Cannes Lions 2025 Recap: Why CMOs and Creative Directors Must Pay Attention to AI
Discover how AI took center stage at Cannes Lions 2025. Explore key takeaways for CMOs, creative directors, and agencies navigating the future of creativity and advertising technology.
AI Was the Star of Cannes Lions 2025
Last week, the global creative and marketing industries gathered in Cannes for the biggest event of the year: Cannes Lions 2025. While the beaches, parties, and yachts made headlines, the real story happened behind the scenes, where AI became the central topic for CMOs and creatives.
From keynote stages to brand activations on the beach, AI was everywhere. Major players like Meta, TikTok, Google, Adobe, and Salesforce introduced groundbreaking tools, shared case studies, and explored how artificial intelligence is transforming creativity in marketing.
What CMOs Learned in Cannes
Today’s CMO is expected to deliver more content, faster and at scale, without compromising on brand consistency. The message from Cannes was clear: AI is the solution that enables that balance.
Key insights for CMOs:
- 71% of CMOs are now investing over $10 million annually in AI-powered marketing
- Creative automation and AI-generated assets were among the most discussed topics
- AI is no longer experimental, it is becoming a core part of marketing infrastructure
AI is helping global brands move at the speed of culture, without sacrificing storytelling, quality, or alignment with brand identity.
AI Is Not Replacing Creativity, It Is Unlocking It
One of the strongest sentiments echoed throughout Cannes was this: AI is not here to replace creatives, it is here to empower them.
As Will.i.am said during the CMO Insider Breakfast, “AI is still early, like the first generation of video games. What we build with it depends on our imagination.”
For creative directors and agencies, AI can:
- Speed up testing, iterations, and versioning
- Handle repetitive production tasks, allowing more time for ideation
- Expand capacity while staying true to brand aesthetics
What AdCreative.ai Showed at Cannes Lions and Why It Matters
The AdCreative.ai team was on the ground at our beachfront cabana, ready to talk real marketing with some of the most innovative teams in the world. With our signature pink branding and bold presence, we welcomed CMOs, performance marketers, creative directors, and partners throughout the week.
We showcased new tools that bridge the gap between AI and creative excellence, including:
Key features presented:
- Instant Ads that generate fresh creatives in minutes
- Brand fine-tuning to ensure every asset matches your identity
- A new video editor powered by AI that simplifies scale
CMOs and creators left with Gaji Bags filled with creative resources and something more valuable — a fresh way of thinking about creative productivity.
We also had the chance to speak with traditional agencies who are facing uncertainty around AI. Their reaction was not rejection, but curiosity and concern. The consensus was clear: AI is here to stay, and every agency must find their way to adapt. Our cabana sparked genuine conversations about how to build that bridge — together.
What Cannes Lions Means for Your Team
Whether you're a CMO navigating global campaigns or a creative director leading a small but mighty team, the takeaways from Cannes are significant:
Three things you cannot ignore:
- AI is now a creative necessity
- Speed, personalization, and efficiency are non-negotiable
- The teams who implement AI thoughtfully will lead the next wave of performance-driven creativity
Watch Our Recap Video
The Future of Creativity Is AI-Augmented
Missed us in Cannes? No problem.
Book a live demo with our team and see how AdCreative.ai can become your creative engine for performance marketing.
