TikTok Is Creating AI Avatars of Real People
The app is generating AI avatars of creators for its branded content.
TikTok has introduced AI avatars of creators as a tool for making branded content in multiple languages. Billed as a way for creators to expand their global reach, the avatars are paired with an “AI Dubbing” that translates the ads into different languages.
With “Custom Avatars,” creators can create an AI version of themselves to create branded content. By replicating their likeness, creators can then share multilingual ads, so it’ll essentially look like they’re speaking a given language in tandem with the AI dubbing.
Hiring actors and content creators for ads may also be a thing of the past with TikTok’s “Stock Avatars.” While Custom Avatars are made by creators themselves, Stock Avatars allow actors to license their image for commercial use. Brands can then use these avatars to enhance ads on an ongoing basis rather than paying actors each time they need fresh content.
AI has been a point of contention in almost every industry, especially entertainment and music. SAG-AFTRA went on strike in the second half of 2023, partially due to concerns about smaller acting roles being replaced by AI entirely.
The new features arrive as part of TikTok’s “Symphony,” a growing suite of generative AI tools. The app has also formed an advisory board made up of creators to inform AI development and strategy.
