Tag: Generative AI

  • Google AI: Judge doubts spam update hits AI content

    Google AI: Judge doubts spam update hits AI content

    This week, the SEO world is buzzing with activity: a judge questions Google’s monopoly on AI content, a spam update pulls the rug out from under automated publications, and the old debate about geotargeting flares up again. Let’s break down what this means for your cache, especially in the context of Google AI.

    Legal Battles: Google AI and “Unfair” Content Usage

    A federal judge questioned Google’s practice of using web content for its AI overviews, calling it “grossly unfair.” This jeopardizes the current “traffic in exchange for content” model.

    Details of Penske Media vs. Google Case

    • During the antitrust hearing for Penske Media, Judge Amit Mehta questioned whether Google’s AI overviews could be considered a “product improvement.”
    • Digital Content Next CEO Jason Kint quoted the judge, who called the situation “really unfair” and noted that the improvement is being developed “at the expense of publishers.”
    • Judge Mehta has not yet ruled on Google’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

    “Publishers have no control over how Google uses their content,” Kint noted, emphasizing that opting out of Google indexing is not a realistic choice for publishers dependent on search traffic.

    Google Spam Update: A Blow to AI Publications

    Although Google has not officially stated that it is targeting AI-generated content in the August spam update, reports from website owners indicate problems for automated publications. Is cheap AI content worth such risks?

    Initial Observations and Conclusions

    • Roger Montti collected examples where fully automated sites lost visibility, while resources using AI with human refinement suffered less.
    • These are currently anecdotal reports, not official confirmation of changes in Google’s algorithms.
    • Google released the S-CTS system to detect coordinated synthetic abuse on video platforms, but this is not related to Google Search.
    • The mere fact of AI authorship is not a reason for a drop in rankings. Google’s policy concerns large-scale content created to manipulate rankings, regardless of the author.

SEO consultant Takuma Oka warns that his sample is small and the conclusions are not definitive. What matters is not the AI itself, but the method and purpose of mass production.

SEO vs. GEO: What John Mueller Says

John Mueller from Google once again commented on the “SEO vs. GEO” discussion, clarifying that there are no special requirements for generative AI answers in search. That is, testing hypotheses cheaply does not mean that basic principles can be forgotten.

Nuances for AI Answers

  • Mueller stated that Google sees nothing special that needs to be done for generative AI answers in search.
  • This applies to Google Search, not to ChatGPT, Perplexity, or other AI systems.
  • If you are already optimizing your site for Google, Mueller does not offer a new technical checklist for AI overviews.

Dan Akedju summarized: “The fundamentals are the same. The extraction level is different.” This is a key point: favorable CPM only when the platform’s features are taken into account.

AI Recommendations: Brands are Recommended, but Others are Cited

New data shows that a brand recommendation in an AI answer does not guarantee a direct link to your site. This affects ROI and requires a review of metrics.

Shero Commerce Analysis

  • Shero Commerce analyzed 1,851 citations in Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
  • Brand-owned pages received only 2.8% of citations.
  • When a brand was recommended by name, its own page received a citation in only 31% of cases. Third-party resources were often cited.

Aleyda Solis emphasized: “Your brand may be recommended in the answer… while the citation (and click) goes to a magazine or marketplace.” This means that the cost of uniqueizing one video or the price of generating 100 AI videos should pay off not only with mentions but also with direct links.

ChatGPT and Reddit: Complex Citation Dynamics

Promptwatch data showed a sharp drop in Reddit’s citation share in ChatGPT in mid-August, but new tests show that Reddit still plays an important role in the information extraction process.

Google AI: The judge doubts, the spam update hits AI content — illustration 2

Variability of ChatGPT Behavior

  • In one query, ChatGPT purposefully searched for information on r/whatnotapp: out of 71 extracted pages, 48 were Reddit threads, and 6 out of 8 final citations went to the subreddit.
  • Four days earlier, Suganthan Mohanadasan found that ChatGPT extracted 84 Reddit threads for another query but did not cite any.

