A virtual influencer is helping to drive donations in WHO's new COVID-19 campaign

The World Health Organization (WHO) has done much to rally the support of millennials and Gen Zers during the coronavirus pandemic, such as partnering with social media platforms for its #safehands hand-washing challenge and airing a Stream Aid event on Twitch with celebrities like Ellie Goulding and Charlie Puth. Now, it’s hoping even more influencers will persuade younger generations to open their wallets to support people in dire need. Ironically, one of them isn’t even human. The WHO has partnered with influencer marketing firm Influential to launch a pro-bono influencer campaign to drive donations to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. So far, there are 20 celebrities and influencers involved, all encouraging donations with the hashtag #Covid19Fund, a hashtag already in use by WHO and the UN Foundation. “Whenever there are crisis calls, we want to be there,” says Influential CEO Ryan Detert. The marketing firm has worked with a number of government organizations in the past on pro bono campaigns, including the U.N. Knox Frost, a digital rendering of a 20-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, who often posts about real life issues, is one of the first influencers onboard. On Instagram @knoxfrost, the virtual influencer has 1.1 million followers and launched his Twitter account on Friday. “Let’s show them younger generations are in this fight,” reads his post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Hey – listen up. I’ve partnered with @WHO to combat corona. Let’s show them younger generations are in this fight.⁣ ⁣ 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡 – @WHO hit me up with a bio link to directly support their fund. Hit it and donate.⁣ ⁣ 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡’𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘, show this post to your friends and family. I’m talking a quick DM, story, text – whatever works.⁣ ⁣ 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 – here’s what you need to know about your donation. They help...⁣ 1. Track and understand the spread of the virus⁣ 2. Ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information⁣ 3. Accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments⁣ ⁣ 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧, keep practicing social distancing and washing your hands. Let's go! ❄️ A post shared by KNOX FROST ❄ (@knoxfrost) on Apr 3, 2020 at 4:45am PDT The Knox Frost account was attuned to the coronavirus crisis early on. In early February, it began sharing coronavirus-related posts. View this post on Instagram Heard there’s a virus on the rise 🦠😳❄️ A post shared by KNOX FROST ❄ (@knoxfrost) on Feb 2, 2020 at 8:44am PST Virtual influencers have been rising in popularity on social platforms, and brands like Calvin Klein, Prada and Versace have worked with digital Instagram models like Lil Miquela and Noonoouri, while brands like KFC, Balmain and Essence Cosmetics have created their own. “In the era of social distancing, virtual influencers are quickly emerging as an innovative new part of the influencer landscape, so we are excited to have Knox Frost onboard to participate in our campaign with WHO,” says Ryan Detert. Other influencers who have already posted for the campaign include Owin Pierson, an LGBTQ+ and mental health advocate who has 136,000 followers on Instagram, and Jasmine Sweet, a blogger who has 55,6000 followers on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Hey Everyone, I’ve teamed up with @WHO to raise funds for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. Link in my bio. Please give whatever you can to help! There is so much uncertainty right now but through these funds we can help make the process just a little bit better. I’ve donated as well, just use the link in my bio! And remember, staying home if you can is a huge part of all of this ending a lot sooner than later. #Covid19Fund Donations support WHO’s work to: -Track and understand the spread of the virus -Ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information -Accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments. ❤️Sending lots of love this Sunday day whatever of quarantine, hope you are able to recharge fresh for the rest of the new week. Be smart, do all the necessary precautions & stay positive. #stayhome #corona #socialdistancing 📸photo: @bradybatesphotography A post shared by Owin | Content Creator (@owinpierson) on Mar 29, 2020 at 11:18am PDT View this post on Instagram I’ve teamed up with @WHO (World Health Organization) to raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. ❤️ Donations are going to tracking and understanding the spread of the virus, ensuring patients get the care they need, frontline workers get essential supplies and information, and accelerating efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments. ⁣ ⁣ Please give whatever you can to help on the link in my bio!📲 #Covid19Fund And #StayHome A post shared by Jasmine Sweet (@jasminekatrina) on Apr 2, 2020 at 7:02pm PDT The WHO is separately working with other influencers and celebrities who have reached out wanting to raise donations for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Rita Ora, who has 16.1 million followers on Instagram, is selling #StoptheSpread merchandise with all proceeds going towards the fund. View this post on Instagram In case you haven’t heard, I’ve launched #StopTheSpread merch campaign with and in support of @UNfoundation @WHO!!! ALL proceeds go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. If you want to do something about Covid-19 stay safe and clean, and Play Your Part by getting this merch and helping the cause!! Link on my stories and in my bio right now, we can do this together ❤️❤️❤️ A post shared by RITA ORA (@ritaora) on Mar 19, 2020 at 1:43pm PDT

A virtual influencer is helping to drive donations in WHO's new COVID-19 campaign

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