Running ads is one of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of marketing. Traditionally, you’d need photographers, copywriters, designers, videographers, and weeks of production time. Generative AI flips this model on its head—giving small businesses the same creative firepower as global brands, but without the hefty price tag.
To show how powerful this is, let’s look at real-world campaigns where global brands have already tested AI in action.
Real-World GenAI Ad Campaigns
1. Heinz’s “AI Ketchup” (2022)
It all started when Heinz asked AI to show what “ketchup” looks like. Even without mentioning the brand, the AI kept producing images of Heinz’s signature bottle. This simple idea exploded—over 850 million impressions worldwide—because it highlighted the brand’s identity in a fun, tech-forward way.
For small businesses: Imagine asking AI to show “the perfect cup of coffee,” “the coziest salon,” or “the friendliest plumber.” You’d instantly have scroll-stopping visuals that tie to your business identity—no photo shoot required.
2. Coca-Cola’s AI-Generated Holiday Ads (2024)
Coca-Cola reimagined its iconic Christmas ads with AI visuals. The campaign sparked conversation about nostalgia, technology, and what makes ads feel “human.”
For small businesses: Even if you don’t have Coca-Cola’s budget, AI lets you remix your seasonal promotions year after year. You can generate holiday graphics, Valentine’s slogans, or summer-themed visuals in minutes. The lesson? Keep what works, then refresh it with AI instead of starting from scratch.
3. AI Influencers and Fashion Models (2025)
Fashion brands have moved beyond simply creating AI-generated models. Today, they’re blending AI with influencer marketing and user-generated content (UGC) to scale authentic campaigns.
Brands are now:
- Launching AI-powered influencers who look, act, and even “speak” like real personalities. These AI avatars can be styled in new collections instantly, reducing costs for photoshoots while still engaging fans in real time.
- Transforming UGC into ad-ready assets. With AI, everyday customers’ photos and videos can be cleaned up, enhanced, and styled to match brand guidelines—turning authentic social posts into polished ads at scale.
- Personalizing campaigns by micro-segment. AI can generate hundreds of ad variations with different models, captions, or influencer avatars tailored for specific audiences (e.g., teens in LA vs. professionals in New York).
This shift keeps costs low and output high, while preserving the authenticity consumers want. Instead of paying tens of thousands for a single influencer shoot, brands can now collaborate with customers directly, then use AI to multiply that content into a full campaign.
For small businesses: You don’t need a global runway show to play this game. Imagine taking selfies your customers already share and turning them into professional-looking ads—AI can make that happen in minutes. You can also create a virtual brand ambassador who never sleeps, always posts, and keeps your brand in front of audiences 24/7.
4. Virgin Voyages’ “Jen AI” (2023)
Virgin Voyages teamed up with Jennifer Lopez to launch “Jen AI,” letting customers generate personalized cruise invites. It was interactive, personal, and shareable.
For small businesses: You don’t need a celebrity to copy the idea. With AI tools, you can send customized messages or videos to customers: “Hey Sarah, here’s a birthday discount just for you!” Personalized ads get more clicks, and AI makes it possible without manual labor.
5. Kalshi’s AI-Driven “Disney Approved” Campaign (2025)
Kalshi, the event derivatives platform, pushed boundaries by placing an AI-generated ad during a premium slot: the NBA Finals. The video titled “The Disney approved our insane AI ad to run during the NBA Finals” showcases how the brand used generative AI to create a high-impact, eyeball-grabbing advertisement.
Here’s what makes Kalshi’s approach instructive:
- High visibility with lean production: Instead of organizing a full-scale commercial shoot, Kalshi leveraged AI creation to produce a bold, attention-grabbing advertisement.
- Brand daring meets narrative luster: Because the ad aired during a marquee event (NBA Finals), it signaled confidence and innovation. The “Disney approved” tagline adds a narrative hook—people will stop and ask, “Wait, how’d they do that?”
- Amplified social buzz: Beyond the broadcast, the video gained traction on social media, with people sharing and dissecting its execution and what it meant for AI in advertising.
For small businesses: you don’t need the NBA Finals. You do need the mindset. Think about using AI to produce a standout promo—then amplify it where your audience already is (social media, local events, digital billboards). The goal isn’t to match Kalshi’s scale—but to use generative tools to punch above your weight.
Why Small Businesses Should Care
Cost Savings – Skip expensive shoots and creative agencies. AI creates graphics, videos, and copy at a fraction of the cost.
Speed – Launch ads in hours instead of weeks. AI can instantly generate multiple versions, so you stay on top of trends.
Personalization – Speak directly to different customer groups. AI can tailor ads for moms, teens, or business owners without extra effort.
Creativity Without Limits – Want to see your logo on the moon? Or your tacos riding a skateboard? AI makes it possible—and memorable.
Practical Ways Local Businesses Can Use GenAI
- Visuals: Generate ad graphics, social posts, and even logos without hiring a designer.
- Videos: Create product explainers, how-to reels, or promotional clips instantly.
- Copywriting: Craft catchy taglines, ad copy, and email campaigns in seconds.
- Interactive Content: Send personalized video messages or offers at scale.
- Smarter Ads: Use AI insights to predict what customers want and where to place ads.
Conclusion
Generative AI levels the playing field. Local businesses can now produce ads that look like they came from Madison Avenue—without the Madison Avenue budget. The question isn’t if you should use AI in your marketing, but how soon you can start.
By blending creativity, speed, and personalization, GenAI gives small businesses the tools to compete with big brands and connect with their communities more effectively than ever before.