Mohanadasan summarized: “Reddit citations were not simply ‘turned off.’ They seem to be query-dependent.” This demonstrates that price comparison of various sources and their citability is a dynamic process and requires constant monitoring.

Conclusion: Visibility vs. Value – New Metrics

This week, it became clear that visibility and real value are beginning to diverge. Publishers share information, but don’t always get traffic. Brands receive recommendations, but links go to others. Reddit may be a data source for AI, but not appear in final citations. “AI visibility” is becoming too broad a concept, requiring more precise metrics to assess ROI.

It’s important not only to be indexed, but also to get a mention, a citation, a click, and ultimately, a conversion. How much money will each dollar spent bring – that’s the main question. Re-evaluate your strategies and metrics to avoid wasting your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “unfair” use of content by Google AI?

Judge Amit Mehta opined that Google, by using publishers’ content for its AI overviews without adequate compensation or control from publishers, creates an unfair advantage, as publishers cannot opt out of Google indexing without losing traffic.

Is Google’s spam update really targeting AI-generated content?

Google has not officially confirmed this. However, according to reports from website owners, resources that use fully automated content generation have lost visibility. At the same time, sites where AI content was refined by humans suffered less. The focus is on large-scale content created to manipulate rankings, regardless of the generation method.

What does John Mueller advise regarding SEO for AI answers?

Mueller states that there are no special requirements for generative AI answers in Google Search. If you are already optimizing your site for Google, no additional technical checklists are needed for AI overviews. However, it is important to remember that different AI systems extract and select sources differently.

Why might a brand be recommended by AI, but the link goes to another site?

Shero Commerce research showed that AI systems often recommend brands by name, but cite third-party resources (e.g., magazines or marketplaces) instead of the brand’s official pages. This means that brand visibility does not always convert into direct clicks and traffic to your resource.

How has ChatGPT’s behavior regarding Reddit citations changed?

Data shows that Reddit citations in ChatGPT have become more complex and depend on the specific query. In some cases, Reddit is actively used and cited, in others, a lot of data is extracted, but there are no citations. This indicates the dynamism of algorithms and the need for constant analysis of sources that AI systems prefer for specific topics.

  • Full-Cycle Video Production: How AI Tools Are Changing Content Creation by 2026

    Full-Cycle Video Production: How AI Tools Are Changing Content Creation by 2026

    In the field of full-cycle short video production and integrated promotion, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming not just an assistant, but a key element capable of saving time and resources. However, to gain real benefits, it is important to choose the right tools. We will look at 11 proven solutions for creating texts, images, videos, and optimizing workflows, as well as their pricing policies.

    AI-powered content creation tools use algorithms to generate text, visual, audio, or video content based on given prompts. This allows teams to create materials faster and in larger volumes. The generative AI market is growing rapidly, with its volume projected to reach $394.66 billion by 2026, and AI-driven content will become one of the defining trends in social media.

    While AI primarily generated text in the past, by 2026, most tools have become multimodal and workflow-oriented. They can create drafts, develop designs, edit videos, and integrate into existing systems. These solutions can be divided into five categories:

    • Text writing and copywriting
    • Image generation
    • Video and audio
    • Presentations and design
    • Workflow management platforms

    Notable examples include ChatGPT, Midjourney, Jasper, Canva, and Hootsuite’s AI tools, which are now part of Perch in Hootsuite Social OS.

    Why does business need AI in content production?

    AI tools help marketers create, optimize, and scale content with less effort. They are indispensable for brainstorming, drafting, and performing routine tasks. Let’s look at four key benefits that should be integrated into your workflow:

    Time savings: from routine to strategy

    The most obvious advantage is time savings. 51% of content specialists already use AI to speed up production. AI takes on small, routine tasks, allowing your team to focus on strategic goals. For example:

    “I use AI to group tweets from my company’s blog articles,” shares Chelsea Hensley, Social Media Strategist at Visme. “For platforms like X/Twitter or Threads, this is extremely useful for repurposing already written (and approved by our team!) content into short tweets and threads.”

