A new social media trend has content creators adding AI animals to their photos in creative ways, making feeds more eye-catching, but raising questions about whether such AI-generated content could dilute authenticity and overshadow real posts.
Key Points
- Influencers like Zoe Ilana Hill and Clara Sandell are embracing AI animals to enhance posts, viewing AI as a creative tool that drives high engagement and positive reactions from followers.
- Influencers disclose AI use, yet the trend sparks debate about authenticity. Some accept disclosed AI, but others worry about its growing presence diluting real content and increasing deepfake concerns.
- The trend highlights AI's potential to make social media feeds more eye-catching, but also raises questions about authenticity and the need for clear disclosure amidst rising AI-generated content.
According to the BBC, British fashion influencer Zoe Ilana Hill joined the rising social media trend, noting she was inspired by another creator’s imaginative use of AI to enhance original photos with digitally generated animals.”I was like, that’s really niche because it looks so real,” Hill stated.
Hill stated that she views AI not as a threat to her career but as a tool she can collaborate with. While she believes platforms like Instagram and TikTok are actively promoting AI content, she recognized the potential of the AI animals trend. She anticipated that her post, which featured an AI-generated deer, would capture attention and perform well among her followers.
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Furthermore, Hill described the post as a success, receiving over 20,000 likes and comments. She also noted that she always labels images created with AI to ensure her audience knows they are generated.
Clara Sandell, a Finnish marketing professional and digital creator, also embraced the trend, noting its widespread popularity and charming appeal. She added her personal touch by featuring what she called her “spirit animals” alongside her favorite creatures, sharing a carousel of images that included tigers, elk, and several cats and dogs.

Sandell’s posts garnered favorable responses, with many users describing the trend as “cute” and praising her creative approach. When asked about future participation in AI-driven trends, she stated it would depend on the appeal of the concept and whether the AI elements were clearly disclosed.
The rise of AI-generated content has sparked considerable debate online. Some users are comfortable with AI-enhanced photos, provided the use is clearly disclosed, while others express concern over its growing presence across social media feeds.
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In October, YouTube personality Jake Paul drew attention when his Sora deepfake videos went viral on TikTok. Since the release of Sora and other generative AI tools, viewers have increasingly questioned whether viral content, like animals performing humorous antics, is authentic or simply AI-generated material designed to attract clicks and views.
