AI-generated models have taken the spotlight in the rapidly evolving social media landscape, particularly on platforms like Instagram.
In 2024, these AI personalities are not just digital phenomena; they’ve become celebrities in their own right, amassing followers in the millions.
Each model, with its unique persona and digital artistry, engages audiences in ways previously unimaginable, blurring the lines between virtual and reality.
Below is a list of the top ten AI models on Instagram this year, whose fame and influence have reached unprecedented levels.
Will they come for the job of 'normal' influencers?
Let's find out!
What is an AI model?
AI models, also known as virtual or digital influencers, are computer-generated personas designed with advanced artificial intelligence and graphics technology.
They possess unique personalities, backstories, and visual styles created to engage and interact with real human audiences on social media platforms.
Unlike human influencers, AI-generated models are not limited by physical constraints, allowing for creative and diverse content that can captivate followers 24/7.
Their rising popularity on platforms like Instagram reflects a growing fascination with the blurring of boundaries between the virtual and the real, as well as the potential for AI-driven content to shape future digital entertainment and marketing trends.
The list of the 10 most famous AI models on Instagram
Ready to see what's currently possible with AI?
Below you will find the best AI model Instagram accounts you can follow today.
And yes, in the end, we will review the benefits and downsides of brands using AI models for their marketing campaigns.
1. Aitana López (@fit_aitana)
Aitana López is a 25-year-old Spanish model from Barcelona created using artificial intelligence by designer Rubén Cruz and his agency, The Clueless.
Designed to avoid issues associated with human influencers, she has gained popularity on Instagram with over 141,000 followers and reportedly earns up to $11,000 monthly. (Source)
Aitana's virtual persona includes pink hair, and describes herself as a gamer, fitness enthusiast, and cosplayer.
Brands now approach Cruz's agency for advertising purposes due to Aitana's influence.
Aitana's creator argues that AI models like hers cater to market demands and enable brands with smaller budgets to afford influencers.
Despite being an AI creation, Aitana has received attention from celebrities who are unaware of her non-human status.
Cruz also revealed that she has received direct messages from celebrities who have asked her out. A large number of her followers are not aware of the fact that she is not a real person. "One day, a well-known Latin American actor texted to ask her out. This actor has about 5 million followers, and some of our team watched his TV series when they were kids. He had no idea Aitana didn't exist," said Cruz.
Source
This innovative approach to digital influence raises questions about societal beauty standards and the ethical implications of artificial influencers. (More about that at the end of the article)
Want to see the IG account from Aitana López? Click here to do so.
Who created Aitana López?
This AI model was created by Rubén Cruz and his agency, The Clueless, based in Spain.
This innovative move by The Clueless marked the creation of Spain's first AI influencer!
Rubén Cruz explained that the motivation behind creating Aitana was to have a more reliable source of income without being dependent on influencers with egos or specific demands, allowing the agency more control over its projects and revenue streams.
2. Miquela Sousa (@lilmiquela)
Miquela Sousa, or Lil Miquela, is a 19-year-old Brazilian American model created by Los Angeles-based startup Brud in 2016.
She has amassed over 3 million followers on Instagram and has collaborated with major brands like Calvin Klein and Prada.
Additionally, she earned recognition as one of Time Magazine's top 25 most influential individuals on the internet.
She's projected to make over $10 million this year!
Want to see the IG account from Miquela Sousa? Click here to do so.
Who created Miquela Sousa?
Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou, the co-founders of Brud, created Miquela.
The project that brud seems to be pursuing — turning celebrity into a virtual commodity; commenting on the unreality of the “real” entertainment industry by literally creating an unreal celebrity — is fascinating.
Source (in 2018)
Brud was acquired by Dapper Labs in 2021. (Source)
3. Milla Sofia (@millasofiafin)
Next up is an AI-generated model that went viral in July 2023 after an article in Futurism.
She's called Milla Sofia, is 24 years old, and is from Helsinki.
Her 'journey' has just started, but she's already collaborating with a Finish online store called Tyyliluuri.fi.
And yes, you will find a lot of comments on her posts from men who want to date her — even though she's AI-generated.
Here's an example:
Want to see the IG account from Milla Sofia? Click here to do so.
Who created Milla Sofia?
It's currently unknown who created Milla Sofia, but at one point, they mentioned on their YouTube channel that they used Stable Diffusion.
Also, one of their older Instagram posts has the #stablediffusion hashtag:
4. Natalia Novak (@the.natalia.novak)
Next up on our list is Natalia Novak.
