As environmental concerns become more pressing, an increasing number of organizations are incorporating sustainability and green development into their fundamental values. An increasing number of organizations are opting to develop or use AI-based virtual influencers (VIs) as brand representatives in order to improve green marketing adaptability, minimize brand reputation risks associated with celebrity misconduct, and lower endorsement expenses. This study investigates how anthropomorphism of AI-based VIs influences their credibility, opinion leadership, social attractiveness, physical attractiveness, and subsequently, their green purchase intention (GPI). Data was collected from online shoppers in Hail region, Saudi Arabia, having an Instagram account through online survey, which resulted in 294 valid responses, which were analyzed using SmartPLS. The findings suggest that anthropomorphism positively impacted credibility, opinion leadership, and physical and social attractiveness. Further, credibility and opinion leadership positively impacted green purchase intention. However, physical and social attractiveness do not influence green purchase intention. The mediation effects of credibility and opinion leadership between anthropomorphism and green purchase intention were significant and positive, which suggests that credibility and opinion leadership act as mediators. On the other hand, mediation between anthropomorphism and green purchase intention was not supported through social attractiveness and physical attractiveness as the indirect effect was significant and negative. Moreover, para-social interaction moderates the relationship of credibility and opinion leadership with green purchase intention but does not moderate the relationship of physical and social attractiveness with green purchase intention. This research enhances the comprehension of green marketing through VIs. It also offers a novel approach for organizations to design environmentally responsible purchase solutions that are effective by enhancing the humanization and credibility of VI.