5 of the Biggest AI Ad Snafus So Far
Brands promoting ads utilizing artificial intelligence and tech capabilities have faced challenges in resonating with audiences. Despite the efforts of major brands like Levi’s and Toys R Us, as well as tech giants such as Google and Apple, their attempts to integrate AI into their marketing strategies have often missed the mark.
Google's "Dear Sydney" Ad
Google's 60-second ad, "Dear Sydney," featuring a father and daughter interacting with AI, received criticism for being tone-deaf and overshadowing human effort with technology. Despite the negative backlash, the ad scored well in emotional resonance, but elicited a negative response when AI was introduced.
Apple's "Crush!" Commercial
Apple's iPad Pro commercial, "Crush!," depicting the destruction of creative tools, sparked discontent within the creative community. Many viewers interpreted the ad as a reinforcement of fears about AI overtaking human creativity. System1 gave the ad a low score, noting that audiences were confused about its message.
Toys R Us' Generative AI Brand Film
Toys R Us created a brand film using generative AI, featuring its late founder, which led to backlash from the creator community. Despite the controversy surrounding the film's creation, Kantar's analysis found it to be impactful and likely to aid in long-term brand building.
Levi’s Partnership with Lalaland.ai
Levi’s partnership with AI company Lalaland.ai faced social media backlash, with critics questioning the brand's commitment to diversity. The decision to use AI-generated models was criticized as lazy and potentially harmful to job opportunities for diverse models. The use of AI in this context raised concerns about perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Baggu and Collina Strada Collaboration
Sustainable brand Baggu's collaboration with Collina Strada raised eyebrows due to its use of AI-generated imagery. The intersection of AI technology and diversity in advertising sparked conversations about the implications of using AI to create realistic models and its impact on inclusivity in the industry.
