"Computer-generated influencers are artificial personas/avatars who exist on social networks, with profiles managed by tech agencies.

“If we look at how media is converging and consider that many people now consume more news and information from social media than they do from traditional media, then it is not that much of a stretch to start to see social media as a source of fictional entertainment in the same way television shows are. Just as we are interested in the lives of TV & film 'characters', whilst knowing they are fictional, we develop the same interest in fictional influencers – we still regularly see into their 'life', hear them speak, and become invested in their journey.

“Brands have many reasons to fuel the rise in popularity of CGI influencers as, despite much more strategic influencer identification processes, and data driven decisions, no such thing as the 'perfect' influencer exists. Therefore it's easy to see why brands would be tempted to create their own."
Rachel Clay, Head of Influencer Marketing at Matter of Form 

Lil Miquela - 1.3 million followers on Instagram

The 19-year-old Brazilian / Spanish CGI influencer Miquela Sousa, better known as Lil Miquela, is one of Instagram's first, computer-generated social media influencers. Since first coming to attention in 2016, the avatar; ‘born’ in Downey, California, has quickly amassed a cult following; and has worked with brands including Diesel and Prada - virtually attending Prada's AW18 womenswear show in Milan; and collaborated with renowned make-up artist Pat McGrath.

Shudu Gram - 129k followers on Instagram

Hailed the world's first digital supermodel (by herself), Shudu looks so good in her pictures that one of her killer (yet completely computer generated) make-up looks was reposted by Fenty Beauty. Created by fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson in April 2017, Shudu is inspired by the Princess of South Africa Barbie doll, so it comes as no surprise that her flawless complexion and striking silhouette led to Vogue Paris declaring that "Shudu Gram has all the makings of a supermodel''.

Bermuda - 82.9k followers on Instagram

Bermuda, Trump supporter, climate change denier and one-time nemesis of Lil Miquela, came onto the virtual influencer scene back in April of this year when 'she' hacked Lil Miquela's Instagram and forced her to 'come out' as an avatar. Having now put their differences aside, Bermuda has claimed she will be starting her very own 'robot only talent agency', with Lil Miquela being her very first client.