I created an AI influencer as a side hustle to make extra money. It’s been weirder and harder than I expected, and I feel like she has a life of her own now

• A man created a female AI influencer in order to make money after losing his job.
• “Kimochii” gained 43,000 Instagram followers with her racy content.
• But the creator doesn’t interact with fans directly and this made it harder to monetize.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with the male creator behind AI influencer Kimochii. He asked to remain anonymous, but Business Insider has verified he created Kimochii. The following has been edited for length and clarity.