Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas ad has turned a beloved holiday tradition into a “dystopian nightmare,” leaving viewers questioning the company’s commitment to authentic holiday cheer.
What were they thinking?
At a Glance
- Coca-Cola remade its iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Christmas ad using AI for 2024
- The AI-generated ad has sparked backlash, with viewers calling it “creepy” and “ugly”
- Critics argue the ad lacks emotion and authenticity compared to the original 1995 version
- Coca-Cola defends the use of AI, citing faster production and creative possibilities
- The controversy raises questions about the future of creativity in advertising
AI Replaces Tradition in Coca-Cola’s Christmas Campaign
In a move that has left many consumers bewildered, Coca-Cola has unveiled an AI-generated remake of its iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Christmas advertisement for the 2024 holiday season. The original ad, launched in 1995, has long been considered a hallmark of the Christmas season, signaling the start of festivities for many. However, the decision to use artificial intelligence to recreate this beloved commercial has sparked significant controversy and backlash.
The new 15-second commercial, created using Coca-Cola’s “Real Magic AI” software, features AI-generated visuals of the familiar red trucks delivering cola in a festive town. While the company aimed to update the ad “to today’s times,” many viewers have expressed disappointment and concern over the loss of emotion and authenticity that made the original so endearing.
Way to ruin the Christmas spirit with anti-human, soulless, computer-generated “art.”
The reaction to Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Christmas ad has been overwhelmingly negative, with viewers taking to social media to express their dismay. Critics have not minced words, describing the ad as “garbage,” “ugly,” and a “creepy dystopian nightmare.” The backlash highlights a growing concern about the impact of AI on art and creativity, especially in advertising.
“The world is so over if the Christmas Coca-Cola advert is made with AI,” one social media user sad.
I can't believe Coca-Cola's remade its iconic Christmas ad with AI https://t.co/2tcCbCp5Za
— Creative Bloq (@CreativeBloq) November 10, 2024
Coca-Cola’s Defense: Efficiency and Innovation
Despite the backlash, Coca-Cola stood by its decision to use AI in this high-profile campaign. Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola’s VP and global head of generative AI, emphasized the benefits of AI in terms of cost and speed, claiming it significantly reduces production time. The company collaborated with AI studios Secret Level, Silverside AI, and Wild Card to produce three versions of the ad for global distribution.
“We keep our roots in our heritage and what Coke is all about as a brand, but then connect the dots with the future and technology,” said Pratik Thakar.
Coca-Cola argues that AI allows for faster production and more creative possibilities, not just cost savings. The campaign also includes interactive elements, such as a website where users can create AI-generated snow globes and a virtual Santa Claus interaction via QR codes on Coke cans.
Not only is it soulless, but it robs talented artists of work opportunities with a legendary brand that simply does not need to save money.
Seriously, what were they thinking?
