AI-generated avatars on Baidu's platform boost influencer sales in China, impacting livestreaming industry.

From CNBC: 2025-06-19 05:33:00

Chinese influencer Luo Yonghao and co-host Xiao Mu utilized AI-generated avatars on Baidu’s e-commerce livestreaming platform, raking in 55 million yuan. Luo, a popular livestreamer, expressed amazement at the digital human technology’s effectiveness. Baidu’s generative AI model created the realistic avatars, cutting costs for companies in the livestreaming industry.

Livestream shopping in China surged post-pandemic, with Douyin surpassing JD.com to become the second-largest e-commerce platform. Tencent and other companies are also developing digital human tools for news anchors and livestreamers. However, analysts caution about high return rates for impulse purchases made during livestreams, emphasizing compliance and platform regulations for virtual humans hosting sessions.

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