In recent years，5G，artificial intelligence，big data，virtual reality and cloud computing have been efficiently integrated，greatly accelerating the development of smart media and helping AI virtual anchors be active in many media scenes. With the development course of AI virtual anchors as a clue and the application of AI virtual anchors in representative mainstream media including Xinhua News Agency，China Media Group and People’s Daily as the basis，the development motivation and application value of AI virtual anchors have been analyzed thoroughly in this report with the current situation and prospects summarized. It is suggested in this report that：the development of AI virtual anchors is in an acceleration period and innovation-driven development is still a key issue currently. Moreover，active application has been implemented in media，but without a good command of core technology. There are lots of limitations on non-independent research and development，which can “enhance efficiency” but cannot “reduce cost”. Meanwhile，the transmissibility and influence of AI virtual anchors with IP personalization and emotional value will gradually increase，and the “people-centered and content-driven” thinking is still an internal driving force for media development and the internal logic to be followed.