Creating Transmedia Universes: The Virtual Influencer Revolution in Digital Storytelling

In recent years, the emergence of virtual influencers and digital avatars has opened a new chapter in the way we interact with media and entertainment. When an idea comes to fruition with the quality and technological innovation that we are bringing with CriaZ do Bit , the results are truly transformative.

CriaZ do Bit is a virtual band made up of the characters Alice, Caramelo and Tilt, created by Dry Wet , a company owned by the visionary João Luccas Caracas, also the founder of Adaggio. The project is run and maintained by Little Devil Company , in partnership with the agency Atabaque , and defies cultural, technological and economic barriers by using the most advanced motion capture and facial expressions tools, as well as the most advanced 3D modeling and animation software. The most interesting thing? Despite being a virtual band, CriaZ do Bit does not use artificial intelligence. All the music is composed and performed by real people . Big names, such as Pablo Bispo and Ruxell , are responsible for the music production and beats, ensuring that authenticity and a human touch are present in each track.

This work not only redefines what it means to "be an artist," but also explores how virtual bands are profoundly impacting the animation, advertising, and music industries.

In this article, I will report on the experience of telling the stories of these characters through social media, its implications for Generations Z and Alpha , and how this movement is shaping the future of digital storytelling.

Virtual Influencers: A Global Phenomenon

Virtual influencers are already a global force, generating billions of interactions and millions of dollars in revenue. According to a report by HypeAuditor , on Instagram alone, the number of active virtual influencer profiles grew by 25% in 2022. These characters not only communicate with their followers, but also influence their purchasing decisions, behavior and even the values they adopt.

Among the most famous are Lil Miquela , a young virtual influencer created by Brud, who has collaborated with brands such as Calvin Klein, Prada and Samsung since 2016, accumulating more than 3 million followers on Instagram. Another prominent figure is Hatsune Miku , a Japanese virtual singer who has toured the world, appeared in commercials and even performed live concerts, using holography to connect with fans.

CriaZ do Bit: A Universe of Music, Friendship and Overcoming

CriaZ do Bit is not just a virtual band, but a reflection of the realities of many young people, representing overcoming, diversity and resilience. Alice , Caramelo and Tilt are characters that go beyond their fictional constructions, bringing with them stories of transformation and creativity.

Alice is a young black girl from the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, a true artist who transforms adversity into creative expression, whether through music, design or fashion. Described as fearless, curious and empowered, Alice is the natural leader of the band, a "skate fairy" who is not afraid to explore new territories and face challenges.

One unexpected night, Alice meets Caramelo , a humanoid dog from another dimension. In his world, animals rule, and humans are extinct. Caramelo, marginalized and exiled from his reality, finds refuge in music. He is irreverent, mischievous, with a playful and easygoing lifestyle, but his emotional depth and creative talent make him an inseparable ally of Alice.

Together, Alice and Caramelo, inspired by the relics from Alice's grandfather's junkyard, create Tilt , a humanoid robot made from scrap metal, but with advanced programming and unique abilities. Tilt is the technical brain of the band, responsible for programming the beats and musical arrangements. Although created from recycled parts, Tilt is much more than a machine – he represents the maker spirit of the new generation, which values sustainability and innovation.

The trio, now formed, ventures across the stages of the cosmos, always in search of new challenges and inspirations. Each with their own origins and experiences, together they create a unique sound that mixes trap and funk carioca with a new age touch , inspired by the experimentalism and psychedelia of bands like Tame Impala . The union of their stories transcends the barriers of time and space, showing that friendship and music can resonate through any universe.

CriaZ do Bit is more than a band – it is a journey that explores universal themes such as overcoming, diversity and adaptation to new technologies, while questioning the cultural barrier between generations, always in tune with the innovative spirit of Generations Z and Alpha .

