We are witnessing a seismic shift in the Asia Pacific’s digital landscape—one that is being shaped not by human influencers, but by AI-driven, CGI-crafted virtual influencers. These digital personas are more than a trend; they embody the convergence of technology, creativity, and scalable brand engagement.

With Asia Pacific’s virtual influencer market projected to grow at an astounding CAGR of 39.5% from 2023 to 2030, the region is leading this transformation. These digital personas are not just redefining marketing; they are reshaping how we think about influence, identity, and engagement in the digital age.

What sets virtual influencers apart?

Unlike traditional influencers, virtual influencers don’t take breaks, they don’t have off-days, and they don’t make PR missteps. They are built for precision, designed for authenticity, and tailored for specific audiences. With hyper-realistic visuals and AI-driven interactions, they bridge the gap between entertainment and commerce, deeply resonating with Gen Z and digital-first consumers.

Key advantages:

1. Always on – 24/7 engagement across digital platforms.
2. Scalable & cost-effective – High ROI without logistical challenges.
3. Fully brand-aligned – Total control over messaging and persona.
4. Culturally adaptive – Customizable for diverse regions and demographics.

Snapshot of Asia’s Leading Markets in Virtual Influencers

China, a leader in the Asia Pacific’s virtual influencer market

The undisputed leader, with a market set to grow from US $4.91B (2023) to US $40.93B by 2030. Engagement rates for virtual influencers here are 3x higher than human influencers.

• Ayayi – A powerhouse with over a million Weibo followers, collaborating with Louis Vuitton & Bulgari.
• Ling – A high-fashion digital star working with global luxury brands.

Japan

A pioneer in digital characters, projected to grow at 42.6% CAGR by 2030.

• Imma – The face of inclusivity, collaborating with Porsche, Dior, and IKEA.

South Korea

• Home to Rozy, a CGI icon generating US $1.52M+ in profits, working with Chanel & Hermes.

India

A rapidly growing market, projected to hit US $254.1M by 2025.

• Kyra & Naina Avtr – India’s first meta-influencers, bridging the gap between culture and commerce.

Real stories: Five influencers changing the game

1. Lil Miquela (Global)
   • With over 3 million Instagram followers, Lil Miquela collaborates with brands like Prada and Chanel. She generated US $11.7 million in revenue in 2019 alone, showcasing the immense potential of virtual personas.
2. Imma (Japan)
   • Known for her hyper-realistic appearance, Imma has worked with Porsche, Dior, and IKEA. She promotes inclusivity and diversity in her campaigns, representing a new wave of cultural storytelling.
3. Rozy (South Korea)
   • South Korea’s virtual star, Rozy, is projected to generate over US $1.52 Mn (2 billion Korean won) in profits. Her partnerships with luxury brands and her presence across TV, billboards, and events make her an industry pioneer.
4. Ayayi (China)
   • Ayayi combines cultural elements with modern aesthetics, earning her collaborations with top-tier brands like Louis Vuitton. Her growing popularity underscores the market’s potential in China.
5. Shudu (Global)
   • Known as the world’s first digital supermodel, Shudu has worked with Fenty Beauty and Samsung, blurring the lines between fashion and digital art.

We are witnessing an era where AI is redefining the digital economy, and virtual influencers are at the forefront of this transformation. As businesses embrace intelligent technology, these AI-driven personas are unlocking new levels of engagement, personalization, and scale. The convergence of AI, deep learning, and metaverse ecosystems is creating boundless opportunities for brands to connect with audiences authentically and at scale.

Asia’s unparalleled adoption of digital experiences positions it as a global leader in this evolution. From hyper-personalized storytelling to immersive brand interactions, virtual influencers are bridging the gap between creativity and commerce. The future isn’t just digital—it’s intelligent, adaptive, and deeply interconnected.

As we move forward, the question is no longer if virtual influencers will shape marketing—it’s how fast businesses can harness their potential.