As you can see on her profile, the results can be strikingly photorealistic, unlike the CGI-rendered virtual influencers of the past.
Of course, there are still some things to tell if a person is AI-generated; the dramatic lighting, the hands, the weird smooth skin, and the backgrounds.
Want to see the IG account from Natalia Novak? Click here to do so.
Who created Natalia Novak?
Futurism talked with the creator of Natalia, a 20-something software systems engineer named Pierre.
I usually just call myself her manager," he told us. "The reason for this is of course that I'm playing a character and people don't want to know so directly who's behind it, even if they could piece it together if they want to. Does that make sense?
5. Maia Lima (@limaiaaa)
Maia Lima is the latest addition to the AI models scene.
She has been created by the same agency (The Clueless) that created Aitana López.
Maia's interests include soccer, makeup, music, photography, and travel, which play a significant role in expressing her creativity and personality.
This AI creation embodies exotic beauty and has been designed to engage with audiences through various platforms.
Want to see the IG account from Maia Lima? Click here to do so.
Who created Maia Lima?
The same people behind the AI model Aitana López; an agency called The Clueless.
6. Sika Moon (@sika.moon)
Sika Moon is an AI copy created by a model named Sika Moon (a real person).
Sika Moon made a digital copy of herself using artificial intelligence, which now earns her $20,000 a month by putting out pictures of her AI virtual clone — exceeding her earnings as a real-life model. (Source)
This approach has allowed Sika Moon to engage with thousands of fans online through platforms like Fanvue, where users can view her content and interact with her for a monthly fee.
The success of this AI creation highlights the evolving landscape of virtual influencers and the potential for AI technology in content creation and online engagement.
Want to see the IG account from Sika Moon? Click here to do so.
Who created Sika Moon?
As I mentioned above, this AI model is a digital copy of Sika Moon.
Sika views her project as a creative outlet that offers opportunities previously unimaginable in the adult entertainment industry.
She created her AI-supported alter ego to embody the idealized version of herself - perfect, forever young, and smart while retaining her personality.
7. Shudu Gram (@shudu.gram)
Shudu Gram is a computer-generated social media personality and model known as the world's first digital supermodel.
Despite her virtual nature, Shudu has gained significant attention and worked with renowned brands like Balmain, Vogue Australia, Fenty Beauty, and Cosmopolitan.
However, her creation by a white man has sparked controversy, with some critics questioning the representation of black models and the use of digital models instead of real individuals. (Source)
Shudu's presence in the modeling industry has raised discussions about diversity, empowerment, and the evolving role of virtual influencers in fashion.
Want to see the IG account from Shuda Gram? Click here to do so.
Who created Shuda Gram?
She was created using a program called Daz 3-D in April 2017 by London fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson.
If you want to learn more, I suggest reading this great interview here!
8. Gina Stewart (@ginastewartofficial)
Gina Stewart, also known as the 'world's hottest grandma,' is a former Playboy bunny who has transformed herself into an AI model.
Sick of the effort required to dress up and put on makeup for photos, Gina Stewart decided to create an AI version of herself.
This AI model, named Gina Stewart, is portrayed as a 28-year-old with blond hair, blue eyes, and a curvy body.
She has even secured a contract with a modeling agency and appeared in a 14-page pictorial in a car magazine.
Want to see the IG account from Gina Stewart? Click here to do so.
Who created Gina Stewart?
Ginga Steward created this copy of herself with the help of a great artist:
I'm looking into AI and working with a great artist on Instagram," he said. "We use 1,000 real photos of me from all angles and without clothes, train deep learning programs through stable diffusion, and clone myself.
The result was amazing. At first, it was just for fun, so I started posting AI versions of myself on social media as a substitute for myself every day for a month.
Source
AI Gina also allows her to create anything for the model agency by pressing the button several times. The novelty is that I can sit on the beach inwastina and create an AI model for the BMW campaign standing next to the car in front of the Eiffel Tower, Gina said.
9. Emily Pellegrini (@emilypellegrini)
Emily Pellegrini is a 21-year-old AI model from Italy who has gained significant attention on Instagram, where she has amassed over 280,000 followers.
Despite her virtual nature, Emily Pellegrini has managed to attract celebrities and millionaires who have interacted with her on the platform, unaware that she is not real. (This was all over the news back in January, 2024)
This AI creation has been approached by famous footballers, MMA fighters, and even billionaires who have expressed interest in dating her.
