Are Influencers Losing Their Edge?

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💡 Are AI Avatars Replacing Influencers?

Influencer marketing used to be the golden ticket for brands chasing young, skeptical audiences. But the glow is fading. People are skipping #ads, rolling their eyes at sponsored plugs, and questioning the authenticity behind every “this-changed-my-life” endorsement.

Trust erosion isn’t random. Backlash against brands like BetterHelp and scandals like Honey’s affiliate code drama have made audiences even more wary. So what’s filling the gap?

1️⃣ Meet the AI Replacements: In China, Baidu’s AI-generated livestream avatars recently outsold real influencers, bringing in $7.65M in just seven hours. These avatars mimic human hosts in voice, humor, and delivery with flawless consistency and no bathroom breaks.

2️⃣ Scalable, Cheap, and Always On: AI hosts can speak multiple languages, don’t charge appearance fees, and scale at the click of a button. For global brands, that’s a tempting formula.

3️⃣ But Performance Has Limits: AI may sell fast, but impulse purchases come back just as fast. Return rates for AI-led livestreams are spiking. Plus, regulators are eyeing stricter rules for digital presenters.

4️⃣ Consumers Crave Real" Hyper-polished AI might miss the very thing that made influencers powerful: relatability. If AI can’t recreate lo-fi charm and authenticity, audiences may turn away, just like they did with overly scripted humans.

5️⃣ So What’s Next?: This isn’t the end of influencer marketing. It’s a pivot. The next wave may blend AI efficiency with raw human creativity. Or it may birth a new format entirely.

The Takeaway

AI is gaining ground, but trust still sells. Brands must balance performance with authenticity or risk losing both reach and relevance. For now, the smartest play may be to test and learn. Watch closely. The future of influence is writing itself in real time.

💡 How to Create ChatGPT Images Using WhatsApp

Want to turn your ideas into AI-generated images directly from your phone? You can now use WhatsApp to chat with ChatGPT and receive stunning visuals without opening a browser or app. It’s quick, seamless, and available through a few simple steps.

Here’s how to get started and prompt your first image:

1️⃣ Start a Conversation: Open WhatsApp on your mobile device. In the chat window, send a message that says “Link my WhatsApp with ChatGPT” to the number 1-800-ChatGPT.

2️⃣ Activate the Connection: You’ll receive a special link in response. Tap the link to authorize and connect your WhatsApp to your ChatGPT account. Once verified, the chatbot will be available directly in your WhatsApp thread.

3️⃣ Send Your First Prompt: Now you’re ready to create. Just type your image request as a regular message. For example, you could ask: “Can you create a fluffy white cat made of rice with a strip of seaweed around its belly?”

4️⃣ Watch the Magic Happen: Within a few seconds, you’ll receive a generated image that matches your request. No need to download extra tools or switch platforms. Everything happens inside your chat.

5️⃣ Refine and Repeat: Want to tweak the result? Send another message with added details or a new idea. ChatGPT can keep generating until it matches your creative vision.

The Takeaway

Using WhatsApp to generate AI images with ChatGPT is a simple, fast way to bring your imagination to life. All you need is a message and an idea. From quirky food art to surreal landscapes, you can now create on the go.

As we prepare more "Growthful" content, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's edition! Feel free to share this with someone who would appreciate it. 🥰