1️⃣ Virtual Host Unveiled
On April 15, 2024, JD.com made a ground-breaking announcement via its official WeChat account: an AI clone of its chairman and CEO, Liu Qiangdong, will host a livestream shopping session. The digital doppelgänger, driven by JD's proprietary language model, ChatRhino (Yanxi in Chinese), will guide viewers through various lifestyle topics, including food and reading, in an engaging virtual experience.
2️⃣ Livestreaming and E-commerce Synergy
This initiative highlights how JD.com is adapting to the fiercely competitive e-commerce landscape in China, where content creation is rapidly becoming a key player in capturing market growth. With over a billion online audiovisual users in China and livestream shopping's high retention rates, JD's move could set a new trend in the integration of AI and live commerce.
3️⃣ The Rise of AI Personalities
The AI Liu not only mimics the CEO’s physical appearance but also showcases intricate gestures, like the thoughtful pinching of thumb and index finger, bringing a new level of authenticity to AI personas in the public eye. "Food, reading, and lifestyle are just the beginning," said the AI Liu in a promotional video, promising an interactive and insightful shopping experience.
4️⃣ A Competitive Edge
As tech giants like Bytedance and Tencent aggressively push for dominance in video and livestream channels, JD.com's latest move with AI Liu positions it well against competitors. The ability to merge high-quality content with advanced AI technology could be the differentiator that keeps JD at the forefront of China's e-commerce giants.
Will AI hosts replace human influencers?
