Here’s something we can all likely agree on: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how brands create content, engage customers, and automate workflows—basically all of marketing. From AI-powered text generation to hyperrealistic image and video creation, the landscape is evolving rapidly.
But here are a couple of things still in question: Which AI tools are leading the way? And what legal and ethical challenges should brands consider when leveraging AI-generated content?
Now’s a great time to break down the top AI tools across three major categories—large language models (LLMs), image generators, and video generators—and also tackle the complex questions of copyright and ownership. (BTW, this post was created with the latest available information, but please know that this information is changing constantly, so be sure to do your own research.)
Large language models (LLMs)
LLMs are AI systems trained on massive datasets to generate humanlike text. They power everything from chatbots to content creation, document summarization, and even programming assistance.
Top LLMs in 2025 (so far):
Why might a brand use an LLM?
Pros: Versatile, time-saving, enhances productivity
Cons: Writing still requires writers, so this isn’t a complete solution; requires fact-checking; potential bias issues, computationally expensive
AI image generators
AI-generated images have reached new levels of realism and creativity, making them powerful tools for brands needing scalable, high-quality visuals.
Top AI image generators in 2025 (so far):
What can AI image generators do for brands?
Pros: Cost-effective, scalable, fast turnaround
Cons: Can’t replace designers (which is a good thing); copyright issues; variability in image quality; potential ethical concerns
AI video generators
Video generation is the newest and fastest-evolving AI category, but it’s still facing limitations in consistency, physics accuracy, and production-quality rendering.
Top AI video generators in 2025 (so far):
Pros: Time-saving, cost efficient for very short-form content.
Cons: Limited realism, ethical concerns around deepfakes, requires human oversight.
Why traditional video development still wins
Can you really make AI-generated video for your brand? In a word, no.
While AI video tools are improving rapidly, traditional video production still beats AI by a country mile when it comes to quality, storytelling, and brand authenticity. Human-directed cinematography captures real-world emotions, nuanced lighting, and complex camera work that AI simply cannot replicate. Live-action footage also ensures true-to-life physics, making motion feel natural and avoiding the uncanny valley effect that still plagues AI-generated video. When it comes to high-end branding, product showcases, and emotional storytelling, nothing can yet replace the magic of a human behind the lens.
Legal and ethical challenges of AI-generated content
As AI content generation accelerates, brands must consider the legal and ethical implications.
Who owns AI-generated content?
Ethical issues to be aware of:
Four tips for brands:
Final thoughts: The AI balancing act for brands
AI tools are rapidly advancing, offering brands incredible opportunities for efficiency and creativity. However, navigating the legal, ethical, and strategic implications is just as important as leveraging the technology itself.
Brands that embrace AI thoughtfully—using it to enhance human creativity rather than replace it—will gain the most from this transformative era. The future of AI in content creation, search, and brand marketing isn’t just about what AI can do, but how smartly and ethically it’s used.
Is your brand ready for the AI revolution? We can help you build momentum and get results.
To deliver seamless, customer-focused experiences and make a measurable impact on your business, you need to advance beyond basic online presence.
At CMD, generative AI has allowed our experienced creative team to spend less time pushing pixels in production and visualizing concepts and more time crafting original campaigns that stand out.