WSJ Tech News Briefing · Saturday, August 1, 2026
Created nearly a decade ago by Cameron James Wilson, Shudu is cited as the world's first digital supermodel. Her success demonstrated the potential for non-existent virtual characters to influence consumer behavior and drive sales, foreshadowing the current market for AI influencers.
“Cameron James Wilson, for example, created Shudu, the world's first digital supermodel, nearly a decade ago.”
“And they thought that maybe she was a real person.”
“And while she may not be real, Shudu, who has over 236,000 Instagram followers, is influencing consumer behavior, driving sales of partner products like luxury clothing and accessories.”