Brands have cooled on using fully AI influencers, with deals down about 30% compared to 2024, according to Collabstr data.
Why? AI avatars struggle to replicate the authenticity of real creators. Engagements are weakened. Developing trust has been more difficult. Nonetheless, AI is not disappearing. It is being rebranded as a support tool rather than the main act.
What this means for creators
You have got something AI influencers can’t match: your story, personality, and lived experience. Lean into that.
There may be fewer “AI influencer” gigs, but more demand for hybrid setups with human creators and AI assistants.
Use this moment. Teach your audience the difference between machine output and the human heart. That becomes brand equity.
Also read: MrBeast warns of “scary times” ahead for creators
What this means for entrepreneurs
Don’t design your product with the assumption that brands will prefer AI stand-ins. Concentrate on improving what real people are already doing.
Tools that help creators use AI as leverage (not replace themselves) are likely to win trust.
If you build for marketing/influencer platforms, offer transparency modules, explainability, and authenticity metrics (you know, the stuff brands are now demanding).