    Formatting is another easy win. “I can input my existing content or ideas and ask AI to format it into a bulleted list or even a neat table, which would take hours to do myself,” Hensley says. “Formatting is a great way for an SMM specialist to use AI.”

    Idea Generation: Breaking Through Creative Blocks

    Even the best brainstormers sometimes hit a wall. AI can kickstart the process to keep your team from slowing down. You still bring the strategy and creativity, but AI provides a starting point by generating prompts, angles, or post ideas that you can refine. Sometimes, the first batch of suggestions is all it takes to spark an idea you wouldn’t have otherwise reached.

    Content Scaling: More Reach with Less Effort

    AI helps teams produce more content without significantly increasing the workload. Instead of starting from scratch every time, marketers can repurpose existing content into multiple formats. One blog post can quickly become an X thread or a video script for Snapchat.

    For large companies, this opens up opportunities to enter new markets. AI tools can translate content in minutes, simplifying the adaptation of campaigns for different languages and regions without a separate production cycle for each. Small teams feel this no less.

    Полный цикл видеопродакшн: как ИИ-инструменты меняют создание контента к 2026 году — illustration 2

    When asked how AI helps her do more as a “one-person team,” Hensley replies: “THAT is the right question. Since many social media managers work alone, having AI to help with drafting and repurposing content is crucial… With AI, I can turn tedious, time-consuming tasks into quick solutions.”

    Platform Optimization: Improving Visibility

    Similar to Google and other search engines, social platforms have their own SEO rules. If you’re just learning to optimize content, AI tools can help. They suggest keywords, hashtags, and caption structures that improve the display of your content in feeds and search results. The result is posts that are easier for the right people to find.

    AI Tools for Content Creation: A Detailed Overview

    The best AI tools for content creation help social media specialists brainstorm, generate text, develop visuals, and edit videos in minutes. We’ve grouped them by category so you can jump to the one that matches your needs.

    AI for Text Writing and Copywriting

    These tools handle drafting, editing, repurposing, and maintaining brand tone. They are the foundation of most content creation workflows.

    Hootsuite: AI Assistant for Social Media

    • Features: Hootsuite’s AI capabilities are now integrated into Perch – the content, planning, and publishing app within Hootsuite Social OS. You input a prompt, and it transforms it into social media captions, post ideas, and content variations that can be scheduled without leaving the platform. What sets it apart from regular chatbots is context: the AI is trained on Hootsuite’s social media methodology, combining a powerful language model with content formulas based on over a decade of social marketing experience.
    • Best for: Teams that need to replace an SMM team or outsource social media content, and connect AI content creation with planning, publishing, analytics, and approvals in a single window.
    • Limitations: Designed specifically for social content, so it’s not suitable for creating long blog articles or technical documentation.
    • Pricing: Standard – $99/user/month, Advanced – $249/user/month. Enterprise – custom pricing. A free trial is available.

    ChatGPT: A Versatile Assistant

    • Features: Can create human-style content, including social media posts, blog articles, plans, and scripts. The latest models also generate images and support custom GPTs, allowing teams to create versions tailored to their brand’s context.
    • Best for: General drafting, brainstorming, and research support.
    • Limitations: Full drafts from scratch often sound generic, and factual or historical data always require verification against primary sources.
    • Pricing: There is a free tier. Plus – $20/month, Business – $20/user/month (when paid annually).

    Claude: For Working with Large Documents

    • Features: Helps generate ideas and create content using conversational prompts. It operates on a Constitutional AI system, designed to provide safer and more reliable responses.
    • Best for: Working with long documents, synthesizing research, and technical content.
    • Limitations: Not designed for end-to-end content production, and summaries still need human review before publication.
    • Pricing: There is a free tier. Pro – $20/month, Team – $25/user/month (when paid annually).
  • Jasper: for a consistent brand tone

    Copy.ai: for sales and marketing

    AI for image generation

    These tools work with visuals, from stylized concept art to ready-made templates.

