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Will CGI replace traditional advertising?

Will CGI replace traditional advertising?

A marketer's guide to navigating through the never-ending innovations of Gen AI & CGI.

The internet is flooded with Studio Ghibli images generated by ChatGPT-4 and the strange part is, this is not just a passing trend! Brands can now replicate Studio Ghibli’s signature animation style —without hiring an army of animators.

But with so many AI-powered tools and CGI innovations rolling out every second, marketers face a pressing dilemma: What should they focus on? Let’s break it down.

The Rise of CGI: From Sci-Fi to Social Media

Once upon a time, advertising was all about shooting in exotic locations, renting expensive sets, and coordinating with temperamental celebrities. But now, with CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and Generative AI, brands can whip up an entire campaign without stepping out of their offices. From hyper-realistic product videos to surreal storytelling, CGI is no longer an emerging trend; it’s here to stay and merge into our lives.

CGI’s rise can be traced back to Hollywood’s obsession with visual effects. However, as computing power grew, so did CGI’s accessibility. What was once reserved for blockbuster movies is now used in everyday brand campaigns. Today, even Instagram reels feature high-end CGI, thanks to user-friendly tools like Runway ML, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion.

ChatGPT’s Image Generation vs. CGI: What’s the Difference?

ChatGPT’s image-generation tools, such as DALL·E, create static AI-generated images based on text prompts. These are ideal for concept art, social media visuals, and quick creative ideas. On the other hand, CGI involves complex 3D modeling, animation, and rendering—allowing brands to create interactive, high-quality video content, product visualizations, and immersive experiences. While both are AI-driven, CGI is more advanced in motion-based storytelling and photorealism.

The best approach is to integrate both in your marketing campaigns as it helps deliver state-of-art production with minimum budget!

How Indian Brands Are Using CGI & Generative AI

Global brands like Maybelline New York are going all out by integrating CGI in it’s product launches for SuperStay Lumi Matte foundation, SuperFluff, Sky High Mascara and continues to create stunning advertising with CGI.

Indian brands are quickly catching up with global CGI trends. Some are creating immersive product experiences, while others are pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Here are a few noteworthy examples:

Ajio, a fashion retail giant, launched House of Ethnics with an eye catching CGI video ft Taj Mahal. Ajio also keeps on sharing CGI videos for various content buckets like – celebration posts and festival posts.

Delivery giants like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto never fails to ride any trend that comes out of the AI universe, be it the Ghibli wave or Miniature food videos that unfailingly catches your attention.

And brands are just getting started!

Navigating the CGI Overload: What Should Marketers Focus On?

With CGI and AI tools evolving at lightning speed, marketers often wonder: Should I invest in AI-generated influencers? Or become a Prompt Engineer? Should I keep tracking ChatGPT updates and ride on every trend? How do I stand out in the flood of CGI-heavy content?

Here’s the strategy:

  • Prioritize Storytelling Over Spectacle: CGI storytelling Over Spectaclehould enhance the narrative, not replace it. Even the best visuals fall flat without an engaging brand story.
  • Keep It Budget-Friendly: CGI is often more cost-effective than traditional production, but costs can skyrocket with unnecessary complexity. Focus on essentials.
  • Ensure CGI Aligns with Brand Identity: A hyper-realistic CGI elephant might look cool, but does it serve your brand’s purpose?
  • Experiment with AI-Driven CGI Tools: Play around with tools like Kaiber AI, Synthesia, Freepik, Vertex CGI, etc to see what aligns with your brand’s needs.

The Cost Factor: Is CGI Cheaper Than Traditional Ads?

One of the biggest advantages of CGI is cost efficiency. Traditional ad films demand significant budgets due to celebrity endorsements, set designs, and post-production costs. CGI skips the drama (and the price tag).

CGI brings wild ideas to life—without location shoots or set construction headaches. With CGI, you’re not limited by location, props, or even reality itself. Want a sneaker to walk on water? A soda can to dance? A car to transform mid-air? No problem. CGI makes it all possible under budget!

Integrating CGI into Monthly Social Media Strategy

So, how can marketers incorporate CGI into their social media game?

  • 3D Product Demos: Instead of static images, use CGI to create 360-degree product views.
  • AI-Powered Brand Mascots: Virtual brand ambassadors like Coca-Cola’s ‘Sprite Boy’ can now be created with AI.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) Filters: Make your brand interactive with AR-powered Instagram and Snapchat filters.
  • AI-Generated Video Ads: No shoot? No problem! AI can generate promotional videos with realistic CGI elements in minutes.
  • Create CGI-based festive posts during major cultural events.

The Future of CGI in Indian Advertising

As CGI technology advances, we can expect:

  • More brands creating AI-powered virtual influencers
  • Seamless integration of CGI with AR/VR for immersive brand experiences
  • AI-generated ad scripts, music, and voiceovers replacing traditional production elements
  • Expect more brands to tap into nostalgia-driven CGI storytelling to create memorable campaigns.

Indian brands have a golden opportunity to lead the CGI revolution. The key? Adapt quickly, experiment fearlessly, and never forget the core of great advertising—storytelling.

Welcome to the future. It’s cinematic, it’s immersive, and it’s CGI-driven!

Feeling overwhelmed by the CGI revolution? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Whether you’re still wondering where to begin or simply don’t have the time to juggle a million AI tools, NEM Digital is here to save the day.

We specialize in crafting stunning CGI and Gen AI-powered content that doesn’t just look cool but also drives real engagement. No more stressing over evolving AI trends—leave that to us while you focus on running your actual business operations.

Drop us a line at smile@nothingelsematters.in, and let’s bring the best of Gen AI into your brand’s advertising and marketing.