The world of advertising is rapidly evolving, and AI is leading the charge. Recently, a betting platform called Kalshi made headlines by airing a completely AI-generated advertisement during the NBA Finals. What’s even more remarkable? The ad cost a mere $2,000 to produce. This wasn’t your typical polished commercial; it was a quirky, surreal montage of bizarre scenes, all generated using Google’s new text-to-video tool, Veo 3.
This low-budget ad showcased the potential of AI in streamlining the advertising process. Created by AI filmmaker PJ Accetturo, the ad involved generating various short clips using text prompts in Veo 3. Accetturo’s process involved writing a script, using Gemini to create shot lists, inputting those into Veo 3, and then assembling the final product with standard video editing software. The entire process took only two to three days and resulted in a cost savings of 95% compared to traditional ad production.
The ad itself was a visual spectacle of unexpected imagery. Viewers were treated to scenes like an elderly man with a chihuahua, people swimming in a pool of eggs, and an alien enjoying a beer. The content played on the absurdity of AI-generated imagery, while still managing to highlight Kalshi’s betting platform through its focus on various betting topics, from the NBA finals to egg prices.
This experiment is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the accessibility and affordability of AI video generation tools like Veo 3, opening the door for smaller companies to create professional-quality ads. It also highlights the evolving nature of advertising, where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent. The fact that this ad aired during a high-profile event like the NBA Finals shows the technology’s growing maturity and acceptance.
With the rapid advancements in AI technology, we can expect to see even more AI-generated ads in the near future. The Kalshi ad serves as a compelling case study, illustrating both the possibilities and the potential challenges of this new frontier in marketing. The question now is: will this approach become the norm, or will it remain a novelty?
