Coca-Cola’s 2025 AI-driven holiday ad sparks backlash for feeling soulless and raising concerns about jobs and authenticity.

Coca-Cola's 2025 holiday ad, a reimagined version of "Holidays Are Coming," has drawn widespread criticism for its heavy use of generative AI, with viewers calling it soulless and lacking the warmth of past campaigns. The ad, featuring animated animals and Santa, was created with AI tools to speed production and reduce costs, though critics argue it lacks authenticity and emotional depth. While the company claims improvements over last year’s version and emphasizes human oversight in music and direction, many consumers remain unconvinced, expressing concern over job displacement and the erosion of creative craftsmanship.