• Knowledge Management Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.137-159
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• 2023

This study focuses on consumers' perceptions of virtual influencers, which many companies recently used for marketing. This study uses the Q methodology to derive what kind of perception consumers have about virtual influencers who work with various appearances, background stories, and worldviews as components. In addition, we want to see how the expected value of virtual influencers differs by age group. To this end, 34 statements were produced through preliminary interviews and literature reviews. This study showed that some consumers preferred appearances similar to humans, despite recognizing that virtual influencers are fictional characters. Some other consumers preferred to feel like a fictional character by maintaining virtuality, confirming that there are both opposite consumers. In addition, consumers expect virtual influencers to have consistency and expertise in the content field covered, and some consumers do not prefer to show an overly commercial appearance. This study will likely provide implications for companies that want to utilize virtual influencers in considering which ones to use for target customers in marketing activities.