Top 10 Virtual Influencers to Follow in 2026
- info831035
- Dec 5
- 7 min read
Can you believe that codes can now be more than just computer programs? We're talking about virtual humans - personalities created through AI that are gaining huge followings on social media. These virtual beings are so lifelike that they're able to capture the hearts and minds of netizens, just like real people. It's amazing how far we've come! In this article, we curated a list of the top virtual influencers in the metaverse who have gained millions of online interactions to date.
It's crazy to think that virtual influencers have been around for over a decade now. Back then, they looked like something straight out of an anime, but now they're incredibly realistic. They have their own interests, attitudes, and values, just like we do. Some of them even collaborate with big names in various industries.
In a survey conducted, 58% of people follow at least one virtual influencer, drawn not just to their content (26.6%) but also their storytelling ability (18.6%), music (15.5%), and inspirational presence (15.5%). Avatar aesthetics and interactive experiences also play a role, with 12.1% and 11.8% of followers citing these reasons, respectively. These digital personalities aren’t limited to one platform—they thrive on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more, with audiences spanning countries like Korea, Japan, and Thailand. It's a global phenomenon!
Real-life influencers have been a huge help for brands trying to make their mark on social media, and virtual influencers are no different. These AI-created personalities are in high demand, and it's not just small brands - we're talking Nike, Puma, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and other major players in the game. Even companies like Samsung have hopped on board with virtual influencer marketing, and it's paying off big time.
If you're looking to show the world that your brand is cutting-edge and forward-thinking, collaborating with virtual influencers is definitely the way to go. And lucky for you, we've got the inside scoop on the perfect influencer to represent your brand. Keep reading to find out who it is!
The Top Virtual Influencers are ⬇️
10. Ion Göttlich
Followers: About 60K
Website: iongottlich.com
Meet Ion, the virtual influencer with a love for pro cycling! His confident and charming personality is irresistible, and his passion for all things cycling is contagious. From the latest biking gear to meeting some of the biggest names in the industry, Ion's Instagram is a cyclist's paradise. You can see him posing with Sean Sako, Jean Biermans, and Andre Greipel - it's like he's part of the pro cycling world.
9. Shudu
Followers: About 230K
Shudu is a virtual supermodel hailing from South Africa, and with her striking looks, it's no surprise that she's a sought-after model for luxury brands like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and Balmain. Her Instagram feed is nothing short of breathtaking, with perfect angles and otherworldly beauty that will leave you mesmerized. Shudu is a true trendsetter and an inspiration to many aspiring models.
8. Apoki
Subscribers: About 320K
Instagram: @imapoki
Apoki is one of the most renowned virtual artists from Seoul, South Korea. Apoki can pull off unique music and performances that makes her an iconic figure in the country. She has over 5 million followers overall across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. She’s already released several songs which are streamed by her followers constantly.
On her Instagram, Apoki posts snippets of her performances, some of her photoshoots, and her favorite product recommendations. She’s already worked with international brands such as Shake Shack, Tommy Hilfiger, and more.
7. Imma
Followers: About 380K
TikTok: @imma.tokyo
Imma is the first ever virtual model from Japan. Imma loves fashion, art, films, and Japanese culture. Imma rocks an iconic pink hair in bob cut and full bangs. She has a curious personality that makes her question her own existence. She even uses the hashtag ithinkimcgi.
She's one of the pioneers in virtual modeling and has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Valentino, Amazon, and Nike.
6. Noonoouri
Followers: About 480K
Noonoouri is not your average digital character. As a 19-year-old vegan activist and model from Munich, she rocks a chic and cartoonish look while using her social media fame to inform her followers about important social issues. Noonoouri has already collaborated with major fashion brands like Off White, Versace, and Balenciaga.
5. Code Miko
Subscribers: About 670K
Instagram: @thecodemiko
Have you met Miko, the ultimate gamer influencer? Originally an NPC from a failed video game, Miko decided to take on a new challenge as a live streamer on Twitch. Now, she travels through different game worlds and currently resides in the Sims world. With her technical skills and creativity, Miko has built a loyal following and continues to create entertaining and engaging content for her fans.
4. KAF
Subscribers: About 1M
Meet KAF, the teenage sensation from Japan. She’s a fictional character with a real voice, and her hauntingly beautiful songs will tug at your heartstrings. KAF’s style is cute and girly, and she loves to sing about love and heartbreak. Her YouTube channel is a must-visit for anyone who loves soulful music.
