Astrid Hiort

Contributing Writer

Astrid is a Contributing Writer for Virtual Humans. She specializes within the Metaverse, developing storylines for virtual humans, and reporting on the progression of our digital identity. Astrid is interested in how virtual influencing builds strong communities, becomes an extension of self-expression, and shapes our interaction with the digital sphere. Find her on Instagram @astralhorizon_

imma: The Virtual Influencer Disrupting The Fashion Industry

imma: The Virtual Influencer Disrupting The Fashion Industry

From exploring cultural happenings in Tokyo to now building her fashion empire, imma is achieving beyond her wildest dreams. Her latest fashion adventure expands her influence while offering fans pieces of her unique world. Here’s everything you need to know about imma and her DROP2 collection for Astral Body.

Noonoouri: Fashion Icon Turned Pop Star

Noonoouri: Fashion Icon Turned Pop Star

Noonoouri is one of the most popular virtual influencers. Not only is she a fashion icon, collaborating with some of the biggest brands, but she is now taking on the music industry. So what do you need to know about this stylish virtual influencer? Let’s get into it.

Who is Virtual Reporter and Influencer, Yuna?

Who is Virtual Reporter and Influencer, Yuna?

“I have the freedom to experiment with different formats, styles, and content ideas. There’s always room to express myself and show my personality.”

Hatsune Miku Releases Music With Pokémon

Hatsune Miku Releases Music With Pokémon

Pokémon join forces with Hatsune Miku for a legendary collaboration, releasing art and music featuring the popular virtual influencer. Discover Miku’s latest song from the partnership and what’s to come.

Understanding The Role of AI and Virtual Influencers Today

Understanding The Role of AI and Virtual Influencers Today

Artificial Intelligence is an important topic to understand as it becomes more prevalent. AI will inevitably change the way virtual influencers interact with fans online, and while true AI influencers are yet to be seen, but creators are already giving a taste of their potential and what the future of AI influencers may look like.

NBA All-Star Luka Dončič Creates Digital Double "Luk.AI" on TikTok

NBA All-Star Luka Dončič Creates Digital Double "Luk.AI" on TikTok

The virtual human named Luk.AI uses artificial intelligence to create a new, immersive experience for fans. Yet, he is far from being a solely independent AI. Let’s break it down.

How Many Virtual Influencers Are There?

How Many Virtual Influencers Are There?

Learn how the industry grew from 9 virtual influencers in 2015 to over 200 today.

Humans Are Meeting Virtual Influencers and Don’t Know What to Think

Humans Are Meeting Virtual Influencers and Don’t Know What to Think

People often don’t know how to react when meeting virtual influencers, making for some hilariously awkward encounters.

How Virtual Influencers Use Twitter

How Virtual Influencers Use Twitter

Twitter has unique advantages for virtual influencers, from interacting with fans in a low-lift way to influencing the web3 community.

NFTs Are Now Becoming Social Media Stars

NFTs Are Now Becoming Social Media Stars

How Jenkins the Valet, Spottie WiFi, and Carl the Doodle are changing the NFT IP game.

5 Ways Virtual Influencers Earn Money

5 Ways Virtual Influencers Earn Money

Virtual influencers are set up for commercial success. From landing global brand campaigns to selling NFTs, here’s how virtual influencer teams cash in on their characters.

Virtual Influencers Are Transforming the Music Industry with Virtual Concerts and More

Virtual Influencers Are Transforming the Music Industry with Virtual Concerts and More

The music industry is bursting with opportunities for virtual influencers, from social media activations to virtual metaverse concerts. Here are the top virtual influencers taking their artistic abilities to the next level, paving the way for the next virtual stars.

The Most-Followed Virtual Influencers of 2022

The Most-Followed Virtual Influencers of 2022

From famous robots to teenage media sensations, here are the most followed virtual influencers of 2022.

How Virtual Influencers Create Success on TikTok

How Virtual Influencers Create Success on TikTok

TikTok is a game changer for virtual influencers to better express themselves through video while growing quickly. But how? We spoke to some of the top virtual TikTokers about how they achieved success.

LVMH Creates Virtual Ambassador for the 2022 Innovation Award

LVMH Creates Virtual Ambassador for the 2022 Innovation Award

Luxury group LVMH reveals a virtual character will host their annual innovation award ceremony for the first time ever. Here’s what we know so far…

Leading VTuber Kizuna AI Confirms Anime Project Debut

Leading VTuber Kizuna AI Confirms Anime Project Debut

Following her hiatus from her famous YouTube channel, Kizuna AI teases an exciting anime project in the works.

