Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas: AI Automation Gone Too Far?

Coca-Cola, a brand synonymous with holiday cheer, is facing criticism after unveiling an AI-generated Christmas promotional video.
The ad, created by three AI studios—Secret Level, Silverside AI, and Wild Card—features familiar holiday imagery: snow-covered streets, smiling families in scarves, and the iconic red Coca-Cola trucks.
It was intended as a modern homage to the beloved 1995 commercial, Holidays Are Coming.
However, many viewers found it lacking the heartfelt essence of the original, calling it “soulless” and “devoid of creativity.”
This video isn’t Coca-Cola’s first foray into AI-driven content.
Earlier this year, the brand released “Masterpiece,” another AI-created ad, and announced partnerships with artists to blend traditional and AI-driven artwork.
While Coca-Cola states that these initiatives aim to explore the intersection of human creativity and technology, the holiday ad has ignited a heated debate about AI’s place in creative industries.
Critics, including artists and creators, argue that relying on AI for projects like this undermines human artistry.
Alex Hirsch, creator of the Disney series Gravity Falls, expressed his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “FUN FACT: Coca-Cola is ‘red’ because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists!”
Others echo concerns that AI threatens the livelihood of artists and that its training often involves using existing works without proper credit or compensation.
In response, a Coca-Cola spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to combining human creativity with technological advancements.
The backlash highlights a broader tension in the creative world: can AI truly replicate the emotional resonance of human-made art, or does it merely imitate it?
For Coca-Cola, the decision to lean into AI raises a question for the future of advertising.
Will brands prioritize efficiency and innovation over authenticity?
As this debate unfolds, it’s clear that the balance between technology and tradition will continue to shape how companies engage their audiences.
Read more – “Coca-Cola causes controversy with AI-made ad” via NBCNews.com.
Other sources:
- Forbes. “Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas Ad Sparks Online Debate.”
- Coca-Cola Company. “Official Statement on AI Advertising.”
- X (formerly Twitter). “Alex Hirsch’s Reaction to Coca-Cola AI Ad.”