AI Influencer Mia Zelu Takes Over Wimbledon
The AI Influencer Who 'Attended' Wimbledon
The world of social media influencing has a new, and not entirely real, star. An Instagram influencer known as Mia Zelu has captured widespread attention with a series of photos apparently taken at Wimbledon. The twist? Mia Zelu doesn't exist in the physical world; she is a completely AI-generated personality.
With her perfect blonde hair, flawless complexion, and stylish outfits, Zelu's posts depict her enjoying the famous London tennis tournament. However, a closer look at her profile reveals the truth. Her Instagram bio openly states she is a "digital creator & influencer AI," making it clear to her over 160,000 followers that her glamorous life is a simulation.
A Glimpse into Mia Zelu's Digital Life
One of Zelu's recent posts from the event shows her in a chic, mint green suit, with perfectly styled hair. The images are detailed enough to include other people in the background and even a place card with her name on it. The accompanying caption offers a dose of inspiration: “They’ll only notice once it works. But you’ll remember every moment it didn’t — and you kept going anyway. To everyone out there building in silence, doubting in private, hoping in secret — don’t stop.”
This isn't her first foray into the digital world. Zelu's Instagram debut was in March, but she was first introduced a day earlier on the account of her AI "sister," Ana Zelu, who has been active since January 2024. This curated backstory adds another layer to the growing sophistication of virtual personalities.
The Rise of Virtual Influencers
Mia Zelu is part of a significant and growing trend of AI-generated influencers, also known as virtual influencers. This phenomenon dates back to 2016 with characters like Lil Miquela, who is considered a pioneer in the space and now boasts over 2.4 million followers on Instagram.
Another prominent example is Aitana Lopez, a 25-year-old virtual model created in 2023 by a Spanish company. With nearly 400,000 followers, Lopez represents the commercial potential of these digital creations.
Why Brands Are Turning to AI Personalities
The motivation behind creating virtual influencers is both creative and commercial. According to a 2024 Euronews report, a virtual influencer like Aitana Lopez can earn up to €10,000 a month.
Her designer, Rubén Cruz, explained that the decision to create her was a strategic one. They wanted to build a business that wasn't “dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias, or who just want to make a lot of money by posing.” He noted that many projects with human influencers were often delayed or canceled due to issues beyond the design team's control, a problem that is completely eliminated when working with a digital personality.
