GenAI propels Coca-Cola Christmas ad, but critics aren’t pleased at all
Many artists believe that the art world is currently witnessing the decline of artistry due to the rise of AI art. While some argue that AI can be beneficial, they contend that generating art through AI does not qualify as true artistry. In fact, AI art is “oddly inhuman” according to novelist Stephen Marche.
Coca-Cola has been a catalyst for social interaction and inspired innovation since its birth at a soda fountain in downtown Atlanta in 1886. The company has aimed to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love, to refresh them in body and spirit. And done in ways that create a more sustainable business for people’s lives, communities and our planet.
The brand’s ‘Holidays are Coming‘ ad has been a staple on screens since it was first released in 1995, but last year’s update caused uproar with viewers and critics. Despite a massive amount of outrage when they released their AI Christmas ad last year, Coca-Cola has decided to do it again for 2025.
Hollywood writer Alex Hirsch even went as far as to condemn the advert by saying: ‘Coca-Cola is red because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists,’ but whether or not it was because people liked the ad or were just curious about it, the ad was seen as a commercial success.
With that in mind, the company decided to do it again for their 2025 campaign, highlighting how far AI has come in the past year.
Speaking on the new ad, Global VP and Head of Generative AI at Coca-Cola, Pratik Thakar, told The Hollywood Reporter: “Last year we decided to go all in, and it worked out well for us, consumer engagement was very high.
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“Yes, some parts of the industry were not pleased we were using a 100% Generative AI film, but that’s part and parcel of doing something pioneering. We understand that concern. But we need to keep moving forward and pushing the envelope,” Thakar added.
This year’s ad sees the famous Coca-Cola truck driving through different towns and locations as a number of animals from seals to pandas look on.
Another wrote: “[To the] 2025 AI slop cheap Coca-Cola commercial: You will *never* be 1990’s festively warm and comforting Coca-Cola Christmas commercial.” A third said: “It looks good, but [not gonna lie], the way it feels is so different. I feel like the essence of Christmas is not there.”