    Midjourney: for stylized visuals

    Canva: for quick branded designs

    AI for video and audio

    Video remains the most resource-intensive format on social media. These two tools significantly reduce production time.

    Descript: for editing long videos

    InVideo: for creating short videos from text

    AI for presentations and design

    Compiling reports and presentations takes up a significant part of a marketer’s week. Beautiful.ai helps create polished slides quickly.

    Beautiful.ai: for creating presentations

    Free AI tools for content from Hootsuite

    Not every task justifies a subscription. Hootsuite offers free AI content creation tools that you can use right now, without signing up. Here are three of them worth bookmarking.

    Hootsuite also offers a range of other free generators, each with its own free plan and no sign-up required: Instagram Post Idea Generator, TikTok Post Idea Generator, Facebook Post Idea Generator, LinkedIn Post Idea Generator.

    Limitations of AI in Content Creation: What You Need to Know

    The main limitation of AI in content creation is that these tools work with existing information. This means they cannot reliably produce up-to-date research, original ideas, or genuine creative judgment. Knowing the boundaries of AI makes it useful, not risky. Here are five limitations to consider:

    1. Lack of up-to-date research: AI cannot always provide the latest data.
    2. Lack of expert opinions: AI is not an expert and cannot offer personal insights.
    3. Limited understanding of current trends: AI may lag behind the freshest trends and demographics.
    4. Lack of fresh case studies: AI is not always capable of providing current industry examples.
    5. Lack of creative judgment: AI cannot offer genuine creative judgment.
  • TikTok and Hollywood: Agreement to Protect AI Content

    TikTok and Hollywood: Agreement to Protect AI Content

    The company ByteDance, which owns TikTok, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This agreement aims to protect the intellectual property of Hollywood stars and franchises from deepfakes that are massively appearing on the platform. In an era of rapid development of generative AI, the issue of copyright protection is becoming critically important for the entire entertainment industry.

    What happened?

    In February, the MPA, representing the largest Hollywood studios, sent TikTok a letter demanding that it stop using intellectual property to train AI models. The trigger was viral videos where deepfakes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fought each other.

    Now ByteDance has committed to implementing “robust protective mechanisms” to comply with copyright laws. This is an important step that demonstrates the platform’s readiness for dialogue with rights holders.

    Details of the agreement

    The memorandum is based on updates to the generative models Seedream 5.0 Pro and Seedance 2.5. ByteDance will collaborate with the MPA when integrating these models into TikTok, CapCut, and the joint venture TikTok USDS.

    MPA CEO Charles Rivkin emphasized: “The agreement confirms that copyright is the cornerstone of the film industry and strengthens our commitment to protecting creative content.”

    AI content will remain

    Despite the pressure, TikTok will continue to invest in generative AI. Seedance is already used for brands and even for film festivals. The agreement with the MPA only ensures that crossovers with popular characters will be created legally.

    Recently, TikTok also struck a major deal with Disney, opening new opportunities for content integration. This confirms the platform’s strategic direction toward developing creative tools.

    TikTok и Голливуд: соглашение о защите ИИ-контента — illustration 2

    Frequently asked questions

    Why did the MPA send a letter to TikTok?

    Due to the widespread distribution of deepfakes featuring Hollywood actors and characters created using ByteDance’s AI models.

    Which AI models are affected?

    Seedance and Seedream are generative models by ByteDance used to create videos and images.

    Will AI content disappear from TikTok?

    No, TikTok will continue to develop generative AI for brands and creative projects, but with respect for copyright.

    What does this mean for users?

    Users will see fewer deepfakes with famous characters, but will get more legal AI content from brands and studios.

    Stay tuned for updates to learn how TikTok’s AI policy will change. Subscribe to our news to not miss important events!

  • Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Every major social network is run by a tech giant, and in the era of AI content, this has become especially noticeable. Snapchat is the latest platform trying to balance monetizing generative AI with preserving “authenticity”. New Spotlight rules introduce a complete ban on fully AI-generated videos, but the company is actively promoting its own AI tools.

    New Spotlight rules: complete ban on AI videos

    Snapchat has announced that fully AI-generated videos will no longer appear in Spotlight recommendations. This means creators of such clips will not be able to submit them or receive payments through the monetization program. The key word here is “fully”: videos partially created with AI are still allowed.

    “As low-quality, repetitive AI content becomes increasingly common online, we want Spotlight to remain a place where people can discover authentic creativity from real people,” the company said in its official blog.

    Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Why Snapchat isn’t abandoning AI entirely

    Despite the ban, Snapchat is actively promoting its own generative features: AI Lenses, My AI, AI Snaps, song generation from chats. The statement emphasizes: “We are not rejecting AI.” Content enhanced with built-in tools will remain in recommendations, but with transparency labels.

    “We know that for some, AI is an important part of the creative process, and we believe it can unlock new forms of self-expression,” — Snapchat.

    Context: what other platforms are doing

    Snapchat is not the first platform to tighten rules on AI content. YouTube has been fighting “slop” for several months and last month banned videos with AI “experts” in medicine and finance. LinkedIn added a button to report AI content, and Pangram data shows that up to 41% of LinkedIn content is LLM extrusion.

    Snapchat’s strategy: “video DNA” and bypassing bans

    For marketers and content creators, this is a signal: platforms are learning to distinguish “clones” from “originals.” Content repurposing is not just re-uploading, but deep reworking: changing the background, tone, structure. With AI tools, you can create dozens of variations of one creative, adapting them for TikTok, Shorts, and Reels without breaking the rules.

    Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use AI to create videos on Snapchat?

    Yes, but only as a supporting tool. Fully generated clips will not pass Spotlight moderation and will not receive payments.

    How to bypass the ban in advertising using repurposing?

    Create creative variations: change the background, voice tone, subtitles, angles. This reduces the risk of a ban and increases the effectiveness of A/B tests.

    Should I order a new video or repackage an old one?

    If the budget is limited, repurposing is more profitable: one webinar can be turned into 50 clips for different social networks. It’s cheaper than shooting from scratch and faster.

    Snapchat bans fully AI-generated videos in Spotlight but promotes its own AI tools

    Conclusion

    Snapchat is balancing between “authenticity” and its own AI tools. For creators, this is an opportunity: use AI to speed up work, but add a “human” layer. Adapt content to each platform, test different variations, and remember: algorithms love uniqueness.

    Ready to repackage your videos? Start small: change the background, add subtitles, re-voice. And you’ll see your reach grow.

  • MIPCOM Cannes 2025: Micro-Series and Vertical Content to Become the Main Theme

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025: Micro-Series and Vertical Content to Become the Main Theme

    The organizers of MIPCOM Cannes have announced that in 2025, micro-series and vertical content will receive the status of one of the key directions of the business program. The decision was made against the backdrop of the rapid growth of this segment: according to MIPCOM, vertical storytelling has transformed from an experimental format into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the entertainment industry.

    Why Micro-Series Have Become a Priority for MIPCOM

    According to MIPCOM Director Lucy Smith, the vertical content market is attracting more and more investment, and platforms, producers, and technology companies are moving from experiments to scalable business models. “The focus is shifting to repeatable formats, international licensing, and new revenue sources,” the organizers’ statement notes.

