Coca-Cola has decided to revolutionize its iconic ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad with the use of AI technology. This new AI-generated version of the ad will replace the original one on UK TV screens this festive season. The 16-second ad will feature Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and a more diverse cast than the original, while still maintaining the familiar soundtrack, trucks, and wintery scenes.
This marks the first time that Coca-Cola has fully embraced AI technology to create an advertisement. European CMO Javier Meza explained that the brand wanted to bring the almost 30-year-old ad into the present day, and using AI was seen as an efficient solution to achieve this goal. By utilizing AI, Coca-Cola was able to save time and money in the creative process.
Despite the changes, Coca-Cola remains proud of the original ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad and its impact on consumers over the years. Meza emphasized the privilege of having a piece of communication that becomes ingrained in people’s lives. The brand conducted consumer testing on the new AI-generated ad, receiving positive feedback that gave them the confidence to move forward with the campaign.
In addition to the updated ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad, Coca-Cola will also be airing its 2023 festive ad, ‘The World Needs More Santas’. This ad performed exceptionally well last year, scoring 5.3 stars on System1’s ‘Test Your Ad’ platform. Despite its success, the original ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad from 1995 outperformed it, scoring a perfect 5.9 stars and ranking as the UK’s second most effective ad in 2023.
Meza highlighted Coca-Cola’s commitment to leveraging generative AI in its business operations, adopting a “dual velocity” approach to integrate this technology within the organization. This strategic focus on AI reflects the brand’s dedication to staying innovative and relevant in the ever-changing advertising landscape.
As Coca-Cola continues to evolve its marketing strategies with AI technology, it remains committed to delivering impactful and memorable campaigns that resonate with consumers. The decision to refresh the beloved ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad with AI demonstrates the brand’s willingness to embrace new technologies while staying true to its iconic heritage.
