Coca-Cola, the beverage company headquartered in Atlanta, became a focal point in a growing consumer backlash against AI-generated advertising after releasing another artificial intelligence holiday campaign. The Atlanta-based brand produced an AI-driven holiday spot featuring animated animals admiring its delivery trucks, returning to the format even after an earlier AI holiday effort drew criticism.
Rather than retreat following the reaction to its 2024 campaign, Coca-Cola released another AI-generated ad, a decision that drew renewed attention across social media. The episode fits a wider pattern in which large brands experimenting with AI-produced marketing content encountered public pushback over quality and authenticity.
Coverage of the backlash placed Coca-Cola alongside other major companies that faced criticism for AI advertising. McDonald's Netherlands pulled a holiday spot after viewers labeled it low-quality AI output, and fashion names including Vogue and Guess drew scrutiny for an AI-generated model ad with disclosure buried in fine print. H&M faced criticism after announcing AI digital twins of real models.
The reaction has prompted some brands to promote human-made work as a selling point, while others continue to lean into AI production for cost and speed. Coca-Cola's experience shows how a well-known consumer brand can attract sustained public commentary when audiences perceive AI-generated marketing as falling short of expectations.
Source: Inc. - https://www.inc.com/annabel-burba/the-ai-ad-backlash-is-here-and-big-brands-are-leaning-in/91285342