Web Series, Webcomics and the Expansion of Digital Universes

With the growth of digital platforms and the popularity of serialized narratives, virtual characters have found new ways to engage audiences through web series and webcomics . A notable example of this phenomenon is the series "The Most Popular Girls in School", a stop-motion comedy featuring Barbie dolls, which has garnered millions of views on YouTube. This demonstrates the growing demand for engaging stories with non-human or digital characters.

For CriaZ do Bit , this trend represents a great opportunity for expansion. Characters like Alice , Caramelo , and Tilt have rich and complex stories that can be explored in a serialized format, whether in web series or digital comics. Web series could deepen the narratives of these characters, exploring themes such as social inclusion, technology, and survival in an interconnected world. Each episode could focus on unique aspects of their pasts and futures, connecting contemporary issues with each character’s musical and personal journey.

In the field of webcomics and comics , CriaZ do Bit has already begun to expand its universe. Stories that explore Alice's past, her relationship with her grandfather and how she used her programming and electronics skills to create Tilt help to build an emotional bond with the audience. Likewise, Caramelo's journey through interdimensional portals mixes humor and drama, revealing deeper layers of his personality. These comics not only expand the audience's experience with the band, but also build a cohesive transmedia universe, allowing the narrative to go beyond the music and touch on different forms of storytelling.

This multidimensional approach, using web series and webcomics, strengthens audience engagement and provides a complete immersion in the band's universe, while taking advantage of the new opportunities offered by digital platforms to connect with Generations Z and Alpha .

The Power of Audience Interaction with Characters: The Revolution of Social Media Storytelling

The interaction between audiences and characters, especially on digital platforms and social media, is revolutionizing the way stories are told and experienced. Neuroscience studies show that active participation in stories generates a greater release of dopamine and oxytocin, hormones associated with pleasure and empathy, respectively, reinforcing the emotional connection with the characters and their journeys. The audience is no longer a passive spectator, but a participating agent, capable of influencing the direction of the narrative, which dramatically increases engagement and retention.

Furthermore, experimental psychology data indicates that when people interact directly with characters, whether through polls, comments or choices within the plot, they create a relationship of closeness and belonging with the fictional universe. This closeness intensifies emotional involvement, making followers feel like they are part of that story, creating a shared narrative experience. In the virtual band CriaZ do Bit , fans can participate in the decisions that shape the future of the band and the characters, which results in even greater loyalty and a sense of co-creation.

In the social media landscape, this trend marks a new model of storytelling: transmedia narratives, which expand across different platforms and where interaction becomes essential. According to market research, content that involves interactive narratives has an engagement level up to 50% higher than that which uses a traditional approach. The gamification of stories also contributes to this dynamic, creating positive feedback loops, where the audience participates, receives rewards and remains immersed in the experience. This becomes especially relevant for younger generations, such as Generations Z and Alpha, who seek authenticity and active participation in their cultural consumption experiences.

By humanizing characters and integrating them interactively with the audience, brands and creators not only build loyalty among their fan bases, but also create space for an organic evolution of the narrative, which can adapt in real time to the preferences and behaviors of the community. This fusion of storytelling and interactivity represents a new paradigm, where the audience is not just a recipient of content, but a co-author, shaping the story together with the creators and keeping the characters alive and relevant in the daily life of social networks.

How does this impact the Animation, Advertising and Music Industry?

Animation and advertising have always been dynamic industries that have been able to adapt to technological changes. However, what we are witnessing now is a more profound transformation, where virtual influencers and avatars are taking on central roles in brand campaigns and narratives. Companies such as Balmain , Dior and Puma have already launched campaigns with virtual models, such as Shudu Gram , a digital supermodel created by The Diigitals agency , who redefines standards of beauty and aesthetics.

In Brazil, we are still in the early stages of exploring these possibilities, but the potential is immense. The use of avatars in advertising campaigns has already begun to attract the attention of brands seeking a stronger connection with younger generations, such as Generation Z and Generation Alpha. For these generations, who have grown up in a hyperconnected world, digital is not something new, but rather the "normal." They seek authenticity, representation and interactivity in everything they consume.

