Google Experiments with AI Versions of Real-Life Influencers

Google Experiments with AI-Powered Avatars of Famous Figures

Published June 6, 2025
By Andrew Hutchinson, Content and Social Media Manager

The evolution of generative AI continues to head in unexpected directions. While tech companies keep promoting the usefulness and innovation behind these tools, some of the applications are starting to feel a bit surreal.

Take Google’s latest experiment: “Portraits”—an AI initiative that brings virtual versions of well-known personalities to life, allowing users to engage with them in a chat-like format. These AI avatars simulate conversations and offer advice, using the voice, style, and knowledge of the individuals they’re modeled after.

What is Google Portraits?

According to Google:

“Portraits, a new experiment from Google Labs, lets you interact conversationally with AI representations of trusted experts, built in partnership with the experts themselves.”

The first version features Kim Scott, the bestselling author of Radical Candor. This AI-powered coach is designed to help users tackle challenging workplace conversations by generating responses that reflect Scott’s principles and communication style.

Instead of reading her books or studying her techniques, users can type in questions and get responses crafted from the knowledge and language of her work—powered by Google’s Gemini AI model.

Is This the Future of Coaching?

The idea is intriguing: instant access to expert advice, delivered through an avatar that mirrors the original thinker. But is it truly useful?

While it might save time and serve as a helpful self-coaching tool, the experience arguably lacks the depth, empathy, and real-time adaptability of human interaction. And though the AI uses real content from the experts, it’s still a machine delivering generalized responses.

Still, Google emphasizes that Portraits aren’t just random bots—they’re developed with the input of each expert, ensuring the information stays focused and accurate. Google also says it’s integrated robust testing and feedback loops to minimize misuse or inaccurate outputs.

“The foundation is the creator’s authentic content, which ensures conversations stay focused on their specific areas of expertise,” says Google.

Meta’s Similar Approach

Google isn’t alone. Meta is also working on AI-generated avatars of influencers and creators who can chat with fans on their behalf. The goal is to maintain fan engagement without overburdening the real individuals behind the brand.

But here’s the dilemma: If users know they’re talking to a machine, does the experience really hold value? Without true connection or authenticity, does slapping a familiar face on a chatbot actually make the interaction more meaningful?

What Makes Portraits Different?

Google’s project differs slightly in that each Portrait is based on an expert’s actual content and responses—not just a general AI personality. Still, it’s hard to overlook the absence of true human presence, which may dilute the personal touch that defines influencer-fan relationships.

Whether this experiment becomes a useful tool or a passing trend remains to be seen. At the very least, it marks another step in the growing integration of AI into everyday communication.

Portraits is currently available in the U.S., and users can sign up to create their own AI-powered version.

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