Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-06-18 13:57Core Insights - Baidu's entry into the live e-commerce sector is gaining traction with the debut of the digital human, Luo Yonghao, which achieved a GMV of over 55 million yuan and attracted over 13 million viewers during its first show on Baidu's e-commerce platform [2][6] - The digital human technology has significantly improved, allowing for more natural interactions and emotional expressions, which has impressed both viewers and the creator, Luo Yonghao [2][6][16] - Baidu plans to further integrate digital humans into its e-commerce strategy by collaborating with more top-tier digital hosts and providing subsidies to attract small and medium-sized streamers [2][9] Baidu's E-commerce Strategy - Baidu has re-entered the e-commerce market with the launch of "Baidu Youxuan" in May 2023, focusing on live e-commerce without a dedicated app, instead utilizing the existing Baidu app [9][10] - The company aims to leverage AI technology to reshape e-commerce, promoting features like AI shopping guides and intelligent marketing platforms [10][16] - As of June 2023, over 100,000 merchants are using digital humans for live streaming, with an average daily user scale exceeding 6 million [10] Market Position and Competition - The live e-commerce landscape is dominated by platforms like Douyin and Taobao, with Baidu entering the market later and facing intense competition [10] - Baidu's digital human strategy is seen as a way to differentiate itself in a crowded market, with a focus on AI capabilities [10][16] - The effectiveness of digital humans in live streaming is still under scrutiny, as some platforms have imposed restrictions on their use due to concerns over user experience [15][16] Technological Advancements - The digital human technology has evolved from basic models to more advanced versions that can mimic human interactions and expressions, marking a significant improvement in user engagement [16] - Luo Yonghao's digital human was developed using Baidu's Wenxin large model, showcasing the potential for AI-driven content creation in e-commerce [6][10] - The ongoing development of digital humans aims to achieve a level of realism that can compete with human hosts, with the expectation that they will eventually coexist and complement traditional live streaming [16]