Key facts
- Sellers are using AI-generated images of women to increase visibility on Facebook Marketplace.
- The tactic aims to create curiosity and boost listing views for various items.
- Items promoted include vehicles, industrial equipment, motorcycles, and hot tubs.
- Sellers report increased views but often not serious sales inquiries.
- The AI-generated women sometimes display characteristics of AI generation.
A trend has emerged on Facebook Marketplace where sellers are employing AI-generated images of attractive women to enhance the visibility of their listings. This marketing strategy aims to create a 'WTF-factor' and a curiosity gap, thereby increasing listing views. Sellers like Rogelio Llamas and Simon Biscuits have adopted this approach for items ranging from vehicles, such as a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, to heavy industrial equipment. While the tactic has proven effective in drawing attention and boosting click-through rates, it often attracts non-serious buyers, leading to inquiries about whether the AI model comes with the item or unrelated comments, rather than genuine sales interest. The Jeep listing, for instance, had been on the market for 19 weeks before the AI imagery was applied. This method is being used across a variety of product categories, including motorcycles, dump trucks, and hot tubs, in an effort to make listings more memorable and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Journalist Trung Phan highlighted the trend on X.