Coca-Cola’s AI-Generated Holiday Ad Falls Flat

Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ad is causing a stir, and it has everyone talking.

The company released the ad to pay homage to classic Coca-Cola ads from the past by bringing its iconic characters to life with AI.

AI-generated content has been a big topic lately driving debate around its use in everything from entertainment to advertising. The Screen Actors Guild has been particularly vocal about concerns over AI’s potential to replace actors. Last year, SAG-AFTRA members went on strike against Hollywood studios and streaming services because of the use of AI, citing concerns studios would use AI facsimiles of them in movies and television shows without adequate compensation.

During the 2024 presidential election, AI-generated content played a significant role in both political advertising and the spread of misinformation. In response, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considered requiring political ads to disclose if they feature AI-generated content.

Now, Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ad is adding fuel to the fire, as it attempts to revive the brand’s iconic characters. While the ad was intended as a tribute to nostalgic moments from the past, it has sparked backlash from some consumers who argue that AI-driven content lacks the "soul" of traditional, human-created ads. 

Related:Coca-Cola Introduces Its First Ever AI-Created Flavor

Some criticized the ad’s visual quality, but acknowledged that is the problem as one person posted “Christmas isn’t about artificial perfection. It’s about real family moments, genuine connections, the nostalgia of imperfect traditions and community coming together.”

Another said Coca-Cola “nailed the execution but missed the emotion. Christmas ads aren’t about perfection—they’re about what makes us human.”

Others voiced concerns that the company should have supported human artists instead of relying on AI for the campaign. 

Silverside AI created the ad and was charged with bringing back the classic Coca-Cola holiday ads using AI.

Silverside AI’s team used advanced technology and a team of art directors, artists, animators and musicians who worked together to bring the holiday classic back to life. 

“Their expertise preserved the nostalgic charm that’s been captivating audiences for nearly three decades,” the company said in a statement. “Originally, a project of this scale would have taken over 12 months, but with the help of AI, our talented team brought it to life in just two months.”

A Coca-Cola spokesperson told NBC in a statement that the company has captured the magic of the holidays worldwide for decades and that it is always exploring new ways to connect with customers and experiment with different approaches. 

“This year, we crafted films through a collaboration of human storytellers and the power of generative AI. Coca-Cola will always remain dedicated to creating the highest level of work at the intersection of human creativity and technology."

This isn’t the first time Coca-Cola has turned to AI in its business.

Last year the company used AI to help create a new flavor, Y3000, that evoked "how fans envision the future through emotions, aspirations, colors, flavors," the company said.