In the music industry, we have iconic examples such as the band Gorillaz , which pioneered the combination of animated avatars with popular music, creating a multimedia experience that went beyond albums and extended to music videos, live shows with holograms and even interactions with fans on social networks. Gorillaz proved that a virtual band can generate a fan base as loyal as any traditional band, opening doors to new creative experiences.

Transmedia Storytelling: The Future of Entertainment

CriaZ do Bit follows the transmedia storytelling model , in which a fictional universe expands across different platforms, allowing each medium to contribute unique parts of the story. This concept has roots in the work of Henry Jenkins, who describes transmedia as a form of storytelling where consumers need to "hunt" for the pieces of a complete narrative across different platforms, creating a deeper and more active engagement.

This approach has already proven effective with examples such as the series of webcomics and comics released by CriaZ do Bit , which detail the past of Alice and Caramelo. The comics offer a more intimate look at the origin of Alice , a young programmer and creative, and her emotional bond with her grandfather, while Caramelo 's story explores his journey through interdimensional portals. This expansion of narrative creates value, as it allows the audience to understand nuances of the characters' lives, strengthening the emotional connection with the band.

This technique not only creates an engaging experience, but also meets the expectations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha , who consume content in a fragmented way, whether on YouTube, TikTok, or streaming platforms. According to research from Deloitte , 70% of Gen Z consumers switch between multiple media platforms throughout the day, while Gen Alpha is growing up in a world where the lines between the physical and digital worlds are increasingly blurred. These generations seek authenticity and variety, and transmedia storytelling delivers on that, maintaining engagement across multiple platforms.

Economy and Consumer Behavior of Generations Y, Z and Alpha

With the advent of digital technologies, Generations Y, Z and Alpha are shaping new consumer behaviors, both online and offline. Generation Y , also known as Millennials , grew up with the internet boom and already have a consolidated consumption pattern, combining digital and physical experiences. They value authentic and purpose-driven brands, and are influenced by engaging storytelling and personalized experiences.

Generation Z is a digital native, more inclined to consume quick and visual content, with a penchant for interactive and short-form formats, such as TikTok and Reels. According to IBM , 73% of young people in this generation believe that digital experiences are as important as in-person ones, which explains their adherence to multimedia narratives such as those offered by virtual characters and digital influencers.

Generation Alpha , in turn, represents the future of consumption, growing up in an environment that is completely integrated between the physical and digital worlds. The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will be crucial to capture their attention. They prefer interactivity and control over the content they consume, and are attracted to experiences that allow for personalization, such as the transmedia universes created by bands like CriaZ do Bit.

The Creative Process: Technology and Scripting

The development of CriaZ do Bit involves a creative process that combines cutting-edge technology with detailed scripting. The band is brought to life using motion capture and facial expressions , combined with 3D animation in Unreal Engine 5 , ensuring realism in movements and performances. Unlike many virtual influencer projects, which use artificial intelligence , CriaZ do Bit is entirely run by real people. Pablo Bispo and Ruxell , renowned music producers, were responsible for creating the authentic beats that translate the fusion of trap , funk carioca and new age influences .

The story follows traditional Hero's Journey and world-building principles , with each episode or chapter leading the characters to face new challenges that reflect relevant social and cultural issues. Alice 's transition from an ordinary young woman to the leader of an interdimensional band explores themes of empowerment, legacy, and responsibility. Meanwhile, Caramelo 's narrative brings to light questions of belonging and survival, connecting it to deeper themes of exclusion and self-discovery.

