Ask Reddit: What Do Marketers Think About Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas Ad?
Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Christmas ad has people in the marketing and advertising world talking.
With an iconic brand reviving its 1995 commercial (only this time with AI) during the holiday season, it’s no surprise that opinions are split. After diving into the conversation on Reddit’s advertising community, the reactions reveal a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and frustration.
You can read the full thread below, but if you're not active on Reddit, but here's what stood out to me in the conversation.
Lets get a discussion going around Coca-Cola's AI-generated Christmas ad
byu/devinpickell inadvertising
Is it creative innovation or just PR hype?
A recurring sentiment on Reddit was that Coca-Cola’s use of AI wasn’t so much about advancing creativity as it was about generating headlines.
Some argued that the ad lacked emotional depth and relied too heavily on the novelty of AI to grab attention. For a brand that touts campaigns about “real magic” and “real connections,” the move felt disjointed.
Others acknowledged that AI has a place in creative industries but pointed out that it needs to add something new and meaningful to the process, not just serve as a gimmick.
My takeaway
AI in advertising is exciting, but if it’s going to be used, it needs to deliver more than a talking point. It has to enhance creativity, not replace it with novelty for novelty’s sake.
Execution missed the mark: “Uncanny valley” strikes again
One of the biggest criticisms was the ad’s visual style, which left many feeling unsettled. The AI-generated imagery fell into the dreaded “uncanny valley,” with characters and scenes that looked lifeless and unnatural. Some described it as “off-putting” and even “unwatchable,” suggesting that the execution failed to evoke any holiday warmth or nostalgia.
This was actually one of the most common criticisms about the ad from commenters on my TikTok video below:
@devinchicago Coca-Cola revived their iconic ad from the 1990s, only this time they made it entirely using Gen AI 👀 #advertisingtiktok #marketingtok #generativeai ♬ original sound - devin
For a company known for setting high creative standards, this felt like a misstep to many. As one Redditor put it, “This is the kind of thing you expect from someone experimenting with AI tools, not a billion-dollar brand during the holidays.”
My takeaway
If the visuals take the audience out of the experience, the story is lost. For AI to truly work in advertising, it needs to create connection and familiarity, not alienation.
Budget cuts or creative shortcut?
Many Redditors speculated that this ad wasn’t about innovation but rather a way to cut costs. With big brands facing increasing pressure to do more with less, some saw Coca-Cola’s decision as a symptom of a broader industry trend: sacrificing creativity to save money.
One commenter noted, “This is what happens when budgets get slashed—brands go for what’s ‘good enough’ instead of what’s great.” While a few defended the move as a strategic test of AI’s potential, the majority viewed it as a compromise that devalues the creative process.
My takeaway
If this was about saving money (I don’t necessarily believe it was), it’s a tough pill to swallow. Great advertising builds emotional connections, and cutting corners on creativity risks diluting that bond with your audience. AI can’t just be a cheaper option—it has to be the right option.
Missed opportunity for AI to truly shine
One of the most interesting points in the Reddit discussion was that Coca-Cola may have missed a chance to showcase what AI can really do. Instead of using AI to recreate something old, why not use it to create something groundbreaking?
Several Redditors suggested that Coke could have released both an AI version and a traditional high-budget version to spark conversation and let the audience compare.
By relying solely on AI, some felt Coca-Cola limited its ability to show how AI can complement—not replace—traditional creativity. As one user said, “AI isn’t the problem here. It’s the lack of ambition in how it’s being used.”
My takeaway
AI has enormous potential in advertising, but it should be used to explore new creative frontiers, not just retread familiar ground. If brands want to use AI, they should aim to surprise and inspire, not just experiment for experimentation’s sake.
Let’s be for real. Does the audience even care?
A surprisingly common thread was whether the average viewer even noticed or cared that the ad was AI-generated. For most consumers, the takeaway is simple: “Coke exists; buy it.” While marketers and creatives were quick to critique the execution, many pointed out that the general audience probably isn’t paying attention to these details.
One Redditor summed it up: “The ad did its job—it reminded people Coke is still here. Whether it’s good or bad is secondary to its main purpose.” While that might work in the short term, others argued that leaning on AI could erode the emotional resonance that has made Coke’s holiday ads iconic.
My takeaway
I’m mixed.
On one hand, sure, the ad probably kept Coke top-of-mind, but is that enough? When you’re Coca-Cola, the bar is higher. The brand’s holiday campaigns have always been about creating an emotional connection, and AI shouldn’t be an excuse to fall short of that legacy.
On the other hand, it’s very easy for marketers and advertisers to complain in our echo chambers. The target consumer is what we should care about, and if this ad, AI-generated or not, nudges them toward purchasing a Coke or reminds them of the nostalgic ad from the 1990s, that’s a win for Coca-Cola.
Final thoughts: bold move, but did it deliver?
AI is a tool, not a solution. When used thoughtfully, it can enhance creativity, push boundaries, and open new possibilities in advertising and creative. But if it’s just a shortcut to save time or money, it risks falling flat.
Coca-Cola’s experiment is a reminder that even the most advanced tech can’t replace storytelling, connection, and emotional resonance—the core of great advertising. That being said, the tech is still generally immature, and in 2-3 years we may not even trust our own eyes when it comes to AI-generated content versus real life content.
What do you think—was Coke’s AI ad a creative step forward or a missed opportunity? Let’s discuss.
