PR and Marketing News – August 2024
AI-generated ads and campaigns are the hot topic in PR and marketing circles (sometimes not getting it 100% right, as you can read below). Another buzzworthy topic is Oslo’s new destination campaign video. Here’s the latest PR and marketing news, freshly curated in the newest issue of our PR newsletter Headlines. Haven’t subscribed yet? Join the list.
NEWS BITES
Industry news, curated for you.
Toys’R’Us and Motorola Launch Campaign Videos Made Entirely With AI
It started with Toys’R’Us launching a new ad created using OpenAI’s Sora Tool in June, which received criticism for unrealistic scenes and numerous errors. Now, Motorola has launched an AI-generated campaign titled ‘Styled by Moto’ with an AI-generated soundtrack, showcasing their latest foldable smartphones in collaboration with fashion influencers and featuring a physical ‘Motorola Dress’. What do you think? Do these ads work, or do they feel odd?
Watch Motorola’s campaign or see if you can spot the errors in the Toys’R’Us video ad.
Luxury Hotel Company The Four Seasons Turns Viral Baby Moment into a Brand Story
When asked ‘Who wants to go to the Four Seasons Orlando?’ by her mother, 1-year-old Kate Wise enthusiastically responded, ‘Meeee!’ This moment went viral on TikTok, quickly reaching over 69 million views. In response, the Four Seasons welcomed the Wise family with VIP treatment and embraced Kate as their newest ambassador.
This move has not only reinforced the resort’s reputation as family-friendly but also enhanced its brand visibility.
Read more or watch the viral video (and the VIP treatment video)
Oslo Drops Sarcastic Tourism Ad – An Instant Classic
The VisitOslo marketing team seems to have fully embraced the adage that “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.” In their newest campaign video for Oslo, they attempt to attract travelers to the Norwegian capital by explaining how bad it is. “I wouldn’t come here, to be honest. Oslo is just not… I mean, is it even a city?” says the protagonist of the campaign. Despite—or perhaps because of—this approach, the campaign has already reached millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, making it an instant classic.
INSPIRATION
Ideas we enjoyed and think you will, too.
🎧 LISTEN
Podcast: Does the C-Suite Still Not Understand Public Relations?
This episode of Stories and Strategies for PR and Marketing discusses how PR and comms managers should have greater influence within organizations’ management teams.
Length: 19 min.
📽️ WATCH
TED Talk: What Will Happen To Marketing In The Age of AI?
To effectively leverage AI in marketing, you must understand whether you’re a right-brained or left-brained talent, says marketing expert Jessica Apothekers.
Length: 10 min.
📚 READ
Article: Google Reveals Its Methods For Measuring Search Quality
Insights from Google’s Product Management Director on improving search and reducing “unhelpful” content, with tips for how to stay relevant in content and PR.
Reading time: 4 min.
Welcome to your monthly PR read.
Headlines is your monthly PR newsletter, getting you up to speed with the industry in just minutes. A perfect quick read during your coffee break. Get inspiration and news bites from the PR and communication world curated just for professionals like you.