The New KFC Colonel Is a Computer-Generated Instagram Influencer | Eater
"A major fast-food chain has introduced a computer-generated "Virtual Influencer Colonel," a bro-style digital spokesperson who poses on Instagram with a CGI girlfriend and even sports a '#secretrecipeforsuccess' tattoo across his abs. The stunt plays as a pitch-perfect parody of influencer babble—complete with self-serious captions about being 'that kid who straps on an apron and makes fried chicken'—while the brand frames the character as deal-ready, naming potential partners like Dr Pepper, Old Spice and TurboTax. The move fits the campaign’s irreverent, unpredictable history (recent Colonels have included Jim Gaffigan, Reba McEntire, Rob Lowe, Billy Zane, Ray Liotta, Norm Macdonald and RoboCop) and its penchant for internet-tied gimmicks such as ASMR videos and novelty space launches. Launched amid scrutiny of CGI Instagram personalities and timed for the influencer-heavy Coachella season, the virtual Colonel will be taking over the chain’s Instagram account through April 22." - Greg Morabito
