Once upon a time, the face of a brand was a celebrity, a sports icon, or a social media influencer with millions of followers. But in 2025, that “face” might be generated by a machine — with no heartbeat, no past, and no personal opinion.
Welcome to the era of synthetic media, where the line between real and artificial is not just blurred — it’s being redesigned.
What is Synthetic Media?
Synthetic media refers to content that’s partially or wholly generated by artificial intelligence — including AI-generated images, voices, videos, and virtual influencers. These digital personalities can model clothes, promote products, or host livestreams… all without ever stepping into a studio.
Think this is far-fetched? Think again!
Lil Miquela (a virtual influencer with over 2.5M followers) has worked with Prada and Calvin Klein.
Imma, a digital model from Japan, has been featured in fashion editorials and tech ads.
In China, AI anchors now deliver daily news on TV.
Why Are Brands Using AI Influencers?
The allure is strong:
Complete Control: Brands can script every word, outfit, and gesture.
No Scandals: Virtual ambassadors don’t age, misbehave, or need sleep.
Cost-Effective: No travel, hair & makeup, or PR drama.
24/7 Availability: Want a midnight campaign launch in five languages? No problem.
But There’s a catch!!
Despite the shiny tech, ethical and psychological concerns are rising:
Authenticity Crisis: In an era where consumers crave real stories, will they connect with “people” who never lived?
Transparency Issues: Should brands disclose when an influencer or ad is AI-generated?
Job Displacement: As AI takes over content creation, where do real creatives go?
Manipulation Potential: Hyper-realistic deepfakes could erode trust in media and advertising altogether.
We now face critical questions: What does this mean for marketers? Do we sell better with machines… or matter more with humans?
This isn’t just a tech trend — it’s a philosophical shift in how brands communicate. Some brands are blending both — using AI for efficiency but keeping human voices for empathy. Others are diving deep into the synthetic wave, betting that the future of engagement lies in pixels, not people.
Final thought: Bangladeshi Brands — Be Ready
For marketers in Bangladesh and across South Asia, this trend is coming faster than expected. As AI tools become more accessible, local brands will face pressure to adopt — or get left behind.
But before we jump in, we must ask: How do we balance innovation with integrity?
Because in the end, great marketing isn’t just about attention — it’s about trust.
