Instagram Test AI Chatbots for Influencers to Engage with Followers

Instagram is currently developing an AI-powered tool called "Creator AI," which aims to help influencers with large followings automate their interactions with followers. This new feature, still in its testing phase, will enable influencers to use AI chatbots in their direct messages (DMs) to communicate with fans.

These chatbots could potentially emulate the influencer’s own communication style, creating a more personalized interaction for followers.The New York Times has reported that this Meta-owned platform is introducing the Creator AI program to well-known influencers on Instagram who have significant followings. Sources familiar with the development, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that the initiative is in the preliminary stages of testing.

Initially, the focus will be to integrate AI capabilities within the influencers’ DMs, with potential future expansion to comments on posts.The primary goal of this program is to address a major challenge faced by popular content creators: managing the sheer volume of messages they receive daily. Engaging with such a high volume of messages manually is not only time-consuming but also a missed opportunity for organic engagement if not addressed.

The AI chatbots, trained on various aspects of the influencer’s online presence like posts, captions, comments, audio from Reels, and previous messages, will learn to mimic the influencer’s texting style.Influencers will have the autonomy to select the specific data sets their AI is trained on, ensuring the chatbot aligns closely with their unique voice and style.This isn’t Meta’s first foray into AI chatbots mimicking real-life personalities.

Last year, the company launched AI avatars of celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, YouTuber Mr. Beast, and rapper Snoop Dogg. These AI personas operated their own social media profiles on Instagram and Facebook, allowing users to engage with them as though they were chatting with the celebrities themselves.The success and acceptance of the Creator AI feature will largely depend on public perception. While some may appreciate this innovative way to connect with their favorite influencers, others might be skeptical of the authenticity of such interactions.

-Team Edgerton & Chaires