3. Lil Miquela
Followers: About 2.3M
Lil Miquela is a true icon. She’s a global superstar who’s taken the world by storm with her incredible voice, fashion sense, and activism. She’s even featured as one of TIME Magazine's “25 Most Influential People on the Internet.”
Miquela has worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet, and her music is a must-listen. Her fans, the "miqualiens", are just as passionate as she is, and her influence can be felt all over the internet.
2. Kizuna AI
Followers: About 2.9M
Meet Kizuna, the trailblazing virtual YouTuber hailing from Japan! She loves connecting with her fans by answering their questions, creating vlogs, and sharing her gaming adventures. Kizuna's popularity has grown by leaps and bounds, and she has even taken the world of TikTok by storm with over 3 million followers and counting!
Kizuna’s appearance is more 2D than 3D, and she resembles anime characters. Her TikTok videos are popular because of her dancing skills and cute face. She’s been a guest on TV shows and commercials, and she’s now working to become a recording artist.
1. Qai Qai
Followers: About 4.6M
Instagram: @realqaiqai
Who would’ve thought a baby doll would top our list? We have Qai Qai as the number one virtual influencer today. Qai Qai was the family doll of Serena Willians and Alexis Ohanian, who has now become a virtual personality.
Qai Qai’s funny and sassy attitude gained them more than 4.6 million followers on TikTok. Qai Qai is a little baby with a huge personality. On TikTok, this doll often dances, answers questions, lip syncs to sounds, and just mainly entertains everyone. You’ll immediately recognize Qai Qai with their bald head, dark skin, pink ribbon, and purple tutu.
CONCLUSION
Social media evolves faster than we expect. It wasn’t long ago when real-life influencers became a trend. Now, we already have hundreds of virtual, digitally-created influencers with their own social media accounts.
Virtual influencers may be made up of codes, but they do not fail in conveying emotions and becoming trustworthy icons. These influencers may not be human, but they surely are humane. They have their own personalities which their followers love to witness. Because of their versatility, brands all over the world seek virtual influencers to work with them on their marketing plans.
In the list above, we gave you the top virtual influencers today. We hope you had your pick for your next marketing partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a virtual influencer?
A virtual influencer is a digital persona, a character created using CGI, 3D modelling, or animation, that behaves like a social‑media “influencer” by posting, interacting, and promoting content or brands. They are crafted to have a personality, back‑story, and often a consistent aesthetic or identity. Unlike a typical brand mascot or random CGI art, a virtual influencer’s “life” is intentionally built through posts, stories, and engagement, so followers feel as if they are connecting with a real personality. (Source: Virtual Humans)
What are the challenges of using virtual influencers?
A key challenge is authenticity, as some audiences may find virtual influencers less relatable than real humans. Emotional connection can also be limited because interactions are scripted or AI-driven. Additionally, creating a high-quality virtual influencer requires significant technical skill, storytelling, and design investment. Poor execution can result in low engagement or negative perception. Despite these challenges, successful virtual influencers can deliver strong marketing results if designed carefully. (Source: MarketGrowthReports.com)
What are the cost and scalability advantages of using virtual influencers for brands?
Virtual influencers can be more cost-effective than human influencers because they don’t require travel, accommodation, or per-appearance fees. Once created, the same avatar can be reused across multiple campaigns and platforms, making scaling easier. They are available 24/7, allowing brands to engage audiences across time zones without logistical constraints. (Source: Aspire.io)
What are the main ethical and transparency concerns with virtual influencers?
One major concern is authenticity, as audiences may believe a virtual influencer is a real person, which can lead to feelings of deception. They can also inadvertently reinforce unrealistic beauty standards or lifestyles that negatively impact followers, especially younger audiences. Legal issues may arise if brands misuse copyrighted assets or AI-generated content without proper licensing. Therefore, ethical disclosure and responsible design are critical to maintaining trust and avoiding reputational risks. (Source: SproutSocial)
How does audience demographic affect the success of virtual influencer campaigns?
Virtual influencers tend to resonate most with younger, digitally native audiences, particularly Gen Z, who are comfortable with AI-driven content and virtual personas. These audiences value aesthetics, novelty, and innovation, making them more receptive to digital influencers than older demographics. Conversely, older or more skeptical audiences may question authenticity and be less engaged with virtual campaigns. Brands must carefully align their virtual influencer strategy with both the target demographic and product type to maximize campaign effectiveness. (Source: InfluenceNest)
