AI Avatars Outperform Human Hosts in China's Livestream Sales Boom

How AI Avatars are Changing Livestream Sales in China

AI-powered virtual salespeople are making waves in China's livestream commerce, outperforming human sales agents in several cases. Fintech companies are using AI avatars to run sales 24/7, reshaping how products are marketed and sold online.

AI tools have already taken on many roles in workplaces, such as data analysis and email management. Sales, traditionally dependent on human charisma and communication, are now seeing a shift. Chinese businesses increasingly deploy AI avatars in livestreams, some even surpassing human sellers in performance.

Livestream Ecommerce's Growing Influence

Livestream ecommerce is booming in China. For example, Brother, a Japanese electronics company, used an AI avatar to sell printers and generated $2,500 in sales within two hours—30% higher than their usual livestream results. Shanghai-based PLTFRM developed this AI solution and currently operates 30 avatars across major platforms like Taobao and Pinduoduo.

Brother's team checks daily sales data to monitor how their AI hosts perform even while the team sleeps. PLTFRM confirms that AI sales agents are frequently outperforming human sales staff at companies using their technology.

AI Avatars: Selling Around the Clock

These digital sales teams combine Baidu's AI analytics with DeepSeek's language models, enabling avatars to create live scripts and interact with viewers in real time. This is a significant upgrade from earlier static-response models.

Alexandre Ouairy, PLTFRM's Co-Founder, points out that AI avatars consistently beat human salespeople in industries where they are used. A major advantage is their ability to operate nonstop, without breaks, food, or fatigue—perfect for China's fast-growing livestream ecommerce market.

Addressing Human Limitations

Human livestream hosts face natural limits. Ouairy explains that humans can only maintain a livestream for three to four hours before exhaustion affects performance. Initial sales may be strong, but they tend to drop as fatigue sets in.

In contrast, AI avatars keep a steady attitude and performance throughout, maintaining consistent sales levels without tiring.

The Future of Ecommerce Sales

Livestream commerce is substantial in China, with over a third of ecommerce sales occurring during live broadcasts in 2024. Half of Chinese consumers have made purchases while watching livestreams, according to government data.

Baidu demonstrated AI's potential by hosting a livestream with an AI avatar of influencer Luo Yonghao, attracting 13 million viewers and generating $7.7 million in sales.

What This Means for Sales Professionals

The shift to AI-driven sales indicates a major change in ecommerce marketing strategies. Companies are moving from influencer partnerships toward direct AI sales channels, potentially reducing reliance on human content creators.

However, Alexandre Ouairy sees AI avatars as an addition, serving as digital sales reps similar to in-store salespeople. Still, the economic benefits of 24/7 AI sales suggest that human roles in livestream selling may face increasing competition.

For sales professionals interested in understanding how AI tools can complement or enhance their skills, exploring AI courses could provide valuable insights and a competitive edge in this evolving field.