The Power of Archetypes: The Journey of the Hero, Anti-Hero, and Beyond

At the heart of CriaZ do Bit 's narrative are classic archetypes, in addition to the Hero 's Journey and the Anti-Hero , which follow the principles of the monomyth described by Joseph Campbell . Alice embodies a powerful combination of archetypes. She was developed under the archetypes of Mastery and Risk, the Hero, the Rebel and the Magician . These elements shape her journey of overcoming and transformation. Alice, a humble and creative young woman, overcomes adversity and becomes an empowered leader, guided by her grandfather's legacy. Her trajectory follows the traditional stages of the Hero's Journey: a call to adventure (when she meets Caramelo), the crossing of a threshold (with the creation of Tilt and exploring new worlds with her music), and the transformed return (the success of the band).

On the other hand, Caramelo lives the journey of the Anti-Hero , but with layers that refer to the archetypes of Belonging and Pleasure, the Fool, the Lover and the Regular Guy . He is a marginalized and imperfect figure, coming from a dimension where he was rejected, finding redemption and purpose alongside Alice. His irreverent personality, with acid humor and a history of escape, makes Caramelo an authentic anti-hero, especially captivating for Generations Z and Alpha, who tend to identify more with realistic and flawed characters.

Tilt , in turn, was developed based on the archetypes of Intelligence and Achievement , representing the Innocent, the Explorer and the Sage . Created by Alice and Caramelo, Tilt is a robot with a curious soul, who symbolizes both the power of technology and the search for understanding and discovery. Together, the three form a dynamic that balances innovation, curiosity and problem-solving.

Alice and Caramelo create Tilt in a moment of symbolic collaboration, and together they form the band CriaZ do Bit . The union of the three results in the construction of an interdimensional spaceship made from a Kombi, combined with the power of Tilt's artificial intelligence. This Kombi not only transports the band on their journeys between dimensions, but also acts as a symbol of creative freedom and the mixing of realities. It symbolically represents the essence of the band and its values, encapsulating the archetypes of Stability and Control: the Ruler, the Helpful and the Creator .

These archetypes are powerful tools for building an engaging narrative, as consumers connect emotionally with figures that reflect their own challenges and aspirations. In the context of Cria do Bit, Alice offers a story of overcoming and magic, Caramelo brings nuances of rebellion, belonging and pleasure, while Tilt symbolizes the search for truth and knowledge. Together, the three characters create a perfect balance between the search for justice, personal redemption and the exploration of new possibilities through technology and music.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Market

While the potential for transmedia storytelling is immense, developing characters and stories like those of CriaZ do Bit faces challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is acceptance by decision-makers at marketing agencies and the brands they represent , who often don’t understand the depth of engagement generated by virtual characters and transmedia. The generational gap between traditional marketing teams and younger consumers can make it difficult to adopt new approaches.

Additionally, the cost of producing projects with motion capture, advanced visual effects, and multiplatform storytelling is significant. However, the returns in terms of engagement, brand loyalty, and recognition can outweigh these initial barriers, especially with Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences who value innovation and digital authenticity.

The Future is Digital and Authentic

As we move into an increasingly digital world, the intersection of technology, art and storytelling becomes not just a trend, but a necessity. CriaZ do Bit exemplifies how avatars and virtual characters can not only entertain, but also connect and inspire, creating unique experiences that resonate with new generations.

For companies and brands looking to stand out in a crowded market, investing in transmedia storytelling and digital characters is not just an option; it’s an opportunity to align with emerging culture and create an emotional connection with your audience. By embracing innovation and authenticity, you can transform your marketing and engagement strategies, building loyal and passionate communities around your brands.

Innovation and Excellence in Digital Storytelling

Little Devil Company stands out in the market for its dedication to excellence and innovation in all the projects it develops. Specializing in creating unique characters, engaging animations, and immersive stories, our team is made up of passionate professionals who bring their vast experience in creative direction, game design, and narrative to each new challenge. Our mission is to transform ideas into rich and captivating universes, always focusing on the quality and originality of everything we deliver.

