Vodafone’s TikTok ad suggests AI can do the job of influencers

New Delhi: Vodafone’s German subsidiary has used an AI-generated influencer to front a promotion on its TikTok account, marking the company’s latest experiment with artificial intelligence in advertising, as per the report.

In the video, a young brunette woman describes Vodafone’s connectivity speeds and a €120 cashback offer. However, the character does not exist in reality. Responding to a user who noticed inconsistencies in the rendering, such as moles on her chin that disappeared and reappeared, the company acknowledged the use of AI.

“…we’re trying out different styles, as AI is now such a big part of everyday life, people are experimenting with it in advertising too,” Vodafone said in German.

The company has previously explored AI-driven creative work. In December 2024, it released The Rhythm of Life, an advert described as “100% AI-produced without a single real pixel,” according to Amr El Badry, Vodafone’s global senior brand identity and communications manager. That film included a sequence beginning with a birth and moving through scenes of childhood gaming, skydiving, and a wedding, all intertwined with Vodafone branding, as per the report.

Vodafone’s latest effort comes at a time when AI influencers are becoming increasingly common. One such figure, Lil Miquela, has 2.4 million followers and charges $73,920 per post, according to The New York Times. Lil Miquela has been photographed with former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, attended the VMAs, and posted about the spread of deepfakes featuring her image. The character is run by a team at technology company Dapper Labs.