The rise of social media has transformed influencer marketing, shifting brand strategies from traditional celebrity endorsements to digital content creators. With the advancement of technology, a new category of influencers has emerged—virtual influencers. These computer-generated personas, powered by computer-generated imagery and artificial intelligence (AI), offer brands a unique way to engage audiences while maintaining full creative control. This entry explores the evolution of influencers, leading to the emergence of virtual influencers and their growing role in digital marketing. It defines virtual influencers and categorizes them into humanoid and nonhuman types, highlighting their distinct characteristics and appeal. The discussion evaluates the effectiveness of virtual influencers, examining engagement metrics, cost efficiency, and brand alignment. Furthermore, the entry outlines the two primary methods of virtual influencer creation: those crafted by teams using CGI and those AI-driven, generated through machine learning and AI tools. To provide real-world insights, this entry presents global case studies, analyzing how virtual influencers have successfully integrated into advertising campaigns across industries. Finally, the entry examines the intersection of AI and marketing through virtual influencers, discussing both the growing potential of virtual influencers and the ethical, transparency, and authenticity challenges they present. As AI-driven virtual influencers become more prevalent and sophisticated, brands must navigate issues of consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and digital ethics to harness their full marketing potential. As such, a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of virtual influencer marketing is presented.