    Key Speakers and Participants

    At MIPCOM Cannes, which will take place from October 12 to 15, 2025, two headliners specializing in vertical storytelling will speak:

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025: Micro-Series and Vertical Content to Become the Main Theme
    • Anthony Zuiker — creator of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise, recently appointed “Chief Crime Officer” of the Cinemalistics platform, which produces vertical true-crime content using generative AI. Zuiker is also writing a micro-series for GammaTime — a vertical platform founded in 2025 by former Miramax CEO Bill Block, ex-Google Gaming head Slava Mudrykh, and Quibi veteran Alex Montalvo.
    • Anatolii Kasianov — co-founder and co-CEO of the Ukrainian company Holywater, which owns the vertical app My Drama. In October 2024, Holywater received investment from Fox Entertainment with a commitment to release over 200 new micro-series, including 40 shows from moral content creator Dhar Mann.

    The organizers promise to announce additional speakers later.

    New Formats and Platforms for Micro-Series

    MIPCOM is introducing several innovations focused on vertical content:

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025: Micro-Series and Vertical Content to Become the Main Theme
    • Special social spaces for participants interested in micro-series.
    • An updated networking platform with a separate “vertical content” category — it will operate in parallel with existing speed matchmaking sessions for scripted and unscripted content.
    • An invitation-only Global Microdrama & Vertical Leaders’ Summit (details to be announced later).

    Additionally, MIPCOM is partnering with the podcast The Media Odyssey for a special recording dedicated to the era of premium vertical television. The episode will be hosted by Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet, with guests including RoseBerry Media co-founders Guy Hamieri and Lior Friedman.

    Organizers’ Opinion

    “What was just emerging trends a year ago — vertical storytelling, the creator business, AI production — today attracts investment, forms scalable models, and becomes an important part of the global content economy. MIPCOM Cannes is designed precisely to bring together established media companies, creators, technology businesses, and investors for new partnerships and commercial opportunities,” said Lucy Smith.

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025 promises to be a key platform for discussing the future of micro-series and vertical content. Participants will not only be able to listen to industry leaders but also establish business contacts in specialized zones. Stay tuned for announcements — the program will be expanded.

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025: Micro-Series and Vertical Content to Become the Main Theme

    Ready to dive into the world of vertical storytelling? Mark the dates on your calendar and follow updates on the official MIPCOM website — exclusive sessions, networking with market leaders, and inspiring case studies await you. Don’t miss the main event of the year for content creators!

  • Christopher Nolan Calls AI a ‘Trojan Horse’ with Transparent Walls

    Christopher Nolan Calls AI a ‘Trojan Horse’ with Transparent Walls

    Christopher Nolan Calls AI a ‘Trojan Horse’ with Transparent Walls

    Director of ‘The Odyssey’ Christopher Nolan, in an interview with YouTube blogger HugoDécrypte, compared artificial intelligence to a Trojan horse. According to him, everyone knows that ‘the Greeks are inside,’ but the technology is so transparent that its suspiciousness is obvious. Nolan noted that he has never seen a technology develop so quickly while being so widely rejected by the public, especially young people. Young people immediately call AI videos ‘AI slop’ and send them to the ‘black box.’

    Techno-skepticism as a Healthy Reaction

    Nolan considers such skepticism ‘very healthy’: technologies always offer great gifts, but they need to be viewed critically. ‘The motives of those who give them to us should also be evaluated skeptically. Only then will we get the best from new technology, not blind faith that everything will be wonderful,’ the director stated.

    Christopher Nolan Calls AI a 'Trojan Horse' with Transparent Walls

    AI in Hollywood: Threat and Protection

    Although Nolan did not specify the threats from AI, the technology remains a concern in Hollywood. It became one of the main topics of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. The Directors Guild of America, which Nolan leads, included protection against generative AI in the latest contract.

    The director himself is known for techno-skepticism: he does not use smartphones, and ‘The Odyssey’ was the first film shot entirely on IMAX film. ‘I consider myself a techno-skeptic,’ Nolan told The New York Times. ‘Film represents the world better than any digital system. I constantly adopt new technologies, but they are often sold at the expense of old, still viable systems. In my industry, we almost threw the baby out with the bathwater—we nearly lost film!’

    Christopher Nolan Calls AI a 'Trojan Horse' with Transparent Walls

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does Nolan call AI a ‘Trojan horse’?

