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Hello reader,
The other day, I came across a TikTok video that had racked up over 4 million views – but it wasn’t a trendy dance or food hack.
Instead, it featured a reaction video to an AI avatar hosting a live-selling session.
The virtual host was selling snacks, responding to comments, and even explaining product details like flavors and shelf location – all in real time. But viewers weren’t exactly thrilled with what they were seeing.
Many left comments calling for a boycott of AI hosts and urged viewers to support human livestreamers instead.
In this edition’s Big Story, I explore how AI is entering Indonesia’s live commerce scene and the backlash it’s facing. While it has potential, adoption remains slow and limited due to cost and public sentiment.
My sources say it’s only a matter of time before AI live selling takes off. But for now, the industry is walking a tightrope between innovation and public resistance.
Jofie Yordan, journalist
The Big Story
AI livestreaming a hard sell in Indonesia – for now
Image credit: Timmy Loen
AI hosts have started showing up in Indonesia’s live-shopping scene, drawing backlash from viewers and streamers.
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