🧬 4 Brand Mascots Turned Virtual Influencers
Plus meet the NFTs becoming social media stars + learn more about Miquela's new NFT release
Good afternoon!
Welcome back to The Splice 🧬 by VirtualHumans.org: a weekly newsletter curating the latest news, developments, and insights in the virtual influencer space.
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This week we’re looking at how any character has the potential to become a virtual influencer. From brand mascots to NFTs, any digital being with a social media profile can build a fandom online.
🧬 Core Strands from This Week
4 Brand Mascots Turned Virtual Influencers
🔎 The Synopsis: What do KFC, Mattel, and GEICO all have in common? They took their classic brand mascots and transformed them into virtual influencers who bring new life to the brand’s online presence.
🧬 The Splice: In the past, brand mascots helped companies stand out on store shelves. Now, they stand out on social media, where many consumers spend most of their time.
NFTs Are Now Becoming Social Media Stars
🔎 The Synopsis: What do you do with an NFT after buying it? One innovative option is taking the NFT and launching them as a social-first character similar to virtual influencers.
🧬 The Splice: SpottieWifi (pictured above in the middle) started as another nameless CryptoPunk until musician Mig Mora purchased the NFT and gave him a name, story, and social media profile. Now, he’s building a successful music career and sold over 2,000 albums as NFTs in under 60 seconds.
🌟 Brand Campaign Spotlight
Miquela Curates NFTs for ComplexLand 3.0
🧬 The Splice: Everyone’s favorite LA robot is back and more committed to web3 than ever before. Miquela was selected as the NFT curator for this year’s ComplexLand 3.0— a virtual event where users can shop for IRL and digital streetwear. Those who entered ComplexLand 3.0 and tracked down Miquela’s avatar were awarded the password to be on the allowlist for Miquela’s upcoming NFT release.
🔭 What We’re Looking at This Week
Gucci opens persistent digital space on Roblox
🔑 Key Quote: "With Gucci Town, the luxury brand is looking to carve out a permanent space in Roblox that will evolve over time, demonstrating its commitment to the concept of a metaverse. By creating virtual galleries, cafes and other spaces, Gucci is experimenting with the different forms that retail experiences could take on in the metaverse, a convergence of real-world and digital experiences.” — Marketing Dive
This Virtual Human is the first of its kind
🔑 Key Quote: “The 22-year-old ZIYA is not the same as other Virtual Humans that you are familiar with, although she can still be like other virtual idols like Aoi Prism, Imma, Lil Miquela. She can come across as the girl next door…At the same time, she is also a warrior, a hunter from the Modern Gals.” — Digital Journal
Virtual artist Han YuA to release music video for 'I Like That' Wednesday
🔑 Key Quote: “YuA made headlines by signing a management contract with YG KPlus in February, becoming the first virtual artist to be represented by the agency. She was first showcased to the public in 2019 as one of the main female characters in the VR game ‘Focus on You.’” — Korea Joongang Daily
Best,
VirtualHumans.org
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Insights by Makena Rasmussen, Christopher Travers, and Astrid Hiort.