Artificial intelligence influencers are making significant profits from Coachella, with some expected to earn tens of thousands of pounds from their festival-themed content. These digital creations post photos and videos alongside celebrities and iconic festival landmarks, despite not actually existing or attending the event.
Accounts such as @its_gigi_mae, @grannyspills, and @digitallucas have shared images of themselves with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner, or posing in front of the famous Ferris wheel. Many unsuspecting viewers have been fooled by the realistic images, with comments expressing disbelief that the accounts are not real.
Lewis Davey, founder of AI influencer talent agency Pixel, told the Daily Mail that AI influencers could earn over $40,000 (£29,400) from subscriber revenue and brand endorsements during Coachella. He described piggybacking on major events as a 'smart tactic' that helps AI influencers stay relevant and attract brand collaborations without needing a physical presence.
Notable AI influencers like @lilmiquela, with 2.3 million followers, and @fit_aitana have posted Coachella content, while Aitana Lopez, the first million-dollar AI influencer, shared exclusive behind-the-scenes material on subscription platforms. As AI editing tools improve, these virtual personalities are becoming a staple of social media, capitalising on cultural moments to drive engagement and revenue.
