In the past month, UK online searches for ‘AI influencer generator fee’ have surged by 5,000%, according to a new study by Hopp by Wix. This suggests growing interest from marketers, brands and creators in the costs and pricing models of AI influencer creation.
As more brands look to create AI influencers, many are instead choosing to partner with existing AI influencers via sponsored posts, brand campaigns or even virtual experiences. To highlight the most lucrative opportunities in this space, Hopp by Wix detailed the AI influencers projected to earn the most on Instagram in 2026.
- Lu do Magalu: 8.5M Followers | Projected 2026 Earnings: £11M
The AI influencer Hopp expects to make the most in 2026 is Lu do Magalu (pictured) with an extraordinary average earning of £32,010 per Instagram post. Given Lu do Magalu uploads one post per day on Instagram, she is expected to earn over £11 million in 2026.
Originally created by Brazilian retail giant Magazine Luiza, Lu’s Instagram presence blends product unboxings, lifestyle content and interactive product promotions that resonate with more than 8.5 million followers.
As a digital brand ambassador, she has helped bridge the gap between e‑commerce and social engagement, turning what started as a marketing tool into a cultural phenomenon that draws in major brand activations and retail partnerships.
- Lil Miquela: 2.3M Followers | Projected 2026 Earnings: £4.7M
Ranking second is Lil Miquela, a virtual creator with over 2.3 million followers, with a potential to earn over £4.7 million in 2026, just by posting once a day on Instagram.
Created by the tech company Brud, Miquela’s feed incorporates fashion snapshots, lifestyle moments, and cultural collaborations seamlessly merging digital persona with real‑world celebrity appeal.
Since debuting in 2016, she has starred in major fashion campaigns and worked with renowned brands, cementing her reputation as one of the most influential avatar personalities in the space.
- Alara X: 750K Followers | Projected 2026 Earnings: £1.9M
In third place, Alara X, with a potential to earn up to £1.9 million in 2026 simply by posting once a day on Instagram. Alara X leverages her platform to deliver lifestyle and fashion‑oriented content to nearly 750,000 Instagram followers.
Beyond typical influencer visuals, Alara also engages audiences with interviews and conversational content in a virtual studio environment, demonstrating how AI personas can expand beyond static posts into interactive digital experiences.
Created by IAMX.Live, Alara represents a new generation of hybrid content creators that blends entertainment with personal branding.
Growth expected to accelerate
Amir Gabay, Co-CEO of Hopp commented, “AI influencers are evolving fast, moving from experimental concepts into major drivers of the creator economy. These virtual creators are generating significant revenue for themselves and their partners, while shaping how audiences perceive authenticity, identity, and storytelling online. In 2026, we expect this growth to accelerate, giving brands new ways to collaborate with AI-driven talent, test creative concepts, and deliver measurable engagement, all while experimenting with storytelling formats.
“From fashion and lifestyle to entertainment and culture, AI influencers are redefining how brands connect with audiences. They allow precise engagement with both global and niche communities, offer flexibility over campaigns and influence cultural trends. Beyond commercial impact, they are helping the industry understand the next generation of digital engagement.”
