How to create realistic AI ads that work


Read in your browser↗

Hey! I created this AI ad for my client:

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process, prompts, and prices.


Step 1: Inspiration

🛠️ TikTok (free) and Perplexity ($20/mo)

A few months ago, I saw a TikTok of a woman working on her laptop in the ocean.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but I knew it was a fantastic visual hook, so I created this little mood board.

Then, while doing research for HiBob’s payroll feature launch, I saw this Reddit comment.

Something clicked.

By the way, to find this testimonial, I used Perplexity Labs.

Perplexity is literally the best thing that happened to my marketing research.

🤖 Try my prompt template:

Find real testimonials, reviews, or Reddit posts from [user] describing the challenges, frustrations, relatable situations, or pain points they experienced while [user’s job].


Step 2: Concept and Script

🛠️ChatGPT ($20/mo) and My dear brain ($497)

I pitched the concept to the client, like this:

And then, GPT helped me come up with more bizarre places where our character could work.

AI usually can’t create good concepts, but once I have one, it’s great for expanding it.


Step 3: Visuals

🛠️ChatGPT, Gemini (free), and Seedream 4.0 (included in Higgsfield.ai, $29 /mo)

Then I generated our character, Emma, in Gemini and kept changing her outfit and background.

The easiest way to maintain character consistency is to change one thing at a time.

It didn’t always work, of course.


Step 4: Image enhancement and video

🛠️ Enhancor ($24/mo)

I enhanced Emma’s skin texture and turned the images into videos.

Enhancor’s video model is less powerful than Runway, VEO, Sora, etc. But it generates videos that feel more authentic, less AI-glossy.


Step 5: Voiceover

🛠️ ElevenLabs (Free)

I generated ~15 different hooks and versions, all on the free plan.

Plus, ElevenLabs’s new model (v3) lets me “direct” characters.


Step 6: Editing, music, and SFX

🛠️ CapCut ($10/mo) and AudioStock ($30/mo)

Then, I reduced color saturation to make the videos look more natural.

And finally, I added titles, voice-over, and music.


You made it! 🕺

If you want to learn more about directing AI voice actors in ElevenLabs, reply “voice,” and I’ll send you my cheat sheet 😊

Talk soon,
Shlomo

The Creative Marketer

Learn how to brainstorm brilliant ads and copy | You’ll get one practical recipe every two weeks | Free bonus: get 25 creative marketing cheatsheets when you sign up.

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