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Yating Yang

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have revolutionised the online landscape for content creators.
Developments in AI have led to the creation of virtual influencers with unique personas that are visually indistinguishable from real people.
Such influencers have not only amassed huge followings and even attracted billionaire suitors, but they have also generated significant profits through online traffic.
The Post turns the spotlight on four popular AI celebrities in China and overseas.
Emily Pellegrini

One of the world’s best-known virtual influencers, Emily Pellegrini boasts 254,000 followers on Instagram and claims to be a 23-year-old based in Los Angeles.
Her Instagram posts highlight her stunning appearance and dynamic lifestyle while featuring travel around the world, garnering her a massive following.
Some people even describe her as “the perfect woman in every man’s eyes”.
Soon after Pellegrini was introduced online, many people mistook her for a real person and tried to date her, among them football stars, tennis players and billionaires.
Liu Yexi

Liu Yexi, who describes herself as a beauty blogger and “monster hunter”, was considered one of the internet’s most “phenomenal” virtual influencers in 2021, amassing more than 7.7 million followers on Douyin.
Her debut video, in which she applied make-up to a young boy, quickly went viral and attracted 1 million followers overnight.
Not only is Liu almost indistinguishable from a real person, with very advanced and detailed facial features, the persona also incorporates elements like the metaverse.
Liu’s videos also use top-end cinematography prompting many to express amazement at the quality of her videos.
Chocolate, Little Lemon

Based in Shandong province in eastern China, Chocolate, Little Lemon boasts more than 10 million followers.
Packaged as a beautiful woman, this Douyin influencer primarily targets middle-aged men by creating content that appeals to their emotional needs and well-being.
“If a husband always yields to his wife, the family will fall apart sooner or later. But if the wife yields to the husband, the family will grow happier and more prosperous,” she said in one of her videos.
Also, in a video that received 32,000 likes, she said: “No one is more important than your husband. He is the only one who will accompany you through old age, so treating him well is more important than anything.”
The comment sections of her videos are populated with admiring men who agree with her statements and she profits from virtual gifts received during live-streams.
Liu Yan

Liu Yan is a very popular AI beauty influencer from Guangdong province in southern China with 46,000 followers.
She is presented as a 36-year-old with children and expounds on subjects such as health, skincare, and anti-ageing strategies while promoting products that generate income.
In a post titled “The Ultimate Secret to a Youthful Look is Health and Eating Less”, Liu recommends apple astragalus water, black bean yam water, and vegetable juice, while promoting iron supplements.


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The Post runs the rule over four AI celebrities who are taking the online world by storm. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin/Xiaohongshu/IG@emilypellegrini

Artificially-created personality Emily Pellegrini uses good looks to attract followers. Photo: IG/@emilypellegrini

The quality of AI-generated Liu Yexi’s online output has amazed many people. Photo: Douyin

Chocolate, Little Lemon appeals to middle-aged men by promoting health and well-being. Photo: Douyin

Liu Yan is packaged as a mother and anti-ageing specialist in order to sell products. Photo: Xiaohongshu

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Artificial intelligence has created intriguing digital influencers who have become objects of affection for many men seeking romance


Artificial intelligence has created intriguing digital influencers who have become objects of affection for many men seeking romance.


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.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Artificial intelligence has created intriguing digital influencers who have become objects of affection for many men seeking romance

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Emily Pellegrini

Artificial intelligence has created intriguing digital influencers who have become objects of affection for many men seeking romance

Emily Pellegrini