AI-powered influencer Kenza Layli has been crowned the first Miss AI by the World AI Creator Awards (WAICA). Layli, founded by Moroccan company Phoenix AI marketing agency, beat out over 1,500 other virtual models in the first virtual beauty pageant.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to represent AI creators and passionately advocate for the positive impact of artificial intelligence,” said Layli ‘said’ in a statement. “Winning Miss AI motivates me even more to continue my work in advancing AI technology. AI is not just a tool, it is a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge norms and create opportunities where none existed before.”
Kenza Layli may not be real, but she has over 200,000 Instagram followers. Along with sponsored content, Layli’s digital persona promotes women’s empowerment and environmental conservation. Her content is often pitched to highlight Moroccan culture and modern technology, with content available in seven languages.
AI beauty
The Miss AI beauty pageant judged digital contestants on aesthetics, online influence and technical prowess. The judges, including two AI influencers, media founder Andrew Bloch and beauty pageant historian Sally-Ann Fawcett, awarded points for each category.
The Miss AI competition attracted several virtual influencers who showed off their AI-generated personas. France-based Lalina Valina came in second, with Portugal’s Olivia C in third. WAICA gave away around $20,000 in prizes to the winners. For her win, Layli, or rather Phoenix AI and CEO Meriam Bessa, received a grand prize of $5,000, along with PR and other services from Fanvue, which partnered with WAICA to organize the pageant.
The rise of AI influencers like Kenza Layli marks a significant shift in how digital personas interact with audiences. Unlike human influencers, AI models provide 24/7, tailored engagement and can adapt to changing trends.
As AI technology advances, the line between humans and AI influencers will likely continue to blur. Layli’s win sets a precedent for future AI influencers, and events like the Miss AI pageant will expand and likely continue to push the boundaries of what a pageant can be.