How AI-Generated Influencers Are Earning Millions

Virtual YouTubers like Bloo promised a new era of entertainment, combining human creativity with AI scalability. But their rapid rise is raising concerns about authenticity and audience trust. Tools like Character-3 make creating these virtual stars faster than ever, blurring the line between real and synthetic. CNBC explores what this means for the future of creators and the business behind them.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Chapter 1: The creator who replaced himself
3:24 Chapter 2: Inside the AI content pipeline
6:27 Chapter 3: The debate over AI-generated content

Reporting by: Zach Vallese
Produced by: Lisa Setyon
Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt
Production Support: Magdalena Petrova
Animation by: Emily Park
Additional Footage: Hedra, Bloo, HeyGen

» Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC
» Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision
» Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus

About CNBC: From ‘Wall Street’ to ‘Main Street’ to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Do you want to buy a home but don’t know where to begin? Take CNBC’s new online course How to Buy Your First Home. Register today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through July 15, 2025: https://cnb.cx/3STNNhr

Connect with CNBC News Online
Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/
Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC
Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC
Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC
Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads
Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC
Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC

#CNBC

How AI-Generated Influencers Are Earning Millions

source