9 Best AI Advertising Examples

Leading brands are increasingly using AI for marketing campaigns. It speeds things up, brainstorms ideas you might never have thought of otherwise, and even edits visuals while you focus on strategizing. 

If you’re interested in adding AI to your marketing strategy, read on to learn about the best AI advertising examples and how to create ads with Captions.

The Effects of AI in Marketing

Artificial intelligence (AI) ads are reshaping marketing by effectively reaching audiences. Here are a few ways AI improves ads:

• Faster content creation — AI reduces the time it takes to turn an idea into a finished ad or video. Tools like Captions let you auto-generate scripts, apply subtitles, and even add AI voiceovers or B-roll, cutting out hours of manual editing.
• Smarter audience targeting — AI can help your message reach the right people. For example, it can analyze past behavior (what people click, watch, or share) and predict which content will perform best on different platforms.
• Personalized content — You can tailor ads to different audiences without building each version from scratch. AI can swap out voiceovers, product shots, and text variations based on audience data. Plus, it can study cultural preferences to ensure your ads match local interests.
• Creative experimentation at scale — AI lets you explore new and unconventional ideas without needing a big team. For instance, text-to-image and text-to-video generators can bring abstract concepts to life in minutes.
• Improved performance tracking — AI helps you understand ad performance. You can measure engagement metrics like click-through rates, watch time, and audience drop-off, and ask AI for ways to improve. Based on how viewers behave across multiple videos, it might suggest shortening intros or adding hooks earlier.
• Lower barriers to entry — With AI, anyone can produce high-quality content. All-in-one AI platforms like Captions let you ideate, create, and edit videos without using professional equipment or hiring extra help. If you have a smartphone, you can make content for your brand.

9 Examples of AI Advertising Campaigns from Big Brands

Some of the world's biggest companies use AI to tell stories, build brand awareness, and show what you can do with AI in advertising. Here are the nine best AI advertising campaigns.

1. Heinz Collaborated With Dall-E

Heinz ran an experiment asking DALL-E, a text-to-image AI tool, to generate images based on the word "ketchup." The results? Nearly all the outputs resembled Heinz's signature bottle shape, even though the prompt didn't mention the brand. Heinz turned this into a witty campaign, positioning itself as the "default" image of ketchup, as seen through the eyes of AI.

Why it worked

Heinz's campaign combined widespread recognition and visual storytelling. They let AI confirm what people subconsciously associate with ketchup — without the brand having to say it outright.

2. Coca-Cola Released Their “Create Real Magic” Holiday Campaign

Coca-Cola launched an interactive AI art platform using DALL-E and GPT-4. Fans could remix Coca-Cola visuals with their own prompts for the holiday to create digital greeting cards and other visuals. The soda giant showed the best creations in New York's Times Square and London's Piccadilly Circus on digital billboards.

Why it worked

Coca-Cola gave people access to the iconic bottle shape, the Spencerian logo font, and a Christmas-themed Coca-Cola Santa and polar bear. As a result, this campaign turned passive fans into active content creators. It didn't just talk about creativity — it invited people to participate, using the brand's designs as a foundation. 

3. BWM Launched an Advertising Campaign With Generative AI

BMW created an artsy advertising campaign using generative AI. They fed the model 50,000 images of artwork spanning 900 years of art history. Then, the brand had AI add virtual paint jobs to the then-newly-launched Series 8 Gran Coupe. BMW wanted to show how age-old approaches to art merge with modern tech and engineering.

Why it worked

In a way, BMW told people its latest car was a work of art. At the same time, the campaign helped the car company connect with younger audiences while maintaining an interest in art history and experimentation.

4. Netflix Used AI to Hyper-Personalize Recommendations

Netflix built an AI-driven recommendation system. By analyzing each viewer's watch history, browsing behavior, and search patterns, Netflix predicts what shows or movies they'll want to watch next. It also compares this data to patterns from people with similar tastes. This personalizes each person’s home page and encourages them to stay on the streaming site longer.

Why it worked

Netflix's quiet personalization keeps people engaged without overwhelming them with TV and movie options. It feels like Netflix knows what you want to watch before you do, creating a curated experience.

5. Starbucks Creates the AI Platform “Deep Brew”

Starbucks built its own AI engine, "Deep Brew," to personalize offers, predict inventory needs, and improve staff schedules behind the scenes. It didn't directly change the look of ads but made operations more intelligent.

Why it worked

Deep Brew made the Starbucks experience feel more consistent and personalized, even though customers didn't know AI was working in the background. Plus, it freed up staff to focus on service instead of manual tasks like inventory checks.

