Coca-Cola launched its 2025 holiday campaign this week, but instead of the warm nostalgia the company is known for, viewers are responding with disappointment and criticism. The beverage giant brought back its iconic red trucks for the seasonal ad, complete with twinkling lights and snowy scenes. However, the response has been far from festive.
According to Daily Dot, the backlash centers on one key detail: the commercial was created using artificial intelligence instead of human creatives. While the ad features familiar elements like shimmering snow, anthropomorphic animals, and glowing lights, many viewers say these AI-generated visuals lack the heart that made previous Coca-Cola Christmas commercials so beloved. The technology-driven approach has left audiences feeling cold rather than comforted.
Social media users were quick to express their frustration with the campaign. One user posted that the AI-generated commercial would never capture the warmth of the 1990s Coca-Cola Christmas ads that people grew up with. The sentiment was widely shared, with many describing the new ad as creepy and unsettling. Critics argued that what should have been a seasonal ritual now felt like a digital experiment that missed the mark entirely.
People are really not happy about this AI decision
The decision to use artificial intelligence for such a culturally significant campaign has sparked broader outrage about the role of technology in advertising.
Many viewers pointed out that Coca-Cola’s holiday commercials have been a cherished tradition for decades, evoking feelings of warmth and togetherness during the holiday season. By replacing human creativity with AI, the company appears to have undermined the very emotions it was trying to create.
The reactions on social media paint a clear picture of public sentiment. Users questioned why Coca-Cola would replace such a memorable ad format with artificial intelligence. One comment noted that the company seemed to be firing creative teams on Christmas by choosing technology over human talent. Another user shared their disappointment that the iconic imagery now felt hollow and lifeless.
The controversy over AI replacing traditional methods isn’t limited to advertising, as major retailers are also using technology to track customer behavior in surprising ways.
Even casual viewers who may not typically critique advertising expressed concern about the lack of humanity in the new commercial. The consensus among critics is that the ad feels more like a tech showcase than a heartfelt holiday message. The anthropomorphic animals and festive scenes that once brought joy now appear artificial and unconvincing when generated by AI.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between technological advancement and creative authenticity. While AI tools are becoming more sophisticated, this campaign suggests that audiences still value the human touch in storytelling and advertising.
For a brand like Coca-Cola, which has built its holiday reputation on emotional connection and tradition, the shift to AI-generated content represents a significant misstep. The backlash comes at a time when consumers are showing strong preferences for authentic, traditional holiday items.
Published: Nov 5, 2025 02:15 pm