Influencer Marketing Stats 2025 – Key Numbers
The influencer marketing stats 2025 are impressive: according to GoViralGlobal, 86% of brands now use influencer marketing as a core part of their campaigns. Moreover, for every $1 spent, brands report an average return of $5.78 – a number that continues to rise compared to previous years.
These numbers confirm that influencer marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reach audiences in 2025.
Growth of AI and Virtual Influencers
In addition, the report notes a rapid growth of AI influencers and virtual personas. Around 22% of brands tested AI-generated influencers this year, and that number is expected to double by 2026.
This shows a shift in marketing strategy, where companies use AI to create scalable, multilingual campaigns without the scheduling limitations of human creators. Furthermore, virtual influencers can be programmed to reflect brand values and aesthetics consistently.
ROI Breakdown by Platform
The influencer marketing stats 2025 also reveal interesting platform-specific data:
- TikTok: Highest engagement rates, making it the most profitable platform for Gen Z campaigns.
- Instagram Reels: Still dominant for lifestyle brands and product launches.
- YouTube Shorts: Growing fast, with longer audience retention and strong conversions.
Brands that diversify across platforms see better results, as each channel reaches a different segment of the audience.
Why Consumers Still Value Human Connection
Despite the growth of AI influencers, authenticity continues to play a key role. Therefore, many brands mix human influencers with AI personalities to maintain trust.
Surveys show that 65% of consumers prefer a balance of AI-driven personalization and real human interaction.
Influencer Marketing Trends for 2025
The report highlights several trends that define this year:
- Micro-influencers: Small creators (under 50K followers) deliver higher engagement and better ROI than mega-influencers.
- Long-term partnerships: Brands invest in ongoing collaborations rather than one-off posts.
- AI-assisted analytics: Machine learning tools help track campaign success in real time.
What This Means for Brands
Companies that want to stay ahead should combine influencer marketing stats 2025 insights with strong storytelling. As a result, they can create campaigns that feel personal while leveraging the efficiency of AI.
Investing in video-first content, interactive polls, and co-created campaigns can help brands stand out in a crowded space.