In recent months, short video platforms have been buzzing with a “terrifying” new trend: rooms filled with dozens of computers, each hosting a live broadcast. But there’s a twist—these broadcasts aren’t hosted by real people. Instead, the screens show lifelike AI digital human anchors, so realistic that it’s hard to distinguish them from actual human beings.
Since the emergence of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence has once again captured public attention, sparking debates and accelerating the adoption of AI across various industries. In Jinan, some companies have already begun replacing real human anchors with AI digital human counterparts in their live broadcasts.
The Shift to Virtual Anchors
“AI digital human anchors” are rapidly being integrated into the live broadcast industry. Chen Lei, the general manager of Mai Mang New Media, who has been a veteran in the self-media field for over a decade, was quick to recognize this new trend. While digital humans aren’t a novel concept—virtual idols like Luo Tianyi and Liu Yexi have been popular for some time—the current wave of digital human anchors marks a significant evolution.
These “2D hyper-realistic digital humans” closely resemble ordinary people. Without careful scrutiny, it’s easy to mistake them for real individuals. AI technology not only generates entirely virtual digital humans but also has the capability to “clone” real people, though the latter raises concerns about potential infringement of portrait rights.
Recently, Chen Lei introduced “AI digital human anchors” into his live broadcast room. As the summer season approached, water parks became a hot topic, and the company used AI anchors to automatically explain group purchase links in their broadcasts. Although the technology is still in its early stages and offers limited functionality—essentially serving as a “mouth replacement” for real human anchors—many companies are adopting multiple digital human anchors simultaneously to enhance the effectiveness of their broadcasts.
The Cost-Effective Appeal of AI Anchors
One of the main reasons companies are turning to “AI digital human anchors” is cost. In Jinan, the monthly salary for a human anchor can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of yuan, often with additional commission fees. Recruiting experienced anchors is also challenging, making labor costs a significant burden for businesses.
In contrast, AI digital human anchors offer a much more affordable alternative. A search reveals that the annual service price for digital human anchor businesses ranges from a few thousand yuan to tens of thousands of yuan, with some services priced as low as a few hundred yuan. These AI anchors can work 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, without requiring salaries, benefits, or commissions.
However, Chen Lei acknowledges that while AI digital human anchors can solve manpower issues, they place higher demands on operational management. Without active engagement in the comment section, it’s challenging to achieve conversions solely through digital human anchors. He emphasizes that AI anchors are not a perfect solution and should be viewed rationally—they can replace some entry-level anchors but cannot entirely replace human hosts.
Digital Humans: A New Business Frontier
The rapid rise of AI digital human anchors has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the Douyin platform released the “Platform Specification and Industry Initiative on AI-generated Content,” addressing public concerns about virtual human live broadcasts and AI-assisted content creation. The platform’s guidelines are seen as a sign that more platforms will follow suit, potentially leading to even greater adoption of AI digital human anchors.
Major tech companies are also entering the digital human space. In February, Tencent launched “Tencent Smart Shadow,” an AI intelligent creation assistant designed to create a digital human for everyone. Baidu has also committed to the “Baidu APP Digital Human Plan,” aiming for “one digital human per capita.” Additionally, commerce departments in cities like Nanjing are rolling out digital human-related entrepreneurship programs to help businesses thrive online.
Chen Lei recently shared a promotion for digital human anchor services in his social circles. For just 2,980 yuan, businesses can access 60 minutes of live broadcast time, 20 shared digital human anchors for one year, and receive online learning courses and technical support.
While many industry trends come and go, the future for “AI digital human anchors” looks promising. Chen Lei boldly predicts that digital humans may soon become a standard feature for companies, revolutionizing the live broadcast industry and opening up new business opportunities.