Coca-Cola, the Atlanta-based beverage company, faced sustained public criticism over its use of generative AI in holiday advertising. After a 2024 attempt to remake its classic 'Holidays Are Coming' spot with AI drew complaints that the visuals looked soulless and creepy, with characters appearing artificial and devoid of genuine emotion, the company released another AI-generated holiday ad in 2025 featuring anthropomorphic animals admiring its delivery trucks.
The follow-up campaign drew renewed scrutiny from viewers and trade press, part of a broader audience reaction against AI-generated imagery in major brand advertising during the 2025 holiday season. Commentators argued that the AI visuals prioritized production efficiency over the craft audiences associate with the brand's seasonal campaigns.
Coca-Cola was among several large advertisers whose AI-generated content became a focal point for criticism, as viewers increasingly flagged synthetic imagery and some competing brands began promoting human-made work as a selling point.
The episode highlights reputational risk for established brands experimenting with generative AI in high-visibility campaigns, where audience expectations and emotional associations are strong and missteps draw rapid public reaction.
Source: Ad Age - https://adage.com/events-awards/aa-5-ai-brand-fails-and-lessons-for-marketers/