Virtual idols bring new life to entertainment industry

Virtual edition of Produce 101

Aside from the most recognizable icons, more and more virtual characters are being developed to meet the diverse tastes of online users. It has become a factory of potential idols, a virtual edition of the reality talent competition franchise Produce 101, where finalists are all chosen by the audience instead of a professional judge panel.

Japanese virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, who debuted in 2016, has evolved from a goofy teenager persona and now entertains over one million followers. More humanoid personas have also been launched, such as Kagamine Rin and Megurine Luka, after the sweeping success of Hatsune Miku.