Coca-Cola's decision to embrace generative AI for its recent Christmas advertisement has ignited a spirited debate across the internet, showcasing the tension between technological innovation and cherished holiday tradition. The campaign, which reimagines the brand's iconic "Holidays Are Coming" truck parade with entirely AI-generated visuals—sometimes featuring animals instead of people—is a bold move to modernize its festive storytelling. While some praise the company for pushing creative boundaries and demonstrating the speed and visual sophistication of AI tools, others have criticized the ad as "soulless," "creepy," and lacking the authentic human warmth that made the original campaigns so beloved. Despite mixed public reception, the beverage giant is clearly committed to exploring this new medium, signaling that AI-driven content is likely to become an enduring part of large-scale advertising, even for the most nostalgic of brands.
BBQ - To what extent is this reliance on AI a sustainable and beneficial marketing strategy for a global brand like Coca-Cola?
