China: virtual human market size 2025

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world. One of the most recent AI trends in China is virtual humans. The sector was estimated to be worth 640 billion yuan in 2025 with an additional value of 48 million yuan to other related industries.

What are virtual humans capable of?

As the name suggests, virtual humans are computer-generated human-looking avatars trained with AI technology to communicate and interact with a real human. With more flexibility and a lower risk of scandals, these photorealistic virtual characters can help create an engaging and authentic digital user experience. Major applications to date are virtual anchors and product endorsers.

How popular are digital avatars in China?

Hyper-realistic avatars are becoming increasingly prevalent in China. A survey revealed that over 80 percent of Chinese have encountered virtual beings, which are commonly used on e-commerce platforms, television, and social media. When deployed properly, virtual idol groups like A-Soul and VirtuaReal can rake in over a million yuan a month. A quarter of survey respondents even said they would spend more on digital humans.

Market size and year-over-year growth of digital humans in China from 2017 to 2023 with estimates until 2025

Characteristic	Core market	Additional value to other sectors
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Release date

October 2024

More information

Region

China

Survey time period

2017 to 2023

Supplementary notes

*Estimate.

Additional market value refers to the value generated by the development of hardware, software, content creation, and other related sectors impacted by the application of digital human technology.

One yuan equals approximately 0.14 U.S. dollars and 0.13 euros (as of December 2024).

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