5 Times the Automotive Industry Put Virtual Influencers Behind the Wheel

5 Times the Automotive Industry Put Virtual Influencers Behind the Wheel

From Miquela launching a new MINI to Imma driving a Porsche, virtual influencers are becoming an evergreen opportunity for the automotive industry. Here’s how virtual influencers help car companies infuse digital innovation with physical design.

Virtual Influencers Are Changing the Face of Beauty

Virtual Influencers Are Changing the Face of Beauty

From virtual influencers trying out contouring to teaching about skin care products, the beauty industry is increasingly finding new ways to partner with virtual influencers. Here’s why their names are on many beauty and perfume brands’ lips.

Hugo Boss Hires Virtual Influencers to Promote Their Rebrand

Hugo Boss Hires Virtual Influencers to Promote Their Rebrand

As part of their rebrand strategy, Hugo Boss is betting on virtual influencers and young celebrities to help it enter a new, younger market and become a top global brand in the next digital era.

CEO James Jacobs on Ziva Dynamics’ Acquisition by Unity and Bringing Lifelike Virtual Humans to Everyone

CEO James Jacobs on Ziva Dynamics’ Acquisition by Unity and Bringing Lifelike Virtual Humans to Everyone

The recent acquisition will allow anyone to easily and quickly create lifelike, 3D virtual humans, impacting the video game industry and the virtual influencer market.

Yes, Virtual Influencers Are Taking Jobs

Yes, Virtual Influencers Are Taking Jobs

Virtual influencers are becoming hungry for an education and a career. Brands no longer just use them as models in campaigns—they’re actually employing them.

CEO Timmu Tõke on ‘Ready Player Me’ Raising $13M to Expand their Universal Avatar Platform for the Metaverse

The company’s cross-game avatar platform promotes a truly open metaverse by enabling users to use the same, customizable 3D avatar across hundreds of different apps and games.

The Case for Non-Human Digital Characters

The Case for Non-Human Digital Characters

If you thought hyper-realistic virtual influencers were the only ones achieving fame on social media, think again.

5 Times Virtual Influencers Entered the “Real World”

5 Times Virtual Influencers Entered the “Real World”

The future is phygital, as virtual influencers are breaking outside of their digital frame to make real life encounters with fans. Here’s how they do it.

Why the Tech Industry Loves Virtual Influencers

Why the Tech Industry Loves Virtual Influencers

From Miquela using a Samsung Galaxy phone to Imma starring in the latest Lenovo campaign, the tech industry is obsessed with virtual influencers—and for good reason.

Why Diversity and Inclusivity in Virtual Influencers Matter

Why Diversity and Inclusivity in Virtual Influencers Matter

The virtual influencer industry’s attention to cultural and racial diversity reflects a push for advocacy and inclusiveness in the metaverse.

Top 9 NFTs Launched by Virtual Influencers

Top 9 NFTs Launched by Virtual Influencers

From Miquela’s “Rebirth of Venus” to Apoki’s mystery boxes, NFTs enable virtual influencers to give fans ownership and control over their digital identity and narrative.

Jennifer Aniston Launches Virtual Pet ‘Clydeo’

Jennifer Aniston Launches Virtual Pet ‘Clydeo’

“Developing an animated character and coming up with the storyline is a first for me, but I am excited for everyone to meet him.” -Jennifer Aniston

Kizuna AI Announces Indefinite Break from Streaming to Sell NFTs Instead

Kizuna AI Announces Indefinite Break from Streaming to Sell NFTs Instead

With 3 million subscribers, the VTuber is switching off, turning to NFTs to reinvent herself and create new experiences for fans.

Virtual Influencers: The Future of Fashion

Virtual Influencers: The Future of Fashion

Virtual influencers are the perfect opportunity for fashion to enter the new digital race.

Can Virtual Influencers Fall in Love?

Can Virtual Influencers Fall in Love?

From lovers to frenemies, virtual influencers form relationships as complicated, messy, and joyful as those of us in the physical world.

Prada Creates Virtual Muse Named Candy

Prada Creates Virtual Muse Named Candy

Candy is the new face of Prada’s perfume ‘Candy’ and represents Prada’s next digital adventure.