The GPT-6 Hype Has Officially Begun
Plus: Google's AI Mode is going big. YouTube could be altering your videos. And, yes, you need to worry about getting sued for using AI.
👋 Happy Tuesday AI Marketers. Sam Altman wants us dreaming about GPT-6 already. Google’s AI Mode is going global and adding powerful new features as it slowly kicks traditional search to the curb. And YouTube has been secretly modifying creator videos with AI. That’s just the beginning. Let’s get you caught up…
Sam Altman is Already Promoting GPT-6
The lackluster GPT-5 launch may still be lingering in the headlines, but OpenAI’s chief is already pumping up its successor. In a press briefing, he teased GPT-6 as faster to arrive than the two-year wait between 4 and 5, with bigger memory, more adaptability, and custom chatbots tailored to personal preferences. He even floated steerable models that could align with a user’s political leanings. But Altman also admitted the chat format may be saturated and hinted the industry is brushing up against its first real ceiling.
Google’s AI Mode is Going Global
Google isn’t waiting around to see what happens to traditional search. AI Mode is now rolling out to 180 countries and layering in “agentic” skills, starting with restaurant bookings. Subscribers can now ask for reservations by date, time, party size, and cuisine, and AI Mode will surface options from platforms like OpenTable or Resy. Brands and marketers pay attention... The future of search is coming fast.
YouTube is Secretly Altering Videos with AI
Creators are noticing their videos look different after upload, with sharper edges, smoothed textures, even a plasticky feel. YouTube confirmed it’s testing “image enhancement technology” on Shorts, though it won’t say if it’s generative AI. That’s a problem for creators whose style relies on grain or imperfection. It’s confusing for viewers trying to trust what’s real. And it’s just not cool.
AI is Revolutionizing TV Ad Placement
AI is bringing micro intelligence to ad placement in media. Instead of targeting shows by genre or episode, new tools can analyze dialogue, objects, and tone to decide when a viewer is most engaged or emotionally primed. Down to the precise scene. That means ads feel less like interruptions and more like part of the story. Or, will it just make our shows feel more like ads?
Can You be Sued Over Using AI for Work?
Generating logos, graphics, or content with AI trained on copyrighted material could invite a nasty lawsuit, even if the resemblance is accidental. Media giants are already suing AI firms, but nothing stops rights holders from targeting agencies and individual end users next. The worst part? Whether you’re in the wrong or not, the legal fees alone can be devastating.
Vogue’s recent ad featuring an AI-generated model sparked backlash across the fashion industry and beyond. The controversy isn’t just about replacing jobs like models, agencies, photographers, and makeup artists. It raises bigger questions about diversity, representation, and whether brands are making authentic commitments or simply manufacturing the illusion of it. NPR covers all the angles in a story marketers shouldn’t miss.
🎙️ My top 3 podcast episodes this week:
THE AI DAILY BRIEF
No, 95% of AI Pilots Aren’t Failing
A new MIT study claims almost every AI pilot fails, but the research is shaky. The real story: employees are thriving with LLMs while companies stumble on leadership, buy-in, and change management. The problem isn’t the tech, it’s the organization.
HARD FORK
Is This an A.I. Bubble? Meta’s Missing Morals. And TikTok Shock Slop
Kevin and Casey debate whether we’re in an AI bubble and who’ll lose if it pops. Jeff Horwitz joins to unpack Meta’s shocking chatbot policy, then the hosts dive into a bizarre new TikTok trend that makes “shock slop” a thing.
THIS OLD MARKETING
The Golden Age of Content Marketing
Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose argue content marketing is entering a golden age. From Hollywood-branded sitcoms to NFL media boot camps, creator contracts, and even a Taylor Swift case study, they explain why owned media and storytelling are once again the keys to growth.
Have a favorite podcast to recommend? Shoot me the details.
🚨 AI-forward companies are looking for AI-forward marketers:
Marketing Campaign Manager - AI
NVIDIA
Lead AI marketing campaigns, develop content and partnerships, amplify presence at AI events and on digital channels, manage paid media and email programs, and optimize website experiences using AI insights.
AI Native, Performance Marketing Senior Manager
ConsumerAffairs
Lead all paid marketing channels, design multi channel campaigns, integrate AI insights for targeting and creative testing, manage budgets and teams, and leverage automation, machine learning and predictive analytics.
Senior Manager, Product Marketing (AI Content Specialist)
Equinix
Write and develop AI focused content assets like solution briefs, presentations and whitepapers. Monitor performance, collaborate across teams, and create messaging frameworks connecting infrastructure services to enterprise AI use cases.
Marketing Manager AI and Cyber Labs
SHI International Corp.
Promote SHI’s new AI and Cyber Labs by creating campaigns and messaging, producing assets like videos, web pages and emails, and working with AI staff to showcase use cases and manage experiences.
Senior Analyst, Marketing Analytics
DraftKings
Use advanced modeling and Gen AI to build marketing data tools, optimize channels, partner with marketing analytics and engineering, develop forecasting models, and mentor teammates on AI driven insights.
📅 Join AI marketers at conferences, summits, and industry events.
Contact.io
Denver, CO, August 27–29
Inbound
San Francisco, CA, September 3–5
DTC Live
New York City, NY, September 4
Product Marketing Summit
San Francisco, CA, September 10–11
AI for Marketers Summit
San Francisco, CA, September 11
Content Marketing World
San Diego, CA, September 16–17
AI Conference
San Francisco, CA, September 17–18
HeroConf
San Diego, CA, September 23–24
GAI World
Boston, MA, September 29–30
Have an event to add? Send me the details.
