A Turning Point for Digital Marketing

Just this month, China gave us a glimpse of what the future of digital engagement looks like—and it's powered by AI. In a groundbreaking livestream, Luo Yonghao, one of China's earliest and most popular livestreamers, and his co-host Xiao Mu both used digital versions of themselves to interact with viewers in real time for well over six hours on Sunday on Baidu's e-commerce livestreaming platform Youxuan. They used hyper-realistic AI avatars trained on five years of their own content.

The results? Over 13 million viewers tuned in, and in just seven hours, the AI-driven hosts generated ¥55 million (≈ $7.65 million) in sales, far surpassing their previous human-hosted sessions. Many viewers couldn't even tell they weren't watching real people.

This wasn't some novelty experiment. It was a crystal-clear signal that AI is moving from a behind-the-scenes tool to a front-line performer.

How AI Is Already Reshaping Engagement

This Chinese livestream is just one chapter in a much bigger story. Across the globe, AI is powering experiences that are more personalized, scalable, and interactive than ever.

Virtual influencers (like Japan's Kizuna AI and countless TikTok CGI stars) are captivating millions, blurring the line between entertainment and marketing.
AI-powered chat assistants handle customer support, bookings, and even complex troubleshooting, available 24/7 without burnout or inconsistencies.
Content generation tools rapidly produce blogs, social posts, and visuals, helping brands stay ahead in the constant demand for fresh material.
Personalization engines dynamically adjust marketing campaigns based on user behavior, boosting conversions by treating each customer like a unique audience.

In every case, the real edge isn't about replacing human creativity — it's about supercharging it.

Why Brands Should Pay Attention Now

This isn't just about chasing hype. The latest AI use cases prove tangible benefits:

✅ Always-On Engagement: AI avatars never need a break, meaning brands can livestream, host webinars, or run promotional shows around the clock.
✅ Consistency & Precision: Because these systems learn from massive datasets, such as past videos, brand tone, and personality, they replicate human hosts flawlessly, reducing costly mistakes.
✅ Cost Efficiency at Scale: No extra cameras, lighting crews, or last-minute human scheduling conflicts. A well-trained AI avatar can do dozens of sessions a week, anywhere, in any language.
✅ Ultra-Personalization: Smart AI can instantly tailor product demos, greetings, or answers to fit individual viewer profiles, making each interaction feel personal.

So… Is AI Coming for Your Job?

Not quite. The smartest brands understand that this isn't about replacing human talent but expanding what's possible. Humans still drive strategy, emotion, and creativity; meanwhile, AI simply executes it at a scale we couldn't imagine before.

Think of it like a digital stage crew that can also step into the spotlight when needed, keeping the brand voice alive and audiences engaged.

Getting Started: How to Bring AI Into Your Brand Story

Start with Hybrid Campaigns: Mix human hosts with AI co-hosts or segments. Let an avatar introduce segments or answer FAQs before bringing in live talent for deeper dives.
Invest in Quality Training Data: The success of an AI avatar depends on how well it's trained. Archive past content, scripts, and style guides—these are the raw ingredients for a high-impact digital twin.
Be Transparent: Customers appreciate honesty. Let them know when they're interacting with AI, as it builds trust and sets your brand apart as ethical and forward-thinking.
Measure & Iterate: AI is a tool like any other. Monitor engagement, sales lift, and customer feedback, then refine the approach.

Final Thought

The viral success of Luo and Xiao Mu's AI livestream is more than a headline—it's proof that AI isn't just the future of marketing; it's the now. From influencer campaigns to customer support to hyper-targeted ads, AI is helping brands create experiences that are consistent, personalized, and astonishingly scalable.

Inspired by "AI humans in China just proved they are better influencers" CNBC, June 19, 2025.