Beyond Avatars: How AI is Reshaping Online Identity

In a recent episode, we delved into the first wave of technology that was used to create digital influencers like 'Lil Miquela back in 2016.

Fast forward to today, we're presented with a whole new set of tools that enable almost anyone to build their own digital influencer.

In this episode, Sinead Bovell and Danny Postma discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the world of modeling, online creation, and self-representation.

From the rise of AI-generated photos to the democratization of creativity, they discuss the potential of AI in shaping the future of digital expression.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:08 - The key insight
• 08:00 - The photo studio of the future
• 09:44 - Programs and models behind deep fakes
• 10:58 - How the technology is used today
• 12:36 - How real is today’s content?
• 15:29 - The cost of a virtual model
• 17:13 - Industry benefits
• 19:28 - Market appetite
• 23:25 - Evolving tech
• 25:15 - Unlocking a new wave of creativity
• 28:38 - Future predictions
• 30:23 - Keeping up with tech
• 32:02 - Finding a moat
• 34:09 - Stacked AI models
• 35:25 - Running your own GPUs and models
• 37:33 - Product ideas

Resources:

Find Danny Postma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannypostmaa

Headshot Pro, ProfilePicture.Ai plus all of Danny’s projects at: https://www.postcrafts.com/

Find Sinéad Bovell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sineadbovell/?hl=en

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z

Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on X

Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.