    The director uses the metaphor to emphasize that AI, like the Trojan horse, may carry a hidden threat. However, he adds that it is a ‘transparent horse’—everyone sees the danger, especially the younger generation, which immediately rejects AI content.

    How does Nolan feel about technology in cinema?

    Nolan calls himself a techno-skeptic. He prefers film to digital, does not use smartphones, and believes that new technologies often displace old ones, even though the latter can be equally effective. At the same time, he admits that he constantly adopts innovations, but with caution.

    Christopher Nolan Calls AI a 'Trojan Horse' with Transparent Walls

    Conclusion

    Christopher Nolan has once again confirmed his status as Hollywood’s leading techno-skeptic. His metaphor of the ‘transparent Trojan horse’ accurately describes society’s attitude toward AI: we see the threat but cannot always resist it. Have you already seen ‘The Odyssey’? Share your opinion in the comments!

  • AI UGC Advertising: What It Is and When to Use It

    AI UGC Advertising: What It Is and When to Use It

    AI UGC advertising is short advertising in a user-generated format: talking head, simple frame, conversational tone, everyday presentation, but created using generative AI rather than a real author. This format is cheaper and faster than real author video at scale, requires disclosure in some cases, and is better suited for apps, online stores, and quick tests.

    AI UGC is a convenient term for searching, but in Russian it’s better to say: AI advertising in a user format. This is not a real customer review or a real author’s video. It is synthetic advertising material that uses the familiar style of user-generated videos.

    It is important not to deceive the audience. If the material looks like a real person, real review, or real author, the brand must understand the requirements for disclosure, rights to image and voice, as well as ethical risks.

    How AI UGC is Created

    The process usually consists of five parts.

    Stage What Happens
    Script A short conversational text is written
    Character A synthetic face is created or selected
    Voice Voiceover is generated or a licensed voice is used
    Additional Footage Product, interface, or packaging shots are added
    Editing Everything is assembled into a short video

    Formats:

    • talking head;
    • product demonstration;
    • “I tried it” without claiming real experience;
    • problem explanation;
    • comparison of old and new methods;
    • short testimonial style;
    • reaction to the product.

    You cannot use a real person’s face or voice without consent. You cannot pass off a synthetic review as a real customer review.

    What VibeVO Can Do in AI UGC Format

    VibeVO can produce AI advertising in a user format at scale: talking heads, short explanations, product demonstrations, videos with synthetic characters, overlays, voiceovers, and versions in different languages.

    Important: such material should not be passed off as a real review from an actual customer. The correct logic is to use the user style as a convenient advertising format, but not to deceive the viewer. If the video contains a synthetic person, voice, or image, it must be determined in advance whether disclosure is required and how it will be shown.

    Task What Can Be Produced
    App short videos “how it works”
    Online Store Videos for different products and categories
    Mascot Character explains product benefits
    Localization Versions in different languages
    Quick Test Dozens of variations of first frames and texts
    Overlays Short banners in user style
    Product Explanation Simple videos with conversational delivery

    This format is especially useful when you need to quickly get many variations, rather than spending a long time coordinating each real author.

    AI UGC vs Real User Video

    Criteria AI UGC Real Author
    Cost of options Lower at scale Higher with each new author
    Speed Faster Depends on the author
    Trust Lower if artificiality is visible Higher with a real author
    Text control High Limited by author’s style
    Localization Fast Requires authors or voiceover
    Legal risks Disclosure, likeness, voice Author rights, contract, revocation
    Best scenario Quick tests Trust and social proof

    AI UGC should not replace real people where trust is the main asset. But it works well when speed, volume, and testing different messages are more important.

    When VibeVO is better vs a real author

    Task Better with VibeVO Better with real author
    50 options in a short time Yes Difficult
    Localization into multiple languages Yes More expensive
    Trustworthy testimonial No Yes
    Mascot or synthetic host Yes Not necessary
    Personal customer experience No Yes
    Quick ad test Yes Sometimes
    High trust in personality No Yes

    If a brand needs a real social signal, it’s better to use a real author. If speed, volume, localization, and testing different messages are needed, VibeVO is more suitable.

