Scrolling through Vrutika Patel’s Instagram page feels no different from browsing any other lifestyle influencer’s profile. There are carefully framed photos in ethnic wear, beach snapshots from Diu, tea-time moments and food pictures designed for social media engagement. But behind the polished feed lies a detail many followers may miss at first glance, Vrutika Patel does not exist in real life.
The AI-generated influencer has now become part of a growing conversation around virtual creators, online income and the blurry line between reality and artificial content on social media. The discussion intensified after users online pointed to the money such AI profiles are making through subscriptions and collaborations.
AI influencers are digitally created personalities designed to behave like real creators online. These are digital characters or avatars given a personality by their creators and made to act and look like any normal influencer would. While virtual influencers first appeared years ago, the trend has expanded rapidly with improvements in artificial intelligence tools capable of generating highly realistic images and videos.
Many such accounts now blend seamlessly into Instagram feeds. Their photos often appear professionally shot, heavily polished and visually flawless. In several cases, users only realise later that the person behind the account is computer-generated.
Vrutika Patel currently has more than one lakh followers on Instagram along with Rs 500 paid subscribers. Her account mirrors the style commonly associated with fashion and lifestyle influencers. One image shows her posing in a blue kurta near blooming bougainvillea flowers. Another captures her enjoying tea, while other posts feature beach outings and food pictures. At first glance, nothing about the profile appears unusual. But the account is entirely AI-generated.
The financial side of the AI influencer business has surprised many social media users.
A February 2026 report by Business of Fashion noted that virtual influencers are generating income through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing and paid subscriptions. As per a HT.com report, in Vrutika Patel’s case, subscribers reportedly pay ₹399 every month for access to exclusive content. With around 300 subscribers, the account generated nearly ₹1.19 lakh per month through subscriptions alone.
That figure does not include additional earnings from collaborations or promotions, meaning the creators operating the AI persona could be making even more.
The rapid growth of AI-generated creators reflects how social media itself is changing. For audiences, the appeal often lies in visually perfect content and constant engagement. For creators and businesses, virtual influencers offer complete control over branding, appearance and online activity.
As AI tools become more advanced, spotting the difference between real and artificial personalities may become even harder for everyday users online.
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