Kenza Leyli, an artificial intelligence-enabled influencer, has been crowned the first Miss AI of the World AI Creator Awards (WAICA). Created by Moroccan company Phoenix AI Marketing Agency, Leyli beat out more than 1,500 other virtual models to win the first-ever virtual beauty pageant.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent AI creators and passionately advocate for the positive impact of artificial intelligence,” Reilly said in a statement. “Being crowned Miss AI has only motivated me further to continue my work towards advancing AI technology. AI is not just a tool, it is a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge conventional wisdom and create opportunities where none existed before.”
Kenza Leyli may not be a real person, but she has over 200,000 followers on Instagram. In addition to sponsored content, Leyli's digital persona promotes women's empowerment and environmental protection. Her content often highlights Moroccan culture and the latest technology, and she offers it in seven languages.
AI Beauty
The Miss AI beauty pageant assessed digital contestants on their aesthetic sense, online influence and technical skills. Judges, including two AI influencers, media founder Andrew Block and beauty pageant historian Sally Ann Fawcett, awarded points for each category.
The Miss AI contest attracted a variety of virtual influencers showcasing their AI-created personas. France-based Larina Varina took second place, and Portugal's Olivia C. took third. WAICA awarded the winners about $20,000 in prize money. In addition to the $5,000 grand prize, the winner, Leili, or Phoenix AI and CEO Meriam Bessa, received PR and other services from Fanvue, which partnered with WAICA to host the contest.
The rise of AI influencers like Kenza Layli is ushering in a major shift in the way digital personas interact with their audiences. Unlike human influencers, AI models can provide customized engagement around the clock and adapt to changing trends.
As AI technology advances, the line between humans and AI influencers will become even more blurred. Rayleigh's victory sets a precedent for future AI influencers, and events like the Miss AI pageant will continue to expand and push the boundaries of what's possible.