This site is fictional demo content. It is not real news or affiliated with any real organization. Do not treat it as fact or professional advice.

NextPaper Logo
nextpaper.ccCYBER CHRONICLE
RSS
EN中文

Full article

FULL TEXT

View this issue
BusinessINTERNET

AI Hosts Take Over: AliExpress Sees 23% GMV Boost from Virtual Streamers

In October 2027, AliExpress announced full deployment of AI virtual hosts across its platform, handling late-night live shopping shifts. Results: GMV up 23%, return rates down 18%, reigniting debate over AI replacing human streamers.

AI Hosts Go Live

In October 2027, AliExpress announced the full rollout of its "AI Live Shopping" initiative: over 30,000 merchants have integrated AI virtual hosts, with roughly 6,000 running "7×24 AI live streams."

These AI hosts mimic real streamers' tone, expressions, and sales tactics. When viewers enter a livestream room, the AI greets them and pushes relevant products. During late-night hours (11 PM – 7 AM), AI hosts cover over 80% of streaming slots.

The Numbers

Internal data from AliExpress shows that per-session, AI hosts draw ~60% of the viewers of a human streamer. But conversion rate (viewer → buyer) is 15% higher, and return rates are 18% lower. Overall: AI hosts deliver a 23% GMV uplift.

One beauty products merchant did the math: "We used to have zero GMV during late-night hours because we couldn't afford a streamer. Now the AI runs 24/7, adding over ¥100,000 in monthly GMV. Hardware costs barely register."

What Human Streamers Think

"To be honest, I'm worried," admitted a streamer with 500,000 followers. "Brands used to book my late-night slots because no human wanted them. Now they just use AI."

Others are unfazed. Their fan loyalty comes from personal IP and trust — something AI can't replicate yet. Top-tier streamers' premium rates have actually gone up, as "authentic human endorsement" becomes scarcer and more valuable in an era flooded with AI-generated content.

Platform Strategy

AliExpress's CTO says AI hosts are just the beginning: next up is "AI + Human" co-streaming, where AI handles Q&A and long-tail product questions while the human host focuses on high-value items and building emotional connection with viewers.

This article is fictional and for entertainment purposes only.