KFC parodies influencer marketing with computer-generated Colonel Sanders

By Staff on Thursday, April 11, 2019

KFC have chosen a computer-generated “digital influencer” version of their famous Colonel Sanders to be the face of a new campaign which aims to connect with millennial audiences.

The social media focused campaign pokes fun at the increasingly wide-spread influencer culture that dominates both marketing and general user experiences on all social channels.

Their digital influencer, who appears as a younger, slicker, incarnation of the brand’s founder Colonel Sanders fits the mould of his real influencer counterparts.

His posts detail a glamorous lifestyle complete with inspirational captions and lucrative brand ‘collabs’ allowing KFC to promote their partnerships with brands such as TurboTax, OldSpice, and Dr Pepper.

View this post on Instagram

I may be a restaurant mogul and international inspiration, but I’m still just a kid who loves being in the kitchen. #humble It’s important never to lose sight of the things that make you who you are. For me, it’s being in the kitchen and making amazing fried chicken. That’s what got me here, and I never want to lose that young and hungry Colonel who spent all his time perfecting fried chicken. I’m still that kid who straps on an apron and makes fried chicken. And I’ll never lose that part of me. Never lose the things that make you who you are. This is part of my #secretrecipeforsuccess. #candid #candidkitchen #colonelskitchen #humble #friedchicken #advice #success #entrepreneur #behindthecurtain #keys #respect #inspiration #positive #positivethoughts #artistatwork #majorkey #cookingram #cooking

A post shared by Colonel Harland Sanders (@kfc) on Apr 9, 2019 at 1:05pm PDT

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Feeling so connected to nature by being on this horse in Kentucky. You have to find things that connect you. Whether it’s to other people or a place or another spirit like a horse. You always have to find the connection. Connection is a big part of the #secretrecipeforsucccess. Also, I need your help naming this horse. Give me some suggestions in the comments for this horse spirit. #secretrecipeforsuccess #horse #aspiretobeonahorse #aspiretomore #aspirational #friedchicken #advice #success #entrepreneur #behindthecurtain #keys #respect #inspiration #positive #positivethoughts #artistatwork #horsesofig #friedchickenfam #horsepower

A post shared by Colonel Harland Sanders (@kfc) on Apr 10, 2019 at 9:01am PDT

In an amusing take on a media kit, KFC’s influencer states “Basically, I am an international mogul turned virtual person who wants to inspire the world with my amazing life.” The campaign latest can be found through the hashtag #secretrecipeforsuccess.