
What happens when marketing meets machines that look and act just like us?
AI has moved from powering algorithms in the background to becoming the face of the brand — literally. Hyper-realistic, AI-generated humans are now starring in ads, engaging audiences, and reshaping how we define authenticity. As these digital personas blur the line between real and artificial, they’re not just changing how content is made — they’re forcing us to rethink what feels genuine, what builds trust, and what crosses the line.
Our latest Faces of the Future study dives into how consumers actually respond to AI-generated humans in advertising — not just whether they work, but when they resonate, when they backfire, and why. Led by Professor. Dr. Stephen Schuster of Stuttgart Media University, the research draws on in-depth qualitative insights from focus groups across the UK and Germany. It explores the emotional triggers behind curiosity and discomfort, how labeling influences credibility, and what makes synthetic personas feel authentic — or not.
What we set out to explore:
Why does this matter?
Because AI humans aren’t a gimmick. They’re a seismic shift in how brands communicate. This research offers insight, direction, and a framework for using AI-generated humans ethically, creatively, and effectively — before the line between human and machine disappears completely.