5 AI Ad Disasters That Prove Humans Still Make the Best Creatives

5 Failed AI Ads That Prove Human Creativity is Still Superior

AI is increasingly present in advertising, but not every AI-generated ad hits the mark. In fact, some recent AI ads have been outright failures, reminding us that human creativity remains essential. Here are five standout examples where AI missed the creative target, proving that the human touch is still key in crafting compelling adverts.

01. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola’s 2024 festive campaign, "Holiday Magic is Coming," fell flat. Instead of capturing the warmth and nostalgia of past Christmas ads, it leaned heavily on clichés with a bland AI-generated feel. The Coca-Cola trucks and a tacky jingle felt soulless compared to the iconic 1995 Holidays are Coming spot, which is still considered one of the best Christmas adverts ever. Fans and creators alike expressed their disappointment sharply on social media.

02. Volvo

Volvo’s "Come Back Stronger" campaign, meant to mark its return to Saudi Arabia, relied on AI-generated clips with a grainy filter that seemed more like an excuse for low-quality visuals than a style choice. Despite a sentimental piano score and soothing voice-over, the ad came across as lazy and uninspired. While company leadership praised the use of AI for storytelling agility, many viewers called out the ad for lacking genuine creativity.

03. Vogue

Luxury brand Guess ran an ad in Vogue featuring an AI-generated model with a small disclaimer noting AI involvement. Created by the agency Seraphinne Vallora, which specializes in "artificial women that do not exist," the ad sparked criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and undermining the work of real artists. The flawless, overly polished model felt dystopian rather than aspirational.

04. Skechers

Skechers has repeatedly launched AI-driven ads that critics slam for glaring mistakes. From Gaussian-blurred images to strange anatomy, the visuals came off as soulless and rushed. The ads appeared in high-profile places like subway stations and fashion magazines, raising questions about the brand’s commitment to quality and human artistry. Commenters expressed disbelief that these AI errors made it to print.

05. Toys 'R' Us

The most infamous fail might be Toys 'R' Us’ AI-generated ad using OpenAI's Sora. The video tells the story of Charles Lazarus, the brand’s founder, entering a surreal dreamscape filled with candy-colored toys. The uncanny, unsettling visuals led to widespread backlash, with many viewers describing the ad as a final blow to cherished childhood memories. Comments highlighted an eerie, unnatural sheen on the AI-generated imagery that felt off-putting.

These examples highlight the current limits of AI in advertising. While AI tools can assist in the creative process, they still struggle to capture the nuance, emotion, and authenticity that human creators bring to the table. For creatives looking to stay ahead, understanding when and how to use AI — without sacrificing genuine creativity — is critical.

If you want to improve your skills in combining AI tools with human creativity, check out some AI courses designed for creatives that teach practical applications and best practices.