Influencers have become increasingly important as more and more consumers choose to purchase items online — whether on Amazon, Taobao, or one of the many other prominent e-commerce platforms. Brands and merchants have spent a lot of money finding influencers to promote their products through live streams and consumer interactions, and many purchases are made on the recommendation of a trusted influencer.
However, employing a public-facing influencer can be costly and risky. Many brands and merchants have opted instead to host live streams with their own virtual characters. This gives them more freedom to showcase their products and widens the pool of potential on-camera talent. For consumers, virtual characters can add fun and whimsy to the shopping experience.