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In today’s issue, we are covering:

• Google and Meta's AI-driven holiday ad strategies

• Meta’s new generative AI video

• How Americans are adopting AI at high rates

• AI's growing role in the music industry

• Why IKEA, LEGO, and Apple are pulling back the curtain

Let’s dive in!

Brands Are Wary of Google and Meta's Generative AI Holiday Ad Push

This holiday season, Google and Meta are pushing their new AI tools hard, but advertisers remain hesitant about creative control and brand consistency.

• Companies fear AI might miss the brand’s essence, making the creative output feel generic or off-brand.

• Early adopters may see efficiency gains, but widespread use is still a gamble as brands assess risks.

"The creative freedom that comes with AI could also be its downfall" – Read more

What this means to you: If you’re a growing brand, AI ad tools could save time and offer scalability. But if you value your unique brand identity, lean on human creativity to maintain authenticity. Test AI carefully and stay involved in the process to avoid losing that special brand voice your customers love.

What to watch for: Meta and Google are set to roll out even more generative AI features in 2024, and early results will shape next year’s ad landscape.

Meta’s New AI-Generated Video Push

Meta is ramping up its AI game, and this time it’s all about video. The goal? Help brands make video ads faster and cheaper using artificial intelligence.

• Meta’s AI video tools allow brands to craft highly personalized ads at scale, appealing to different audiences with minimal effort.

• While some see the benefit of quicker, cheaper video, concerns about quality and depth remain.

"Meta’s latest AI-driven video tech could be a game changer for video marketing" – Read more

What this means to you: For businesses using video ads, this is a chance to save time and money. But don’t sacrifice quality for speed. Consider integrating AI to generate ideas or drafts, but rely on your human team to polish the final product and ensure it aligns with your brand’s identity.

What to watch for: Meta will likely introduce more advanced tools, so keep an eye on how AI-generated video evolves in sophistication and creative potential.

Americans Are Using AI at High Rates

A recent study reveals that many U.S. consumers are using AI more often than expected, with applications in e-commerce, finance, and personal productivity growing rapidly.

• AI is reshaping industries like retail and customer service, with automation tools cutting costs and improving efficiency.

• Consumer behavior is changing, with more people relying on AI-driven recommendations and decision-making processes.

"AI is quickly becoming part of everyday life for millions of Americans" – Read more

What this means to you: As AI tools permeate everyday life, your customers are increasingly open to AI-driven experiences. This could be a great opportunity for businesses to enhance personalization, streamline operations, and optimize customer experiences using AI. Don’t be afraid to integrate AI into areas like customer service or marketing automation—just ensure transparency and quality control.

What to watch for: As AI use grows, expect a shift in customer expectations. Companies offering seamless AI experiences will pull ahead.

AI’s Growing Role in the Music Industry

The Recording Academy is stepping into the AI music debate… with cautious optimism.

As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, industry giants are navigating how this technology fits into the creative landscape. Can AI create chart-topping hits, or will it disrupt the human-driven process?

• The Recording Academy is open to AI’s role in music production but insists that human creators must retain control.

• AI could help speed up production and enhance creativity, but there’s concern about losing the emotional connection that defines music.

"AI in music is an exciting frontier… but it can’t replace the human touch" – Read more

What this means to you: For brands in creative industries, AI can be an incredible tool to enhance productivity and spark innovation. But don’t rely on it to do the heavy lifting. Use AI as a creative partner, not a replacement. The heart of your brand—its emotion, story, and uniqueness—should still come from you and your team.

What to watch for: The lines between AI and human-created content will continue to blur, especially in marketing and media. Stay authentic, and don’t lose the human element.

IKEA, LEGO, and Apple: Why They’re Revealing the Inner Workings of Products

Transparency sells… just ask IKEA, LEGO, and Apple. These companies are winning customers by showing exactly how their products work.

• Consumers value brands that are transparent, building trust by showing how their products are created and the processes behind them.

• These strategies help turn customers into advocates, as they feel more connected to the products and the company’s story.

"Customers want to see behind the curtain" – Read more

What this means to you: Pull back the curtain on your business. Show your customers how your products or services are made. Share the processes, the stories, and the people behind the scenes. This level of transparency builds trust and strengthens your brand story. Consider leveraging content like behind-the-scenes videos, blog posts, or even social media stories to connect on a deeper level with your audience.

What to watch for: This transparency trend isn’t going away. Expect more brands to adopt “show, don’t tell” strategies.

Until next time, keep innovating!

Kofi

G. Kofi Annan

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