5 Marketing Campaigns You Didn’t Know Were Created by AI

An Inside Look into the Surprisingly Brilliant AI-Generated Campaigns that Fooled Us All

As artificial intelligence becomes more and more sophisticated, its impact on industries across the globe is undeniably significant. In the world of marketing, AI has slowly been integrated into various aspects of the profession, from data analysis to content generation. While some may argue that AI-driven campaigns lack the “human touch,” there have been several instances where AI-generated marketing strategies have achieved astounding results, going viral and leaving audiences impressed. Here are five marketing campaigns you didn’t know were created by AI, illustrating the growing power of this versatile technology.

1. Nutella’s “Unica” Campaign

In 2017, Nutella leveraged AI to create its “Unica” campaign, which aimed to produce a unique label design for each jar of Nutella sold in Italy. Powered by an AI algorithm, the campaign generated over seven million distinct patterns, colors, and designs, demonstrating the might of AI-driven creativity. Surprisingly, the algorithm created an array of visually appealing designs that resonated with consumers, making every Nutella jar a collectible item. Thanks to this clever marketing strategy, Nutella’s sales skyrocketed, leaving many unaware of the AI’s role in its success.

2. Lexus’ AI-Written Commercial

In 2018, Lexus partnered with IBM Watson to create a commercial for its new ES model. The AI system analyzed 15 years’ worth of award-winning car commercials to generate a script for a cutting-edge, emotionally engaging advertisement. The 60-second commercial, titled “Driven by Intuition,” showcased the Lexus ES while conveying a captivating story that audiences found both intriguing and memorable. Many viewers were stunned to learn that a machine, not a human, had crafted such a compelling and emotional storyline.

3. J. Walter Thompson’s “Next Rembrandt” Campaign

In a groundbreaking project by advertising agency J. Walter Thompson Amsterdam, the “Next Rembrandt” campaign aimed to create a new painting in the style of the Dutch master using AI technology. The team utilized 3D printing and deep learning algorithms based on an analysis of Rembrandt’s 346 paintings to generate a new artwork that mimicked his signature style. Upon its unveiling, the painting was praised for its striking resemblance to the master’s work, showcasing the power of AI to push the boundaries of art and marketing.

4. Taryn Southern’s AI-Generated Pop Album

Singer-songwriter Taryn Southern utilized AI-driven music platforms, such as Amper Music and IBM’s Watson, to generate an entire pop album titled “I AM AI.” While Southern wrote the lyrics and formulated the melodies, the AI software composed the backing tracks for her songs. The album garnered considerable attention and acclaim, proving that AI could successfully infiltrate the sphere of creative marketing campaigns.

5. AI-Generated Copy for Burger King Ads

In 2018, Burger King released a series of tongue-in-cheek, AI-generated commercials. The company trained an AI tool on thousands of hours of footage, resulting in hilariously nonsensical advertisements that went viral due to their quirky and amusing nature. While the ads’ content was intentionally absurd, the AI-generated copy demonstrated an ability to mimic human-like patterns and expressions, highlighting the technology’s potential role within the future landscape of advertising.

To conclude, AI-generated marketing campaigns have proven their ability to compete with — and sometimes surpass — their human-generated counterparts. As AI technology continues to advance, its role in shaping the world of marketing is unquestionable. While these five campaigns are just the tip of the iceberg, they exemplify the tremendous potential that AI holds to innovate and revolutionize the marketing industry