Strip away McDonald’s signature color, tone, rituals and humor (let’s not forget the jingle!), and you’re left with something that simply doesn’t feel like McDonald’s. Layer AI on top of that, and the work reads less like a holiday campaign from a global icon and more like a tech demo. The problem here is holding the idea and execution apart. Strategy lands a great insight, hands it to a concept team—and somewhere toward the end someone says, “Why not make this with AI?” But this approach overlooks how people actually experience brands—in their final, polished form.
Welcome to the future, folks! A future where your cheeseburgers might be advertised by robots instead of humans. Yes, you heard that right! McDonald’s has reportedly started using AI-generated advertisements, and let’s just say, the results are… well, mildly infuriating.
Picture this: you’re cruising down Mahoning Ave in Austintown, Ohio, when you spot a McDonald’s billboard that looks like it was whipped up in a hurry by a caffeine-fueled algorithm. The font is all wrong, the colors clash, and the overall vibe? Let’s just say it’s not quite the ‘I’m lovin’ it’ aesthetic we’ve come to expect.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “AI? Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying ‘we’re too cheap to hire a graphic designer’?” And you wouldn’t be wrong! But before we dive deeper into the rabbit hole of AI advertising, let’s take a step back to appreciate the classic McDonald’s advertising style. You know, the one that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like a Big Mac wrapped in a cozy blanket.
For reference, the fourth picture shared in the Reddit post shows a genuine McDonald’s ad. It’s polished, it’s professional, and it’s got that signature McDonald’s charm that makes you want to dive headfirst into a pile of fries. So, when you compare it to the new AI-generated posters, it’s like comparing a gourmet meal to a sad microwave dinner.
But why is McDonald’s turning to AI in the first place? Well, it’s all about efficiency, my friends. In a world where time is money, and money is… well, also money, companies are looking for ways to cut costs. AI can churn out ads faster than you can say “extra pickles, please!” But at what cost?
Let’s talk about the ‘AI-esque’ look these new ads have. They’re like that one friend who shows up to a fancy dinner in sweatpants—out of place and just a tad embarrassing. Sure, they might have some interesting ideas, but at the end of the day, you’re left wondering if they even know what a good burger looks like.
Now, I’m not saying that AI can’t be useful. It’s great for data analysis, chatbots, and even making some pretty slick music. But when it comes to the fine art of advertising, especially for a brand as iconic as McDonald’s, maybe we should leave it to the humans. After all, who better to capture the essence of a Big Mac than someone who has, you know, actually eaten one?
In conclusion, while it’s fascinating to see how AI is making its way into the world of advertising, let’s hope McDonald’s doesn’t forget the golden rule: nothing beats the human touch. So, to all you AI enthusiasts out there, let’s keep the robots in the kitchen where they belong—cooking up fries and making our lives easier, not creating ads that leave us scratching our heads. Until then, I’ll take my McDonald’s ads with a side of human creativity, please!
Inspired by: “McDonald’s using AI generated advertisements (pic 4 is a genuine McDonald’s advertisement for refer…” (r/mildlyinfuriating)