Indians lead the world in embracing AI influencers, YouGov finds

New Delhi: A new 17-market study by research firm YouGov reveals that while the world views the coming decade of artificial intelligence with more wariness than enthusiasm, Indian consumers are the notable exception, especially when it comes to AI-generated influencers. 

Globally, the top emotion respondents chose to describe AI’s advance was “cautious” (22%), whereas only 16% felt “optimistic” and a mere 7% said they were “excited.”

In India, however, optimism (27%) and outright excitement (30%) far outstrip global averages, positioning the country alongside Indonesia and the UAE as the most upbeat about AI’s future.

A separate YouGov deep-dive into urban India this April echoes the upbeat sentiment, noting that three in ten city dwellers are “excited” about AI’s growing presence in media and marketing.

When asked whether they would engage with AI-generated influencers—computer-crafted personalities such as Instagram’s Lil Miquela or India’s own Kyra—Indians led every market surveyed. 

55% said they are likely to interact with such content, more than double the global average of 23%. By contrast, only 11% of respondents in Great Britain, Denmark and the United States expressed similar interest.

Despite India’s enthusiasm, YouGov’s global numbers show lingering unease. France, the US and Great Britain post the highest “concerned” scores (25–27 %), while Indonesians and Polish respondents top the “cautious” ranks at roughly one-third each. 

Even in India, one in eight respondents still voices caution, underscoring a consumer landscape where brands must balance novelty with transparency.

With more than half of Indian consumers ready to follow AI influencers, agencies see a clear green light for virtual brand ambassadors. Yet experts warn that disclosure and authenticity standards will matter more than ever as synthetic personalities crowd social feeds.