Chinese company JD.com is increasing the use of AI on its platform with founder Richard Liu Qiangdong introducing his avatar in live streaming sessions

However, the virtual Liu mostly read from a prepared script and did not interact with the online audience or answer their questions.

Still, the first live-streaming sessions hosted by Liu's avatar were a success, with the two campaigns – each lasting less than an hour and promoting consumer electronics devices and food – generating more than 20 million views combined.

The virtual Liu is expected to host more live streaming shows in the future, as JD.com announced that its AI-powered virtual streamers now cover more than 4,000 brands.

According to the Beijing-based company, this initiative has reduced the cost of hosting such sessions by 90 percent compared to human hosts.

According to the company, JD.com's virtual hosting technology can also answer 70 percent of frequently asked questions during a live streaming session.

02:08

Virtual hosts are rising stars among China's online shopping platforms

Virtual hosts are rising stars among China's online shopping platforms

According to records from corporate information provider Qichacha, JD.com had already filed trademarks related to its founder's avatar in late February, including “Liu Qiangdong,” “Old Liu” and “Old Liu's Special Session.” The applications are processed by the Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

JD.com is offering $138 million in cash incentives to boost video content

According to a recent report from the China Netcasting Services Association, 71.2 percent of Chinese internet users purchased goods online after watching short videos or live streaming content last year, up from 42.7 percent in 2022.