Science & Tech · AI · 9 hrs ago
Virtual influencers attract major brands and reshape advertising
Lil Miquela is a computer-created influencer who has built a career in music, modelling and advertising.
The avatar, created by Los Angeles agency Brud, has more than two million Instagram followers and has appeared in campaigns for brands including BMW and Samsung.
According to retail consultancy Retailboss, a single social media post can cost more than $8,000.
Canadian video game developer Dapper Labs bought Brud three years ago, though the purchase price was not disclosed.
Companies in Germany are also using virtual influencers, and a survey found that people there respond well to them.
Their growing role offers business opportunities, while experts are discussing the wider effects of virtual advertising.
Virtual influencers are attracting brand deals worth millions of dollars, according to Handelsblatt.
Lil Miquela, one of the first globally known virtual influencers, has more than two million Instagram followers.
She has worked with brands including BMW, Samsung, Calvin Klein and Prada.
A single social media post by Miquela costs more than $8,000, according to retail consultancy Retailboss.
Companies in Germany are also using virtual influencers, while experts discuss their wider effects.
- Who
- Brands and virtual influencers, including Lil Miquela.
- What
- Companies are using virtual influencers for advertising and brand deals.
- When
- The article was published on November 14, 2026. Miquela appeared on Instagram about a decade earlier.
- Where
- The trend is international, including Germany; Miquela was created by the Los Angeles agency Brud.
- Why
- Companies see major business opportunities in virtual influencers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lil Miquela appeared on Instagram.
Canadian video game developer Dapper Labs acquired the agency Brud.
- Lil Miquela's Instagram following
- More than 2 million
- Miquela post price
- More than $8,000, according to Retailboss
- Brud's location
- Los Angeles
- Brud's buyer
- Dapper Labs
- Article publication date
- November 14, 2026