3D digital avatars are redefining human interaction. Here's what it means for brands

"A lifelong Manchester City fan stands in front of a 3D virtual avatar of the team's star player, Erling Haaland, at an EA Sports FC prelaunch event. Towering and lifelike, the avatar's every grin, gesture, and movement is perfectly synced to Haaland himself. The fan plays, interacts, and even shares a laugh during a spontaneous dance battle with the digital Haaland in real time."

"According to Gartner, 54% of brands are using some form of chatbot or conversational AI platform for customer-facing interactions. But while 2D avatars and text-based chatbots have paved the way, 3D digital avatars are poised to take this evolution to the next level. With advancements in AI, real-time animation, and emotional modeling, brands can now create avatars that move, react, and even emote like humans, making digital encounters feel as authentic as real ones."

"Gen Z, in particular, is primed for animated interactions. Nearly half (48%) of this generation prefers animation to live-action, and adults aged 18 to 34 are now the biggest fans of animated content. From Roblox to VTubers, the language of animation has become the language of self-expression. For a generation that socializes online and personalizes digital avatars, interacting with 3D animated identities feels natural-an extension of how they already live and connect."

3D digital avatars synchronize lifelike gestures, expressions, and movements with real people to create immediate, responsive, and personalized virtual interactions. Brands can leverage AI-driven animation and emotional modeling to produce avatars that move, react, and emote like humans, enabling scalable yet human-feeling engagement. Over half of brands already use chatbots or conversational AI, providing a foundation for richer 3D experiences. Younger audiences, especially adults aged 18–34 and Gen Z, show strong preferences for animated content and treat animated identities as a form of self-expression. Platforms such as Roblox and VTubers illustrate audience readiness and opportunity for authentic brand connections.

Read at Fast Company