TikTok Ads Now Allow AI-Generated Avatars Of Real Actors

Posted: June 19, 2024

TikTok is set to unveil a groundbreaking feature that aims to redefine digital advertising through the introduction of AI-generated avatars in advertisements. Known as Symphony Avatars, this new tool allows brands to leverage stock avatars based on licensed likenesses of paid actors, or create custom avatars resembling TikTok creators or brand ambassadors. These avatars are equipped with multilingual capabilities, enabling them to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Announced via a blog post on June 17, TikTok showcased the versatility of Symphony Avatars in enhancing content creation efficiency and audience engagement. By harnessing AI, brands and creators can rapidly produce compelling advertisements that resonate across global markets, leveraging the avatars’ ability to adapt and speak multiple languages.

Despite its innovative potential, the introduction of AI-generated avatars has sparked concerns within the creator community. Micro-influencer Kristen Bousquet voiced apprehensions about potential impacts on her career, highlighting fears about the widespread adoption of AI avatars and its implications for the creator industry.

Beyond individual concerns, broader sectors of the creative industry, including Hollywood and journalism, have expressed apprehensions regarding the transformative effects of generative AI. Many industry professionals fear that AI advancements could potentially displace human creativity and redefine traditional roles within creative fields.

Addressing these concerns, TikTok emphasized in its blog post that Symphony Avatars are designed to complement and amplify human creativity rather than replace it entirely. The platform aims to alleviate the more labor-intensive aspects of content creation, allowing creators and brands to concentrate on strategic and empathetic dimensions of their advertising campaigns.

To promote responsible AI usage in marketing, TikTok has established an industry advisory board dedicated to overseeing its AI initiatives. Comprising content creators and representatives from major brands like American Eagle and the NBA, this board serves as a platform for discussing ethical practices and effective utilization of AI in creative marketing endeavors.

TikTok’s venture into AI-generated avatars reflects a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies like Meta have also explored similar technologies through AI chatbots featuring celebrity likenesses. As tech giants continue to innovate, integrating generative AI features across various platforms, the landscape of digital advertising and content creation is poised for significant evolution.

In conclusion, while TikTok’s Symphony Avatars represent a leap forward in digital advertising innovation, their implementation underscores ongoing debates about the intersection of AI and human creativity. As the industry navigates these advancements, balancing innovation with ethical considerations will be crucial in shaping the future of digital marketing and creative expression.