vlogger. Barbie has an impressive following of 2.2 million on Instagram, 11.1 million YouTube subscribers, nearly 320,000 followers on Twitter, and more than 440,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her support for the Black Lives Matter movement on Instagram garnered over 40,000 likes as an example of her influence.

Any Malu

Any Malu is a virtual influencer who originated from Brazil and has gained recognition globally. She was introduced in 2015 and has since grown from an idea to a YouTube sensation and a transmedia experience. Any Malu has amassed over 1 million followers on Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Her YouTube videos have been viewed more than 280 million times. She’s also one of the few virtual influencers to have her TV show, which is powered by Cartoon Network, setting her apart even further.

Thalasya

Thalasya originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, frequently travels across her “home country” to explore its balconies and shops. Despite staycations becoming more prevalent, she still made the journey to a recording studio in Florida, USA.

As we all know, traveling can be expensive, and to fund her hobby, Thalasya has advertised for hotels, restaurants, and health pills. Additionally, she co-owns her clothing store, Yipiiiii, with her friend Zeline.

Developed by Magnavem Studio, Thalasya made her debut appearance in October 2018 and has since garnered over 469,000 followers on Instagram.

Staff Reporter