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The world of work has changed a lot over the last few decades. One of the most exciting shifts is the rise of virtual assistant services. These services have allowed businesses, entrepreneurs, and even large organizations to get reliable support without needing in-office staff. But how did virtual assistants start, and how have they grown into a global industry?
In this blog, we will walk through the history of virtual assistants, answer key questions about their invention, and look at the statistics that show their impressive growth.
When Was the First Virtual Assistant Invented?
The idea of a virtual assistant did not begin with today’s popular AI systems or business support services. In fact, the concept started in the early 1990s. The first known “virtual assistant” role came from home-based secretaries and administrative professionals who offered their services remotely using computers, phones, fax machines, and the internet.
By the mid-1990s, advances in email and online communication gave rise to what we now call Virtual Assistants (VAs). These were not software programs but actual people providing remote business support. The official recognition of the VA industry is often traced to 1996, when the first professional virtual assistant networks began forming.
However, if we shift the question toward digital or AI-powered virtual assistants, the answer changes. The first digital virtual assistant is often considered IBM’s Watson prototype systems in the late 1990s and Apple’s Siri, which launched in 2011. Siri was the first mainstream AI assistant widely adopted by the public.
So, in short:
- Human VAs started in the 1990s.
- AI-powered VAs became mainstream with Siri in 2011.
Virtual Assistant Growth Statistics
The growth of the virtual assistant industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Let’s look at a few key statistics that show how much it has expanded:
Human Virtual Assistants (Business Services):
- The global virtual assistant industry (remote workers and staffing services) was valued at $4.12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a rate of over 22% annually in the coming years.
- Businesses are increasingly outsourcing tasks such as administrative support, customer service, content writing, social media management, and data entry.
- Over 59% of entrepreneurs and startups report hiring VAs to cut costs and focus on growth.
AI Virtual Assistants (Technology):
- The AI virtual assistant market (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.) is forecasted to reach $44 billion by 2027.
- Over 1.4 billion people worldwide already use some form of digital assistant daily.
- Voice-based assistants are growing fastest in industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.
Remote Work Boost:
- These statistics show that both human-led and AI-powered virtual assistants are not only here to stay but will continue to expand rapidly.
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the adoption of both human and AI assistants. Remote collaboration became the norm, and businesses realized that VAs reduce costs by up to 78% compared to hiring full-time staff.
What Was the First Virtual Assistant?
If we talk about human virtual assistants, the first known professional VA was Anastasia “Stacy” Brice. She is often credited with pioneering the concept in 1996, when she began offering remote administrative support to clients. Stacy’s model of providing off-site secretarial services set the foundation for today’s global VA industry.
When it comes to AI virtual assistants, the first one widely recognized is Siri. Although IBM and other tech companies had earlier prototypes, Apple introduced Siri to the iPhone in 2011, changing how people interact with technology.
- Siri was quickly followed by Google Now (2012) and Amazon Alexa (2014).
- Today, we also have Cortana, Bixby, and ChatGPT-based assistants as part of the growing ecosystem.
So, depending on the context:
- Human VA: Stacy Brice in 1996.
- AI VA: Siri in 2011.
Who Invented Virtual Assistant?
The invention of virtual assistants depends on whether we are talking about human services or AI software.
- Human Virtual Assistants
- Stacy Brice, an entrepreneur, is widely credited with inventing the virtual assistant profession. In 1996, she began working remotely for clients and co-founded organizations that built the VA community. Her approach helped define the industry.
- Stacy Brice, an entrepreneur, is widely credited with inventing the virtual assistant profession. In 1996, she began working remotely for clients and co-founded organizations that built the VA community. Her approach helped define the industry.
- AI Virtual Assistants
- The digital assistant we know today was first created by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer, and Tom Gruber, the co-founders of Siri, Inc.
- Their project was later acquired by Apple in 2010, and in 2011, Siri became the first mainstream AI assistant on iPhones.
- Since then, major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have created their own versions.
- The digital assistant we know today was first created by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer, and Tom Gruber, the co-founders of Siri, Inc.
Thus, the human VA profession was invented by Stacy Brice, while the AI assistant was invented by Siri’s founding team.
The Growth Journey of Virtual Assistant Services
Looking at the history and progress, the VA industry has followed a clear growth journey:
- 1990s – Birth of Remote Work Support: Professionals started offering secretarial and admin services remotely.
- 2000s – Expansion of Online Business: The rise of e-commerce and online startups boosted demand for remote support.
- 2010s – AI Meets Human VAs: With Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, AI started handling personal tasks, while human VAs focused on specialized business roles.
- 2020s – Global Adoption: Remote work became mainstream, and both human and AI virtual assistants became essential for productivity and cost savings.
Today, virtual assistants are part of everyday life, from scheduling meetings and answering emails to controlling smart homes and managing entire business operations.
Conclusion
The history and growth of virtual assistant services show how far we’ve come—from simple home-based secretarial work in the 1990s to advanced AI systems in the 2020s.
- The first human VA role started in the mid-1990s with Stacy Brice.
- The first AI virtual assistant was Siri, launched in 2011.
- The industry’s growth statistics show booming adoption, with billions of users and billions in market value.
- The invention of VAs has been shaped by both entrepreneurial pioneers and innovative tech creators.
Virtual assistant services, whether human or AI, are no longer just tools. They are now a driving force behind modern business efficiency, digital lifestyles, and the future of work.
