If you’re a small business you’ve probably heard about A.I. digital twins – virtual versions of yourself that can create videos without you being on camera. As a small business the whole idea is compelling.
But before you jump in, let’s have an honest conversation about what these tools can and can’t do for your business.
There’s more posts on A.I. throughout this blog but start at this post if you are interested in exploring more.
What’s the A.I. Digital Twins thing about?
Think of it as a computer-generated version of you that can appear in videos. Using your photos and voice recordings, A.I. creates a virtual person who looks and sounds like you. Instead of filming yourself, you type a script, and your digital twin delivers it on camera. They are also known as A.I. Avatars, A.I. clones etc.
It’s not science fiction anymore – it’s real technology available to small businesses today. I tried one out about a year or so ago (D-ID)you can watch it here even one of my eyeballs almost popping out). The technology is a lot better now. No, I am not endorsing D-ID it was just free to test it at the time I was working on something. I’ve since tested many others.
The Potential Benefits (When Everything Goes Right)
Save Time on Video Creation
- No more setting up cameras, fixing your hair, or doing multiple takes
- Create videos typing scripts instead of filming
- Maintain consistent posting schedules even when you’re busy
Expand Your Reach
- Keep content flowing when you’re sick, traveling, or overwhelmed
- Create content in different languages (some platforms offer this)
- Test different video styles without the time investment
Professional Consistency
- Your “brand face” stays consistent across all videos
- No bad hair days or awkward on-camera moments
- Professional-looking content without professional equipment
The Reality Check: Significant Downsides to Consider
Authenticity Concerns Social media audiences are smart. They can often tell when something feels “off,” and many people specifically follow small businesses because they want that genuine, human connection. Your personality, spontaneous reactions, and authentic moments are often what set you apart from big corporations.
The Creepy Factor Even good AI twins can fall into the “uncanny valley” – looking almost human but not quite right. This can make viewers uncomfortable and actually hurt your brand instead of helping it.
Technical and Financial Hurdles
- Quality A.I. digital twin creation requires good source material (multiple photos, clear audio recordings)
- Learning curves can eat up the time you’re trying to save
- Ongoing costs for software subscriptions
- Technical issues and platform compatibility problems
Trust and Transparency Issues If customers discover you’re using an AI twin without being upfront about it, you risk damaging trust – something small businesses can’t afford to lose.
When A.I. Digital Twins Actually Make Sense
These tools aren’t right for everyone, but they can be genuinely helpful in specific situations:
- Accessibility needs: Some people face physical challenges or chronic illnesses that make regular video creation difficult
- High-volume, repetitive content: FAQ videos, basic product demos, or standardised updates
- Multilingual outreach: If you need content in languages you don’t speak
- Backup content: Having something ready when life gets in the way
Where Can You Create A.I. Digital Twins?
If you decide to explore this technology, here are some platforms to research:
Beginner-Friendly Options:
- Synthesia – Popular for business use, subscription-based
- D-ID – Offers both simple and advanced features
- HeyGen – Known for ease of use and good results
More Advanced
- Runway – Creative tools with AI avatar features
- DeepBrain AI – Business-focused with multilingual options
- Colossyan – Designed for corporate training and marketing
Budget Considerations: Most platforms require monthly subscriptions ranging from $30-200+ per month, with usage limits.
Proceed with Caution
Before investing time and money to creating A.I. digital twins, ask yourself:
- What problem am I actually solving? If it’s just “I don’t like being on camera,” that might not justify the investment.
- Will my audience accept this? Consider your specific customer base and how they engage with your current content.
- Can I be transparent about it? Hiding AI use rarely ends well for small businesses.
- Do I have the technical skills? These tools still require learning and ongoing management.
A More Practical Alternative
Instead of jumping into AI twins, consider these proven strategies:
- Batch filming content on your good days
- Using audio-only formats (podcasts, voice-over slideshows)
- Behind-the-scenes content that’s less polished but more authentic
- Collaborating with other local business owners for content swaps
- Hiring us if you are local, to video you for content creation
Final Thoughts
A.I. digital twins are evolving technology becoming more and more lifelike, but they’re not a magic solution for small business marketing challenges. The businesses that succeed on social media typically do so because of their authentic connection with customers, not because of fancy technology.
If you do decide to experiment with A.I. digital twins, start small, be transparent with your audience, and never let the technology replace the genuine human elements that make your business special.
Remember, your customers chose your small business over a big corporation for a reason. Make sure that reason doesn’t get lost in the pixels of your digital double.
