The news: 22% of video ad creative was either built or enhanced using generative AI in 2024—a figure expected to nearly double (39%) by 2026, according to the IAB’s newly-released 2025 Digital Video Ad Spend Report.
- Smaller advertisers are leading this shift; they expect 45% of their videos will incorporate genAI by 2026.
- Nearly nine in ten buyers have either adopted genAI or plan to do so, with its use skewed toward affordable, scalable creative that meets performance goals.
- Top reasons for using genAI include tailoring ads for specific audiences (42%), modifying visual styles (38%), and optimizing contextual fit (36%). A third of marketers also use it to test incentives, localize content, or adapt to device types.
Zooming out: Major platforms are fueling the demand for genAI video.
- Meta recently expanded its Advantage+ suite with image-to-video tools and brand-consistent automation, claiming a 22% ROAS improvement.
- TikTok launched Symphony tools that turn prompts or images into native short-form videos. The new features are now integrated into Adobe Express and WPP’s creative systems.
- YouTube introduced automated tools to animate static assets and scale video personalization using product catalogs.
- Amazon reported a 30% lift in click-through rates on genAI-generated video ads and is now testing video placements in its Rufus AI chatbot.