AI slop ad backfires for McDonalds

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 12:56 am

McDonald's Pulls AI-Generated Holiday Ad After Backlash

McDonald's has withdrawn a Christmas commercial from YouTube following negative consumer reaction. The 45-second advertisement, titled "It's the most terrible time of the year," was created for McDonald's Netherlands and offered a satirical take on the holiday season. The ad depicted chaotic holiday scenarios, such as people struggling with gift bags and tangled lights, before suggesting viewers "ditch the madness" and seek refuge at McDonald's until January.

The ad was produced by TBWANEBOKO in collaboration with Sweetshop, with the directing duo Mark Potoka and Matt Spicer overseeing the project. While the ad agency stated that AI was used as a tool in the production, they emphasized that significant human effort was also involved.

The commercial sparked criticism, with viewers finding the ad distasteful and questioning its message. Some critics felt the ad emphasized negative aspects of the holiday season and that McDonald's was not a credible escape from such experiences.

This incident highlights a growing trend of major brands experimenting with AI-generated advertising. Coca-Cola, for example, has released AI-powered holiday ads for the second year in a row, despite artist pushback. Experts suggest that AI is being embraced to reduce costs in advertising. Other brands, including Google, Toys R Us, and Under Armour, have also produced synthetic ads.

Industry analysts believe that AI is changing the landscape of brand marketing. AI-powered search is projected to influence significant revenue in the coming years, and a growing number of consumers are using chatbots to discover brands. This shift could potentially boost McDonald's visibility within these platforms.

BNN's Perspective:

While the negative reaction to McDonald's ad is understandable, it's clear that AI is becoming a significant force in advertising. Brands will likely continue to explore AI-driven campaigns to stay competitive. The key will be balancing innovation with consumer sentiment and ensuring that the message resonates positively with the target audience.

Keywords: McDonalds, AI, advertising, holiday ad, commercial, YouTube, consumer backlash, marketing, Coca-Cola, synthetic ads, brand visibility, chatbot, AI-generated, TBWANEBOKO, Sweetshop, Mark Potoka, Matt Spicer, Netherlands, Christmas, AI-powered search

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