KFC Creates Social Influencer

With the rise of influencers on social channels like Instagram, KFC is taking a page out of their book to engage with consumers in new ways. As reported by AdAge, KFC recently launched a social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that features "Virtual Influencer Colonel," a computer-generated character that looks like a suave-looking social media influencer. The social media campaign is a spoof on the fame that social influencers have gained on platforms like Instagram, which brands currently seek and pay for to increase the engagement with their products and services. The character is planning to promote KFC through April 22 by posting influencer-like posts. The character also plans to promote "collabs" with other brands such as TurboTax and Old Spice.

This intiative is right in line with what we learned from a social perspective. It allows the brand to engage its followers in meaningful ways, and creates buzz that is shareable to drive increased awareness throughout the internet.