What is a virtual KOL? These are characters created using digital technology, with the same appearance, personality and life as real people. With the constant development of current technology, virtual KOLs have become powerful influencers in the modern marketing field. Let’s explore virtual KOLs through this article!
What is a Virtual KOL?
Virtual KOLs are characters created using digital technology, with the same appearance, personality and life as real people. With the continuous development of current technology, virtual KOLs have become powerful influencers in the modern marketing field. Virtual KOLs can be completely fictional characters or simulated after real celebrities.
The Development and Potential of Virtual KOLs
Virtual KOL is a new and potential trend in the field of modern marketing that brings benefits to businesses and consumers such as. Below are the 3 latest development trends of virtual KOL, specifically:
The influence of virtual KOLs on consumers
Virtual KOLs have emerged since the 2010s and have grown strongly in recent years. According to a report by HypeAuditor, the number of fake KOLs on Instagram has tripled in the past two years and reached about 1,500 people by the end of 2020.
Virtual KOLs not only attract millions of followers on Social Media channels, but also have the ability to create new trends in various fields such as fashion, music, entertainment or society. Virtual KOLs have a great influence on consumers, especially Gen Z, because of their unique, Creative content that suits the aesthetic taste of young people.
Statistics on the Rise of Virtual KOLs on Social Media Platforms
According to a study by Linqia, 77% of marketers used virtual KOLs in their marketing campaigns in 2020, and 63% of them said they would increase their budget for virtual KOLs in 2020.0.
Social media platforms are also creating favorable conditions for the development of virtual KOLs. For example, Facebook has launched the Spark AR Studio tool to help users create virtual reality filters and effects for photos and videos on Instagram. In addition, Tiktok has also allowed users to create videos with animated characters generated by Artificial Intelligence.
The Importance of Virtual KOLs for Businesses
Virtual KOLs are an effective tool for businesses to build Brand awareness and engage with customers. Virtual KOLs can help businesses:
- Reach your target audience accurately and effectively
- Increase brand awareness and build customer trust
- Promote products and services in a creative and attention-grabbing way
The Role of Virtual KOLs in the Field of Marketing
Virtual KOLs play an important role in creating quality and engaging content for viewers. They can:
Increase Audience Engagement
Virtual KOLs can create unique and quality content by using advanced digital technologies, such as CGI, motion capture or deepfake.. These contents can be videos, images or livestreams about the life, interests, opinions or products of virtual KOLs. Combined with humorous elements to attract the attention and interaction of viewers.
Virtual KOLs also create opportunities for closeness between audiences and businesses by actively interacting with viewers. These activities help virtual KOLs spread the brand’s message effectively.
Influence on Consumer Purchasing Decisions
A study on factors influencing Gen Z’s purchasing decisions in Ho Chi Minh City through an Influencer Marketing campaign on the Shopee E-Commerce channel showed that KOL/Influencer is the factor with the greatest influence on Vietnamese people’s online purchasing intentions.
In addition, virtual Influencers can also influence consumer behavior by spreading new trends, creating new and different experiences for viewers.
Spread new trends in different fields
With their considerable influence, virtual KOLs can spread new trends in different fields by leveraging the influence of social networks. Areas where virtual KOLs can influence include:
- Fashion industry: Virtual KOLs can create new and unique fashion styles that suit each customer group and current trends. Virtual KOLs often combine outfits, accessories and colors in a striking way, or their styles are also inspired by different brands, celebrities or cultures.
- Music field: With the development of technology, virtual KOLs can now synthesize voices, sounds and images in the style of that virtual Influencer, or in the style of singers and musicians of different music genres. Create new and creative songs and MVs, suitable for the interests and emotions of listeners.
- Tourism sector: Virtual KOLs can also create useful and professional travel content, such as sharing experiences, advice or reviews of travel products for viewers. At the same time, introduce viewers to beautiful and attractive tourist destinations in the world.
Virtual KOLs can help businesses reach their target audience accurately and effectively, because they can tailor their appearance, personality, and style to suit each customer group. For example, Virtual Influencer Lil Miquela is a 19-year-old girl of Brazilian and Spanish descent, with interests in fashion, music, and society. This virtual KOL can attract the attention of young people who love cultural diversity and new trends.
Besides, Virtual KOLs can also create content that is relevant to current events, holidays or trends to attract viewers’ attention.
Increase brand awareness and build consumer trust
Virtual KOLs can help businesses enhance brand awareness and build trust from consumers. Because the brand’s messages and values are conveyed creatively, professionally and authentically.
Many famous brands such as Adidas, Nike or Dior have combined with virtual Influencers to promote their products on social media channels. This content helps viewers have a more comprehensive and trustworthy view of the product and brand.
Promote products and services in a creative and attention-grabbing way
Virtual KOLs can help businesses promote their products and services in a creative and attention-grabbing way. Typical examples of this collaboration include: The combination of virtual KOL Ling and TikTok Shop.
Virtual KOL Ling has collaborated with TikTok Shop to conduct livestream Sales on this platform. The main purpose is to introduce products, but the livestreams attract a large number of viewers thanks to interesting and engaging content.
Most customers are interested in this type of content, because it gives viewers the opportunity to experience the product in a visual and vivid way. At the same time, it helps businesses increase the ability to convert purchases.
Some prominent virtual KOLs today
FNMeka
A virtual rapper created by the technology company Superplastic. FNMeka has an extremely “cool” style, with songs revolving around social issues. He is also quite famous on social networks, currently FNMeka has more than 10 million followers on his TikTok. Some famous brands that have collaborated with FNMeka include Gucci, Pepsi and KFC.
Lu of Magalu
Magalu is a virtual influencer created by Brazilian retail company Magalu. She is a tech product expert with over 6 million followers on Instagram. She has also appeared on major TV channels and magazines.
With his considerable influence, Magalu has helped his business grow revenue and increase market share in the Brazilian retail market.
Imma
Imma is a Virtual Influencer created by Japanese technology company Aww Inc. Some of the brands that have worked with Imma include IKEA, Porsche and Dior. These are all big brands with high recognition among customers.
Imma has also appeared in prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Nylon, proving the incredible popularity of Virtual Influencers in today’s era.
Conclude
Virtual KOL is a new trend in the field of marketing and communication, created by technology and has a great influence on consumer purchasing decisions and consumption behavior. This will be one of the important factors to help businesses’ marketing campaigns succeed in the future.
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