    Illustration 1

    Disclosure Requirements

    In the EU, the AI Act transparency rules require that generative AI content be identifiable, and some types of AI content, including deepfakes, must be clearly labeled. These rules come into effect in August 2026.

    For AI UGC, this means: if a video contains a synthetic person, synthetic voice, or imitates a real user format, it is necessary to decide in advance how the artificial nature of the material will be disclosed.

    In the US, the rules are fragmented. New York has passed a law on the disclosure of synthetic performers in advertising, which is set to take effect on June 9, 2026. The Tennessee ELVIS Act protects against AI deepfakes and voice cloning. California’s AB 2655 concerns deepfakes in electoral contexts and the obligations of large platforms, not regular commercial advertising.

    When AI UGC Works

    App Install Campaigns

    For apps, speed of testing is important. AI UGC allows quickly creating options for:

    • “how it works”;
    • “why I switched”;
    • “what changed in a minute”;
    • “before / after”;
    • “three reasons to try it”.
  • Online Stores

    For products, you can quickly create:

    AI UGC реклама: что это и когда использовать — illustration 2
    Illustration 2

    Quick Tests

    AI UGC works well when you need to understand which idea resonates: price, convenience, speed, emotion, social proof, or a problem.

    Localization

    A synthetic video can be adapted to different languages faster, but the translation should be checked by a human.

    When AI UGC Doesn’t Work

    Situation Why It’s Bad
    Medical testimonial High credibility required
    Financial guarantee Legal risk
    “Real customer” testimonial Cannot pass off synthetic as real
    Luxury brand Artificiality can reduce value
    Complex emotion AI often loses to a real person
    Well-known expert Need a real expert and consent
    Political content High risk of manipulation and disclosure rules

    Common AI UGC Mistakes

    Strange facial expressions. Lips don’t match the voice, eyes look empty, face is too smooth.

    Too promotional text. The material is supposedly user-generated but sounds like a corporate slogan.

    No disclosure. The user thinks they are seeing a real person, but it’s AI.

    Illustration 3

    Resemblance to a real face. The synthetic character accidentally resembles a known person or employee without consent.

    Fake experience. The phrase “I used this for a month” is unacceptable if it’s not a real person with real experience.

    Incorrect voice. A synthetic voice may violate rights if it imitates a real performer.

    Ethical Distinction: AI UGC vs. Deepfake

    AI UGC can be ethical if:

    Deepfake in a bad sense is when AI content creates the impression that a real person said or did something they did not. That is why for synthetic people, voices, and user-generated formats, it is important to plan disclosure, rights, and verification in advance.

    Illustration 4

    FAQ

    Will viewers understand that AI UGC is “not real”? Sometimes yes. If facial expressions, voice, or text are unnatural, the audience quickly notices. But the main question is not “will they notice,” but whether the brand honestly discloses the synthetic nature of the material where required, and does not pass off AI as a real customer.

    Do you need to disclose AI UGC? In the EU — often yes, if it involves a synthetic person, synthetic video, voice, or deepfake-like material. In the US, the rules depend on the state, platform, type of advertising, and use of a person’s likeness. For international campaigns, it is better to plan disclosure in advance.

    Can you use the face or voice of a real person? Only with permission. You cannot use a person’s likeness, voice, facial expressions, or recognizable resemblance without consent. In the US, rights to image and voice are especially important, including laws like the Tennessee ELVIS Act.

    Conclusion

    AI UGC advertising is a powerful tool for quick tests, localization, and scaling advertising campaigns. However, its effectiveness directly depends on honesty with the audience and compliance with legal norms. Use this format consciously, without replacing real reviews where trust is critical.

    Ready to test AI UGC for your brand? Start small: create several video variations for one product and compare the results. Transparency and speed are your main allies.