How AI-Generated Influencers Are Shaping the Future of Marketing

Knowledge at Wharton

  • Jun 26, 2025
  • 12:24
  • Full Episode

This episode of Knowledge at Wharton features Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger discussing the rise of virtual influencers—AI-generated personas used by brands to market products. The conversation explores how these digital avatars are designed, why companies choose them over human influencers, and what drives their effectiveness. Berger shares insights from his research, highlighting how human-like features and social presence can increase trust and engagement with virtual influencer content. The discussion also touches on evolving consumer perceptions and the future of digital marketing in an AI-driven world.

The Knowledge at Wharton podcast features interviews with Wharton faculty and industry leaders about the business landscape and the impact of their work. Conversations range from the latest research and books by faculty authors, to Leading Diversity at Work with professor Stephanie Creary.

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Brief Summary

Virtual influencers are reshaping marketing by enhancing brand control and consumer trust, according to Jonah Berger's research.

Key points

  • The Rise of Virtual Influencers. Virtual influencers are computer-generated personalities gaining immense popularity and changing marketing strategies.
  • Trust Issues with Virtual Influencers. Consumers are skeptical about the authenticity of virtual influencers compared to real ones.
  • Engagement Strategies for Virtual Influencers. Posts featuring virtual influencers with humans lead to higher engagement rates.

Tension

40/ 100Low tension

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