TikTok will allow AI avatars to advertise products and services on the platform - media outlet

Popular video platform TikTok is exploring the possibility of adding a feature to its platform that would allow virtual avatars controlled by artificial intelligence to be used for sponsored ads.

Here's What We Know

According to The Information's sources, TikTok is developing the technology as a potential alternative to ad placement by content creators. AI avatars will be able to read ad scripts at the behest of advertisers or TikTok Shop merchants.

While the feature is yet to launch and may undergo changes, TikTok employees have already been testing AI avatars. However, sources said they are not yet ready for full deployment as they generate fewer e-commerce sales than human "Influencers".

Nevertheless, TikTok believes AI characters could complement the ecosystem of content creators on the platform. It's unclear how the platform plans to allocate advertising revenue between virtual and human "celebrities."

Some creators have already expressed concern that AI creators could take away their contracts with brands, which are an important source of revenue. TikTok will have to think carefully about how to implement this feature so as not to provoke discontent from its creator community.

TikTok has previously experimented with AI technology, introducing features like a song generator based on Bloom's language model. The platform has also faced user demands to disclose the use of AI filters and effects.

Source: The Information