The Importance of Storytelling in the Digital Age

We believe that storytelling is the soul of any project. Whether creating digital avatars for brands, developing virtual influencers or building transmedia stories, our approach combines cutting-edge technology with sophisticated storytelling. Neuroscience teaches us that stories have the power to activate specific areas of the brain, creating deep emotional connections with the audience. This phenomenon, known as "neuroplasticity", shows how our experiences shape our perceptions and memories, making storytelling an essential tool for engaging audiences in a lasting way.

Furthermore, experimental psychology reveals that well-told stories can influence behaviors and decisions. When a character is built with depth, resonating with the audience's experiences and emotions, it is not only a vehicle of information, but a catalyst for empathy and identification. A clear example is the character of Ellie in "The Last of Us" , who, through her struggles and victories, becomes a mirror of the player's emotions, creating an interactive and immersive experience.

Script Development Methodologies: Building Immersive Universes

To ensure that our characters and stories are truly engaging, we employ rigorous script development methodologies. We use approaches such as Dan Harmon’s “Story Circle ,” which draws on classic narrative structures, and the “Three Act Theory ,” which breaks down a story into clear arcs of introduction, conflict, and resolution. These methods allow our writers to craft narratives that flow naturally while providing opportunities for complex character development.

Immersion in diverse cultures is also key to our approach. By understanding the nuances and quirks of different cultures, we can create characters that not only reflect human diversity but also enrich our stories. A notable example is the game “Celeste ,” which addresses themes of mental health through a narrative that is both personal and universal, challenging players to connect with the inner struggle of the protagonist, Madeline.

Humanized Characters: The Heart of Our Stories

Our focus on creating humanized characters is evident in every project we develop. Whether we’re creating digital avatars, virtual influencers, or protagonists of transmedia narratives, we always strive to build striking identities that resonate emotionally with audiences. Characters like Kratos from “God of War” and Aloy from “Horizon Zero Dawn” are examples of how emotional depth and character development can create meaningful connections, allowing players to more fully engage with the narrative.

Avatars, Virtual Influencers and Transmedia Storytelling

We offer a full range of services for companies that want to stand out in the digital environment through characters and stories:

• Character and Story Creation: We develop unique characters with striking identities that can become the voice and face of your brand. Our expertise in storytelling allows us to build captivating stories and transmedia universes, leading the audience to interact deeply and emotionally with your characters.

• Animation and Avatars for Companies: We create personalized avatars for marketing campaigns, internal marketing actions and interactive experiences. These characters can represent your brand in various digital environments, from social networks to corporate environments, humanizing communication and strengthening the bond with internal and external audiences.

• Virtual Influencers: Our team has experience in creating digital influencers, avatars that can engage your audience in innovative ways. Virtual influencers are a growing trend, capable of reaching new audiences and creating memorable advertising campaigns, without the limitations of traditional influencers.

• Transmedia Projects for Brands: We develop narratives and experiences that expand across multiple platforms, increasing the reach and impact of your brand. Whether in comics, web series, games or social media, we create stories that engage the public in an integrated way, maximizing your brand's presence in the digital universe.

  
  

A Creative Partnership for the Future

Working with Little Devil Company is more than just hiring an agency or animation studio; it’s entering into a creative partnership that goes beyond the ordinary. Our projects are tailored to your needs, with a focus on innovation, authenticity, and quality. We’re ready to transform your ideas into immersive and exciting digital realities that will captivate and engage your audience in unique ways.

Whether you’re a brand looking to invest in virtual avatars and influencers, or a company looking to use transmedia storytelling to connect with your customers on a deeper level, Little Devil Company is ready to take your project to the next level. Join us in creating characters, stories, and experiences that will shape the future of digital entertainment.

Connect with the Future of Entertainment

The future of digital entertainment is constantly evolving, and Little Devil Company is the ideal partner to guide you on this journey. By combining neuroscience, psychology, culture and technology, we have the ability to create truly immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stand out in a rapidly changing market. Contact us and find out how we can help you create narratives that not only inform, but transform. Let’s build the future of stories together!