Why Coca-Cola’s AI Holiday Ad is Facing Major Backlash

Coca-Cola’s new AI-generated holiday ad has surprised fans—but not in the way they’d hoped. Many remember the magic of the original 1995 “Holidays Are Coming” ad, with its iconic lit-up trucks and festive music. This year’s ad tries to update that classic, but fans on social media have been quick to call it "soulless" and "cold." For a brand known for its warmth, this digital creation feels disingenuous.

Coca-Cola’s European CMO, Javier Meza, explained that while they didn’t plan to use AI from the start, they eventually saw it as a way to modernize the classic ad for today’s audience. The AI approach was meant to speed up production and stay current with technology trends. Yet, fans feel it missed what made the original special—the genuine, human touch that brought people together.

The internet has been buzzing with criticism, with many people saying Coca-Cola could have used real actors and artists instead of AI. Some fans even vowed to skip Coca-Cola this season, upset that such a beloved brand would choose tech over tradition. It’s a reminder that holiday ads often mean more to people than other campaigns—they connect us to past memories and loved ones.

This reaction shows a growing tension around AI in creative work. While AI saves time and money, it can’t replace the feeling people bring to their work. Especially during the holidays, it’s clear that many of us still look for ads that feel real and warm.