AI Commercials Are Going to Take Over the Super Bowl This Year

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During the Super Bowl, the advertisements can be seen as mirrors of the current state of the American economy. To gauge the health of the automotive sector, simply observe the number of commercials that air during the game. If you’re curious about travel recovery post-pandemic, look for ads from airlines and hotels to find out more.

Furthermore, it serves as a sign of trends that are gaining popularity, if not already widely accepted (or at least striving to gain acceptance). For instance, consider the prevalence of cryptocurrency advertisements just a few years ago, or the gradual increase in sports betting app commercials.

The Super Bowl happening on February 9, broadcasted by Fox, will highlight artificial intelligence companies and products as the latest trend in mainstream technology (even though this week’s stock market crash on Wall Street was triggered by a Chinese AI app called DeepSeek causing unrest in Silicon Valley).

AI is rapidly approaching and it’s almost certain that it’s already integrated into many businesses, according to Mark Evans, Executive Vice President of ad sales for Fox Sports. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explains the changes we can anticipate. This means there will likely be a greater emphasis on AI-driven creativity in the future.

Evans mentioned that large corporations investing in AI and some AI-centric companies will participate in the game, although he didn’t specify which brands. It’s plausible to think established brands such as Microsoft or Google might showcase AI in their commercials. But what about AI startups like OpenAI, Perplexity, or Anthropic? There’s a chance they could join in too.

And to be certain, they would need to pony up a hefty amount.

It’s been reported that in certain instances, Fox has negotiated earnings exceeding $8 million for a mere 30-second advertisement during the Super Bowl, potentially setting a new benchmark for such transactions.

It’s thought that a fox has over ten advertisers who have agreed to the rate, with interest from additional brands last year that weren’t able to join. When certain brands decided to withdraw (such as State Farm, which pulled out following the destructive L.A. fires), there were other brands eagerly waiting to step in and pay a premium for the opportunity.

So what else can Super Bowl viewers expect, outside of AI?

Evans points out that what’s old is becoming new once more,” he states. “You’ll find an abundance of drinks, technology, salted snacks, and financial matters will be prevalent.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that pharmaceutical ads are popping up more frequently these days compared to the past. Could it be they’re trying to get one step ahead, maybe in anticipation of any possible actions by RFK Jr.?

Similarly, just like the influence of artificial intelligence becomes evident in advertisements, so too will the difficulties confronting the entertainment industry become apparent.

Evans mentioned that only one sector, which includes movie studios and streaming platforms, has seen a decline compared to last year. The impact of the writers’ strike and the changes in the industry after COVID-19 might be contributing factors. However, it doesn’t mean these sectors are completely absent; they will just have less prominence than they historically have.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed the jaw-dropping amounts of money advertisers are pouring into live sports events. This clearly showcases the growing significance of live sports for media corporations, as our preferences lean more towards instant access to entertainment in today’s world.

Evans remarks that live sports are “the unique spot” where such a large-scale gathering can occur swiftly. He further adds that they serve as a “safe haven”. This is a place where families and individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to participate in activities collectively… We’re witnessing this phenomenon more evidently in the NFL, particularly during the Super Bowl, due to its massive scale. However, we observe it consistently across various live sports events within our entire collection.

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2025-01-29 16:25