Virtual influencers are sometimes used instead of human influencers as a means to reach new audiences and showcase new levels of innovation that companies have to offer. The rise of AI and the growth of the creator economy have sparked a resurgence in marketers' interest in these digital personas. The arguments for virtual influencers include low production costs, schedule flexibility, and control over content. Those against cite the high costs for the tech, lack of authenticity or emotion, and potential rate declines for human influencers.