The 2025 Super Bowl saw artificial intelligence take center stage in advertising. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta invested heavily in AI-driven commercials. While these ads showcased the future of technology, audience reactions showed a preference for emotional storytelling.
Tech Giants Bet Big on AI
OpenAI made its Super Bowl debut with a high-budget, 60-second commercial. The ad illustrated the evolution of human innovation, leading to the rise of generative AI. "We wanted to show how AI can be a natural extension of human creativity," said an OpenAI spokesperson.
Google focused on its Gemini AI chatbot. The ad featured a small business owner using Gemini to generate product descriptions. However, controversy arose when the ad presented an inaccurate statistic about Gouda cheese consumption. "AI can be helpful, but it needs fact-checking," wrote CNN in its review,
Meta took a different approach. It promoted its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses with celebrities Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, and Kris Jenner. The ad humorously highlighted the glasses' ability to identify artwork and provide instant information. "AI is blending into everyday life more than ever," said a Meta executive.
Sentimental Ads Still Rule
Despite the AI buzz, emotional ads stole the show. Budweiser's commercial, featuring a newborn Clydesdale foal, ranked highest among viewers. "People connect with heartfelt stories more than tech," noted a marketing expert.
Data from Ad Meter confirmed this trend. The Budweiser ad topped the rankings, followed by a tear-jerking family-themed Toyota ad. In contrast, Google's AI ad landed in the middle of the pack. "Super Bowl viewers want entertainment, not just innovation," wrote People Magazine.
AI-driven ads may be the future, but for now, human emotion still wins the game