At the moment, all the images have been removed from the Instagram account, but there's a 'Soon' post, so I'm curious about what will happen next.
Want to see the IG account from Emily Pellegrini? Click here to do so.
Who created Emily Pellegrini?
It's currently unknown who created Emily Pellegrini, but the Daily Mail interviewed the creator (while staying anonymous). Check it out here!
10. Noonoouri (@noonoouri)
Let's end this article with an example that is a bit different than the other AI Instagram accounts mentioned so far; it's Noonoouri!
I wanted to mention this account here because it's the first digital artist to sign with Warner Music.
And yes, this came with some controversy at the end.
Want to see the IG account from Noonoouri? Click here to do so.
Who created Noonoouri?
Noonouri was created in 2018 by graphic designer Joerg Zuber.
He is a graphic designer known for his innovative work in the emerging world of CGI influencers, taking digital communication to unconventional heights.
Joerg Zuber's dedication to maintaining his creative vision for Noonoouri and his belief in the power of dreams have propelled him to success in the realm of AI-modeled Instagram influencers.
What are the benefits for brands to use AI models?
First of all, according to Territory Influence, the virtual influencer market is currently valued at $4.6 billion and is projected to increase by 26% by 2025.
There are several benefits for brands to use AI models over 'normal' influencers, including:
- Cost-effectiveness. AI models are typically much less expensive to use than human influencers.
- Consistent messaging. AI models can be programmed to deliver consistent messaging across all of their social media channels, which can help to reinforce a brand's identity and values.
- High degree of control. Brands can have a high degree of control over the content and messaging of AI influencer campaigns, which can help to ensure that they are aligned with the brand's goals.
- Ability to reach a global audience. AI models can be used to reach a global audience, regardless of their location.
What are the downsides for brands to use AI models?
There are also some challenges associated with using AI models, including:
- Lack of authenticity. Some people may view AI models as being less authentic than human influencers.
- Technical issues. AI models can be susceptible to technical issues, such as glitches or outages.
- Regulation. The use of AI models is still relatively new, and there is no clear regulatory framework governing their use.
And, of course, backlash can still come after utilizing AI for your business.
For example, Levi received a lot of backlash after announcing it would begin using artificial intelligence to generate models of more diverse body types and skin tones to increase the representation of its product models.
And yes, there was also backlash for the Calvin Klein campaign with Bella Hadid and Lil Miquela.
In light of these factors, it's clear that AI models present a double-edged sword for brands. On one side, they offer an innovative and efficient avenue for engaging with audiences, potentially revolutionizing the realm of digital marketing and influencer collaborations.
On the other hand, the challenges of authenticity, technical stability, and regulatory uncertainty necessitate a cautious approach.
Brands thinking of integrating AI models into their marketing strategy must weigh these benefits and drawbacks carefully.
They should also remain attuned to public sentiment and regulatory developments to effectively leverage AI models while mitigating associated risks.
Ultimately, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, so will the role and impact of AI models on Instagram and beyond, heralding a new era of digital influence.
FAQs about AI models on Instagram
Before we close off this article, let’s quickly go over a few key questions people have when researching AI-generated models.
Who knows, maybe this will answer one of the questions you had as well!
What is the future of AI models?
The future of AI models is still uncertain. However, there are a few trends that suggest that AI models will become more popular in the years to come.
For example, as AI technology continues to improve, AI models will become more realistic and lifelike.
And the growing popularity of VR and AR will make it possible for AI models to interact with users in more immersive and engaging ways.
Can AI-generated models become a problem?
Yes, there's a serious downside to the AI-generated models trend; it could damage kids' mental health.
The growth of these perfect AI influencers could negatively impact the mental health of younger users. Exposure to such idealized representations of life and beauty may lead to distorted self-perceptions.
Even parents are worried now about the impact of AI influencers on children's body image and mental health.
And nonprofit organization ParentsTogether advocates for safer internet policies for kids. (Even starting a petition)
Conclusion
That's all!
As you can see, artificial intelligence has come a long way in 2024.
If that wasn't enough for you and you want to dive deeper into the world of AI-generated influencers, then don't forget to check out this with the top AI influencer examples.
And if you want to learn how to spot AI influencers 'in the wild', check out our other article here.
Also, for the best AI art Instagram accounts to follow, check out this list here!
So, what do you think will happen in the upcoming years? Will AI versions replace real humans online?
Let us know in the comments below!
Want to see more examples?
Ready to see more AI-generated examples? Check out our other articles below:
