So, big brands are using AI to make ads faster. Should you be doing the same?
Let’s talk about something that’s been buzzing louder than your group chat during a sale at Sephora: AI in advertising. At Cannes Lions 2025, the world’s biggest brands didn’t just dip their toes in artificial intelligence, they dove in headfirst. And the results? Faster content, smarter campaigns, and creativity that actually scales.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Cool, but I’m not a global brand with a 10-million-dollar marketing budget,” take a breath. This isn’t just a story about what they can do. It’s about what you can do, too. Because here’s the real deal: AI is no longer VIP access. It’s general admission. And small businesses like yours are invited.
The Cannes takeaway: AI isn’t the future. It’s the now.
Big brands brought the glitz and the tech to Cannes, but under all the lights and panels was a clear message-AI is not optional anymore. It is becoming the backbone of how smart marketers work.
Major players showed off tools that help teams crank out thousands of personalized ad versions, automate testing, and even turn one static image into a full video ad. No crew, no director, no five rounds of revisions. Just AI doing its thing, and doing it fast.
But you know what? These tools aren’t locked in some corporate vault. A lot of them are accessible to anyone with a WiFi connection and a bit of curiosity.
You do not need a film crew to make magic anymore
Let’s say you’re a local bakery, a wellness coach, or a realtor hustling to build your brand. You probably do not have a content team sitting in your office. You might not even have a “marketing department.” (Hey, sometimes it’s just you and a Canva account.) That’s where AI steps in like the creative sidekick you didn’t know you needed.
There are tools now that:
- Write your captions
- Generate videos from photos
- Suggest ad headlines that actually convert
- Analyze what posts your audience loves
- Help you A/B test without the headache
All that used to take days. Now it takes minutes.
What big brands showed us-and what you can borrow
At Cannes, Meta dropped its new AI-powered suite, which can spit out endless ad variations while keeping branding tight and on point. Another brand showed how AI-generated chatbots are now handling customer questions in real time on Instagram. Real-time engagement, real-time results.
No one’s saying you need to be the next Nike. But if your goal is to grow your brand, connect with people, and save time while doing it, these tools are basically your golden ticket. Especially if you’re doing most of your marketing solo or with a tiny team.
Here’s why small businesses should pay attention
- Time is your most valuable currency
You’re juggling content, client work, scheduling, maybe even packing boxes. AI takes care of the repetitive stuff so you can focus on what matters. It’s like adding an extra pair of hands to your team without hiring someone new. - You can compete with the big fish
With AI, your videos can look polished. Your ads can be targeted. Your messaging can be consistent. That polished look used to cost thousands. Now? It’s a few clicks away. - It’s easier than you think
You do not need to be a tech genius. Most tools come with tutorials, friendly interfaces, and even templates made for your industry. Whether you run a nail salon or a fitness app, there’s something out there that fits your workflow.
But wait-what about the human touch?
This is the part everyone gets nervous about. Will AI replace creativity? Is everything going to feel robotic?
Not even close. In fact, what Cannes reminded us is that the best campaigns use AI and human storytelling. The most viral, most talked-about ads were built on real emotion, real insight, and a human point of view. AI just helped the creators get there faster and smarter.
Think of AI as your co-creator. It takes care of the grunt work so you can spend more time doing the fun, meaningful stuff. Your voice still matters. AI just helps amplify it.
Feeling inspired? Here’s where to start
If you’re new to this, here’s a quick path to diving in without the overwhelm:
Step 1: Choose one task to automate
Maybe it’s video ads. Maybe it’s writing social captions. Pick something that eats up your time and see if there’s an AI tool to lighten the load. (Spoiler: there is.)
Step 2: Test before you commit
Use a free trial or a basic plan. Try it for a week. If it saves you time or improves your output, you’ll know it’s worth it.
Step 3: Keep it personal
Even if a machine is helping you write, edit, or design, the you still matters. Add personal touches. Share your story. Be present. That’s the secret sauce.
Step 4: Stay curious
This space is moving fast. Keep learning. Try new tools. Follow creators or marketers experimenting with AI. The more you know, the more powerful your content becomes.
The future is here. But it’s not scary. It’s actually exciting.
Cannes 2025 confirmed what many of us were already feeling-AI is changing the game. But it’s not just for ad agencies in New York or startups in San Francisco. It’s for you. Yes, you-the solo founder, the Etsy shop owner, the community gym, the online coach.
This is your chance to level up without burning out.
So if you’ve ever looked at big brand content and thought, “Wow, I wish I could do that,” now’s the time to realize… you can.
The tools are ready. The playbook is open. All that’s left is for you to hit “go.”
