Digital Human: The Rise of AI-Driven Live Streaming in China

• AI digital persona achieved over 10 million viewers within 30 minutes of live streaming on JD.com.

• Viewer count surpassed 13 million within 40 minutes, setting a record high

• Nearly 20 million tuned in within the first hour, with average viewer duration 5.6 times longer

The integration of artificial intelligence in e-commerce has taken a new turn in China, with significant implications for both technology and consumer interaction.

As exemplified by the recent debut of a digital avatar representing Liu Qiangdong, the founder of JD.com, during a live streaming event, this trend signals a pivotal shift in digital marketing strategies.

The Advent of Digital Hosts

On April 16, 2024, a digital version of Liu Qiangdong hosted a live stream on JD.com, attracting over 20 million viewers within the first hour.

This digital persona, named "Cai Xiao Dongge," showcased various products ranging from household appliances to groceries, significantly boosting sales figures during the event.

The AI-driven host managed to multiply the usual number of orders by 7.6 times compared to the previous week.

• "Cai Xiao Dongge" AI digital persona achieved over 10 million viewers within 30 minutes of live streaming on JD.com.

• Viewer count surpassed 13 million within 40 minutes, setting a record high for JD.com's supermarket live stream since its inception.

• Nearly 20 million tuned in within the first hour, with average viewer duration 5.6 times longer than usual.

• Over 100,000 orders were placed within the first 40 minutes of the live stream.

• During the live stream, the AI host presented 13 products, leading to a 7.6-fold increase in order volume compared to the average Sunday.

• Sales of JD Supermarket's "Billion Yuan Agricultural Aid" products increased by 5.7 times compared to the average of the previous Sunday within the first half-hour of the live broadcast.

Technical Achievements and Consumer Reaction

The technology behind this digital host is built on advanced AI modeling that replicates Liu's voice, appearance, and mannerisms.

Despite its realistic portrayal, some viewers commented on the avatar's lack of emotional depth, highlighting a crucial area for future enhancement. This feedback underscores the challenges in creating digital personas that can truly resonate with human emotions and interactions.