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How AI-created fakes are taking business from online influencers
Hyper-realistic ‘virtual influencers’ are being used to promote leading brands, drawing ire from human content creators.
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The emergence of virtual influencers such as Aitana Lopez (left) and Lil Miquela has led to worry from human influencers.
PHOTOS: FIT_AITANA/INSTAGRAM, LILMIQUELA/INSTAGRAM
Cristina Criddle
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Pink-haired Aitana Lopez is followed by more than 200,000 people on social media. She posts selfies from concerts and her bedroom, while tagging brands such as haircare line Olaplex and lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret.
Brands have paid about US$1,000 (S$1,300) a post for her to promote their products on social media – despite the fact that she is entirely fictional.