6. Meta Launched “AI Sandbox” for Advertisers

Meta introduced AI Sandbox, a suite of generative tools for advertisers. It automatically creates variations of ad copy, images, and layouts for different placements (like Instagram Stories or Facebook Feeds). Meta also calls Sandbox a "testing playground" for beta features, including other AI tools.

Why it worked

Sandbox gave brands and creators more flexibility to test ads without building every variation from scratch. It also provides early access to new AI features so you can see what might fit into your workflow.

7. Nike Created a Generative AI Campaign With Serena Williams

Nike used generative AI to simulate Serena Williams playing against her younger self — specifically, a 17-year-old Serena who won her first Grand Slam in 1999. The ad aired shortly after Serena retired, and Nike used real match data to visualize what that showdown would look like. They edited it into a cinematic video that felt like both an ad and a tribute.

Why it worked

The campaign, called "Never Done Evolving," told a human story through data. It highlighted Serena’s growth through the years and legacy as she approached the end of her career. At the same time, it reinforced Nike’s message of athletic excellence and evolution.

8. The Calm App Improved User Retention With AI Analytics

Calm used AI and machine learning to study how people interacted with the app — what they listened to, when they used it, and how often they returned. They processed the newfound data through tools like Amplitude and Amazon Personalize. These platforms allowed Calm to adjust notification timings and recommend sessions matching each user’s habits and needs.

Why it worked

Instead of offering everyone the same experience, Calm made each user feel like the app was designed just for them. People didn't have to search for what they needed. Instead, Calm gave them subtle nudges to match their moods and routines, making it easier to build a daily habit. This level of personalization kept people coming back.

9. Nutella Sold Unique Jars With AI-Generated Advertising Labels

Nutella used an AI design algorithm to generate seven million unique jar labels. Each was colorful, abstract, and limited edition. The jars were numbered and put on shelves in Italian supermarkets, where they quickly sold out. Nutella also created online and TV ads around the campaign.

Why it worked

Nutella's advertising campaign turned a common product into a rare collectible. People wanted to find "their" jar. Nutella tapped into exclusivity, increased brand awareness, and increased revenue by quickly selling seven million jars.

How To Use AI in Advertising: Tips for Better Ads

Use these strategies to create more creative, personalized, and effective ads using AI without overcomplicating your workflow.

• Generate ads — AI tools can quickly create professional video content based on text prompts, reducing the time and cost of production. Try tools like Captions to create posts that fit your AI marketing campaign goals.
• Find new ideas — AI can unlock surprising visual styles or script ideas you might not have considered, pushing your creative boundaries. For example, ask text-to-image or script generators for new short-form video concepts, and use those ideas to build new content inside Captions.
• Refine ad copy and messaging using AI — Small changes in ad copy can make campaigns much more effective. AI helps you brainstorm text faster and test more variations. Use generative AI in Captions to create multiple versions of a headline or description. Then, test which ones get the most traction and use a similar tone of voice for future campaigns.
• Make data-driven decisions — Reviewing past performance helps you understand what content works and where to change your strategy. Use the built-in AI analytics tools on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to find metrics such as watch time, click-throughs, and engagement. Based on these insights, adjust your ads accordingly.
• Personalize content for different audiences — Customized content speaks directly to each user's interests. When people feel like you make content just for them, they’ll find your ads more relevant, encouraging them to engage. Use AI to repurpose videos and edit them for various viewers in minutes.
• Make ads more accessible — Subtitles and clear audio make videos much easier to understand, especially on mobile or muted playback. With Captions, you can use the Online Video Enhancer to improve video clarity and the Add Subtitles feature to add on-screen text. Plus, you can translate videos into multiple languages to cater to a global audience.
• Design smarter ad funnels — Understanding and mapping the user journey helps you create content that meets people where they are, encouraging them to become customers. Use AI to identify drop-off points or common behavior patterns, then plan content that supports each step (awareness, interest, and decision).
• Stay updated on AI trends and tools — AI is evolving quickly, with new features and best practices changing every few months. Staying current gives you an edge and the chance to market your ads first. Follow creator communities and product updates from the tools you already use to learn what's new.

Create Standout AI Ads With Captions

Innovative advertising campaigns don't have to come from big brands. With AI changing how companies and creators approach ads, you don't need expensive equipment or tons of resources to make an impact on your audience. The best examples show the same thing: When used thoughtfully, AI can help you connect with people in ways that feel both smart and human.

With Captions, you can bring this level of innovation into your own content. Captions integrates powerful generative AI tools that let you create short-form marketing videos using AI-generated visuals, music, voiceovers, and even product shots — all in one place. Whether you're launching a campaign or just testing ideas, Captions makes it easy to turn prompts into publishable ads.