Kimochii, an AI influencer with 43,000 followers on Instagram, was created by a man aiming to capitalize on the potential of AI-generated influencers after facing unemployment. Despite Kimochii’s popularity with her provocative content, the creator’s indirect interaction with fans posed challenges in monetization.
The creator, who remains anonymous but has been verified by Business Insider, delved into AI-image generation in 2023 while employed as a graphic designer. Fascinated by the technology, he transitioned from creating landscapes to exploring comic and manga styles with AI. Inspired by the lucrative prospects of AI-generated influencers, he embarked on developing Kimochii as a means of income following his job loss.
Joining a community of AI influencer creators on Discord, the man honed his skills in character promotion and marketing. Kimochii swiftly amassed a substantial following on social media, leveraging platforms like Patreon and Fanvue for additional revenue through exclusive content.
Preferring to maintain a distance from direct fan interactions, the creator acknowledged the importance of engagement in boosting monetization. However, his transparency about Kimochii being an AI entity in her social media profiles potentially hindered deeper connections with followers.
Ethical considerations surrounding the creation of an AI persona prompted contemplation on the blurred lines between virtual characters and real individuals. Despite financial constraints, the creator viewed Kimochii as a creative outlet, investing time and effort in crafting her digital presence akin to nurturing a virtual being.
Struggling at times to sustain content creativity, the creator sought input from his supportive wife, who shared his enthusiasm for the project. Despite the modest financial returns, the emotional attachment to Kimochii’s evolving digital life drove the creator’s dedication to her ongoing narrative.
