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