Title: The Rise of AI Influencers: How They’re Monetizing and Building Audiences
The world of social media influencers has taken a new turn with the emergence of AI-generated influencers. These digital personas, created using artificial intelligence technology, have been gaining significant traction on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. With names such as Aika, Alexis Ivyedge, and Sika Moon, these AI influencers have amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, proving their growing popularity.
What sets these AI influencers apart is their tight-knit online community. One such community, known as Generative Dreamers, was founded by the creator of AI model Aurora Shogun on Discord. This community boasts over 100 popular AI content creators who come together to share resources, refine their artistic skills, and exchange marketing tips to expand their reach and improve monetization.
We spoke with eight creators who run AI influencer accounts, and they shed light on the benefits of being part of the Discord community. While some creators are driven by artistic ambitions, others view it as a means to make money. Discord provides a safe space for creators to discuss various topics, from sharing pictures and talking about manga, anime, or gaming to simply connecting on a personal level.
Collaboration is key for these creators, and Discord offers an active channel dedicated to collaborations. Creators can share pre-made group pictures of their AI-generated characters, and other creators have the opportunity to participate by substituting the physical features of the characters with their own. These collaborative posts are then shared on Instagram, allowing creators to grow their audiences more efficiently.
While collaborations on Discord are typically free, paid boosting opportunities are gaining momentum. In certain group chats, smaller creators can pay for support from more popular influencers to help grow their follower count. The process is organic, relying on cross-posting and promotion to existing followers, rather than fake followers or artificial schemes.
Despite the hype surrounding AI influencers earning thousands of dollars through brand partnerships and fan subscriptions, the reality for most creators is different. Monetization within the AI content space is still a work in progress, with creators exploring various avenues. To maximize their earning potential, many creators on Discord resort to creating and sharing images of attractive young women in revealing clothing. They may also offer not-safe-for-work content on platforms like Fanvue or Patreon, following the successful business model of OnlyFans (which currently prohibits AI-generated models).
However, success within this adult content niche is far from guaranteed. According to Kim Ochii’s creator, making a few hundred bucks a month is already considered a decent achievement. Nevertheless, these creators find immense value in the supportive community that has developed through Discord. The sense of camaraderie and mutual assistance fuels their passion for AI content, driving them to continue their creative journey.
Looking ahead, AI creators are determined to persevere and hope to move away from adult content. They believe that 2023 marked a turning point in public awareness of AI technology, and they anticipate that 2024 will be the year when AI content gains wider recognition. Their ambitions extend beyond adult content, as they aspire to collaborate with retail and fashion brands, signaling a potential shift in their monetization strategies.
In conclusion, AI influencers are revolutionizing the world of social media, leveraging Discord communities for support, collaboration, and growth. While financial success is currently a challenge, these creators are motivated by their shared passion for AI and driven by the strong bonds formed within their community. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more diverse content from these influencers, as they strive to establish themselves in mainstream recognition.
Note: This article is based on interviews with AI influencer creators and does not serve as an endorsement of any specific platform or content discussed.
