Disney and Universal go Studio Ghibli on Midjourney
Plus: Amazon's new AI video ads, Pinterest's shoppable AI collages, and Google thins out its search department.
👋 Happy Thursday AI Marketers. Disney and Universal just slapped Midjourney with spicy lawsuit, calling it a “bottomless pit of plagiarism.” AI-generated video ads are set to transform Amazon. And Google pulls back the curtain on its AI-produced I/O conference. Another busy week! Let’s get you caught up…
Disney and Universal Sue Midjourney Over AI-Generated Images
Disney and Universal just took Midjourney to court, accusing the AI image-maker of crossing the line by generating visuals a little too close to their most iconic properties. We're talking Star Wars, Marvel, and classic Disney characters. The studios claim this isn't just inspiration, it's outright infringement.
For marketers who've embraced AI-generated imagery as a fast, affordable alternative to costly creative production, this lawsuit is a wake-up call. It's a clear sign that Hollywood heavyweights are prepared to fiercely protect their intellectual property, even against cutting-edge generative AI tools.
If the courts side with Disney and Universal, expect far-reaching implications. AI tools may become riskier to use without explicit licensing, content guidelines could tighten dramatically, and the cost of producing visuals might spike again. This case isn't just about cartoons and superheroes, it's about redefining creative boundaries and how businesses leverage AI without stepping on legal landmines.
Amazon is about to be flooded with AI-generated video ads
Amazon just unleashed its AI-powered Video Generator to US sellers, turning product images into ready-to-use, photorealistic video ads in minutes. The tool doesn't just create basic clips, it now showcases products being worn or actively used, includes multi-scene ads with humans and pets, and even summarizes existing footage into polished ads. Expect Amazon listings to feel more like slick TV commercials soon, a game-changer that could redefine ad expectations across e-commerce.
Google is thinning out Search and Ads teams as shift to AI ramps up
Google’s voluntary exit buyouts are now hitting the Search and Ads teams, signaling that the AI pivot is deeper than it first seemed. While layoffs are nothing new, this voluntary approach hints at a major restructuring beneath the surface. Those watching closely might see this as another sign that old-school search is losing ground to AI.
ChatGPT leads on generative AI traffic share, but Google is rising
ChatGPT still rules the roost for generative AI web traffic, but its grip is loosening. After dipping significantly in recent months, ChatGPT’s traffic share has steadied around 79%. Meanwhile, Google continues to inch upward, reaching 8%, and DeepSeek briefly surged before settling at 5.3%. Perplexity and Claude have seen only marginal movement, each holding around 1–2%.
Pinterest lets advertisers turn their catalogs into shoppable collages
Pinterest is experimenting with AI-generated shoppable collages that automatically transform product catalogs into stylish visuals. Think of it as instant, effortless mood boards designed to entice buyers with curated product arrangements. This isn’t just neat tech, it could revolutionize visual merchandising for fashion, decor, and lifestyle brands looking to capture more eyes and wallets.
🎥 I sifted through a billion YouTube videos. Here’s one for you:
The opening video for Google I/O 2025 didn’t just set the tone. It was the tone. A cinematic sequence powered entirely by Google's newest AI models dropped viewers into a Western frontier town, lifted their eyes to balloons spelling “Welcome to I/O,” and made it unmistakably clear: AI wasn’t just a topic of the event. It was the medium.
That’s the magic of Veo 3, Imagen 4, and the new AI filmmaking tool Flow. Google didn’t just demo these tools. They used them to build the show itself. Over 200 keynote slides, nearly half the visuals, and 80% of the videos were AI-generated. Even the speaker title cards and the event’s T-shirt design came from AI tools inside Google’s own suite.
If you want to see how the future of branded content, events, and storytelling is being redefined, don’t just watch this video. Read the full breakdown from Google’s marketing team (including more videos). It’s a blueprint for what’s coming.
🎙️ My top 3 podcast episodes this week:
CMO CONFIDENTIAL
Managing the Gray Area: The Fine Line Between Puffery & Lying
Host Mike Linton and Harvard's Eugene Soltes explore how corporate leaders navigate ethical gray areas, distinguishing persuasive messaging from outright deception. He highlights marketing language risks, urging both buyers and creators to prioritize integrity alongside creativity.
THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SHOW
ChatGPT Connectors, AI‑Human Relationships, New AI Job Data & OpenAI to Keep ChatGPT Logs
Paul and Mike discuss ChatGPT Connectors, growing emotional bonds with AI, new employment trends, and OpenAI’s decision to retain user logs. They also cover AGI timelines, verification challenges, cybersecurity, and more. Get caught up!
EXPONENTIAL VIEW
OpenAI’s CPO on What’s Coming Next: Hardware, GPT‑5, Jony Ive
A fascinating interview with OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer covers GPT 5 roadmaps, studio collaboration with Jony Ive, hardware ambitions, AI agents, and the continued priority of coding. He outlines upcoming model tests for startups and criteria guiding the path to AGI.
Have a favorite podcast to recommend? Shoot me the details.
🚨 AI-forward companies are looking for AI-forward marketers:
Principal AI Strategist
Tealium
Chart strategy and execution for AI-driven customer data use at scale, shaping engagement and personalization via Tealium’s CDP, directly advising enterprise clients on adoption and value realization.
Details →
AI Campaign Specialist
Simon Data
Run end-to-end AI-powered marketing campaigns using Simon’s CDP, turning client goals into high-impact workflows while optimizing and scaling performance via AI insights.
Details →
Marketing Lead, AI Simulation
SandboxAQ
Launch and define go-to-market for AI simulation tools powered by Large Quantitative Models, crafting messaging, content, and campaigns to advance breakthroughs in science and research.
Details →
Product Marketing Manager, Gen AI
Intelliswift
Drive awareness and adoption of generative AI offerings by crafting thought leadership content, product positioning, and GTM in hybrid teams across San Francisco and New York.
Details →
Director of Content Marketing
XFunnel
Advise top brands on content strategies to win on AI search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, using analytics to guide visibility, shape product direction, and enable success.
Details →
📅 AI marketers are gathering across the country and around the world for conferences, summits, and industry events. Here’s where to join them:
AI Con
Seattle, WA, June 8–13
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference
Virtual / Cupertino, CA June 9–13
Data + AI Summit
San Francisco, CA, June 9–12
DigiMarCon Boston
Boston, MA, June 9–10
eCommerce Summit Denver
Denver, CO, June 10
eCommerce Summit Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, June 10
Render ATL
Atlanta, GA, June 11–13
CDAO Fed Ready Summit
Washington, DC, June 11
SMX Advanced
Boston, MA, June 11–13
DigiMarCon Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, June 12–13
DigiMarCon Miami
Miami, FL, June 16–17
Techspo Miami
Miami, FL, June 16–17
Responsible AI Summit
Washington, DC, June 17–18
Have an event to add? Send me the details.
