This Is How Advertising’s Gonna Look In 2030

My colleagues at Heraldist wanted me to do this imagination exercise and write an article on the future of the advertising industry.
But then I thought “What do I know? I can’t foresee what’s gonna happen, I’m not a psychic.”
So I’ve asked AI to do it.
It’s way more fun giving feedback and killing bad ideas.
This is what it wrote and my feedback:

Title: The Quantum Chronicles: A Journey Through Advertising's Future, Circa 2030
- cheesy title, we need something more clickbaity

It was the year 2030, and the world of advertising had undergone a transformation so profound that even the most imaginative minds of the past would have struggled to fathom it. The future had arrived, and with it came an advertising landscape that was nothing short of mind-bending.

- hard to believe things will change that much in just 6 years.

In this brave new world, billboards were no longer mere static images. They had become portals to the deepest corners of your imagination. As I strolled down the bustling city streets, I couldn't help but notice the mind-reading billboards that lined the avenues. They seemed to know me better than I knew myself. Lost in thoughts of my dream vacation, a billboard ahead flashed an image of my coveted destination, beckoning me with enticing visuals and personalized offers. This wasn't magic; it was the result of neural interface technology that had learned to read my desires. Welcome to the age of mind-reading billboards, where advertising is as personalized as your thoughts.

- That would be nice but also highly illegal and people would steal those.

As I continued my journey through the city, the urban landscape itself seemed to have transformed. Holographic advertisements danced in the air, merging seamlessly with the world around us. Augmented Reality (AR) has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing advertisers to project holographic ads onto buildings, sidewalks, and even the sky. Curious about a new fashion trend, I tapped on a hologram that materialized before me, instantly trying on the outfit. The city had become a canvas for AR graffiti, a constantly evolving tapestry of interactive advertisements that only appeared to those who desired to see them.

- Oh wow, already went too far with the self-confidence. plus imagine the budgets that could make this possible even in the richest places on the planet.

But advertising in 2030 wasn't just about what you saw; it was about how you felt. Emotional recognition technology has become commonplace, with billboards and digital screens adjusting their content based on the emotions they detect from passersby.

- You mean like that mood rings we had a while ago?

Feeling stressed? An ad for a tranquil spa retreat would gently nudge you toward relaxation. Bursting with happiness? An advertisement for a spontaneous night out would appear. Advertising has become an emotional companion, always ready to cater to your current state of mind.
- would love to see this made. And would probably make it the only allowed form of advertising.

As I marveled at these advances, I couldn't help but wonder about the technology that made it all possible. Quantum computers have revolutionized data analysis, processing information at speeds previously unimaginable. Advertisers could now predict consumer behavior with uncanny accuracy, ensuring that every message hit its mark. In the quantum era, advertising wasn't just targeted – it was predictive, knowing what you wanted before you did.

- OK, but I still have to GO and BUY that thing. And probably don’t feel like it RIGHT NOW. So how am I gonna remember all those ads that know me?

Celebrities as we knew them had faded into the background, replaced by virtual influencers. These AI-generated personalities possessed the charisma of a thousand Kardashians, and they never aged or made controversial statements. Brands clamored to have their products endorsed by these digital divas, and consumers hung on their every word.

- But how will we know who to choose from a plethora of similar influencers? There’s not enough time to follow everyone. So maybe controversial statements would help them to stand out?

Sustainability had become more than a buzzword; it was a way of life. Eco-conscious advertising took center stage, with brands proudly showcasing their green initiatives. Advertisements didn't just sell products; they sold a vision of a better, more environmentally friendly world.

- Are they showcasing those initiatives on those big wind or solar-powered screens and billboards? Maybe they can destroy some old-fashioned billboards for a more environmentally friendly world. Yeah, brands should fight and only the eco-conscious will continue to exist.

Sound had become a powerful tool in advertising's arsenal. Subliminal soundscapes were used to trigger emotions and associations, making us crave that burger, desire that car, and dream of that vacation. Music composed the soundtrack of our desires, and it played an essential role in crafting the messages that resonated with us.
- So while I see an ad on a billboard I also hear an ad via subliminal soundscapes? All these will be coming at me from every direction. Can we buy a life subscription so there are no ads?

Yet, amid all this innovation, there was a growing concern about ethics and privacy. As technology became more integrated into our lives, consumers demanded transparency and respect for their data and values. Ethical advertising wasn't just a trend; it was a selling point, building trust in a world where our digital footprints were more significant than ever.
- OK, now it is just stating the exact opposite from most of the examples above.

In the year 2030, the future of advertising had become a story of boundless creativity. Reality was no longer a fixed point but a canvas for imagination, where the line between what was real and what was possible had blurred beyond recognition. As I gazed at the advertising wonders of this futuristic world, I realized that the most remarkable and wittiest advertisements were yet to come, delivered straight to the theater of our minds, where reality and imagination danced in perfect harmony.

- It’s odd to talk about boundless creativity when you only listed examples of vehicles to carry the advertising messages - billboards, soundscapes, virtual influencers or trends - sustainability, ethics, and privacy, etc.
All these are not ideas. Tech was never and will never be enough to run a great campaign. You need insights, concepts, and ideas that people will discuss, relate to, share, love, or hate.
You need emotion and you can only achieve that through great strategy followed by great storytelling. Oh, and you can use AI to help you get better at what you do.

By Andy Daniluc