Coca-Cola’s AI-Generated Christmas Ad Sparks Controversy and Backlash

Coca-Cola has stirred up controversy with its latest Christmas commercial, which was created entirely using artificial intelligence. The ad, a 15-second recreation of the iconic “Holidays are Coming” campaign that first debuted in 1995, marks the company’s first-ever use of generative AI in a TV Christmas campaign. The video includes a disclaimer in small print, “created by Real Magic AI,” referencing Coca-Cola’s AI software.

The AI-generated nature of the ad has led to a wave of criticism online. Many viewers have expressed disappointment, particularly over the absence of Santa Claus, a beloved figure traditionally associated with the brand’s festive campaigns. Some fans claim that using AI in the ad has ‘killed off’ Santa Claus, as none of the three holiday ads prominently feature him, only showing his hands briefly.

The backlash is evident on social media platforms and the YouTube comment section of Coke Zero‘s page. Users have described the ad as ‘soulless,’ ‘creepy,’ and ‘dystopian.’ Comments include calls for Coca-Cola to fire its AI team, with one user stating, “Real magic is firing your advertising team for Christmas and using AI-generated slop.”.

Despite the negative reaction, a Coca-Cola spokesman defended the use of AI, stating that it demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and staying true to its core values of spreading happiness and creating real magic.