AI and Consumer Trust in Marketing: What Does It Really Mean to Know Content Is AI-Made

With AI becoming a key part of marketing, one question is on everyone’s mind: How do consumers feel about content that’s created by machines instead of humans? Is it something they notice or care about? And does knowing a brand’s content is AI-generated affect their trust?

Instead of the typical buzz about AI in marketing, we wanted to focus on something more personal—how do consumers really feel when they know content is AI-generated? From trust issues to transparency, this post will unpack the insights we gathered from our survey on what truly matters to people when it comes to AI and the brands they follow.

How Does Knowing that Content is AI-Made Affect Consumer Trust?

When asked how they’d feel if they knew a brand’s content was created entirely by AI, the responses were mixed:

• 48.6% said that knowing content is AI-generated would have no impact on their perception of the brand.

• On the flip side, 34.3% felt it would slightly decrease their trust in the brand. 

• 11.4%  believed it would significantly diminish their trust in the brand.

This shows that while many consumers are accepting of AI tools in marketing, transparency and authenticity still matter. Brands that use AI need to be careful about how and when they disclose AI’s involvement in their content creation.

Should Brands Be Transparent About AI?

The issue of transparency was also a big topic in our survey.

“45.7% of respondents believe that brands should disclose when content is AI-generated, as this fosters trust and ethical marketing. ”

Transparency is key to ensuring that consumers don’t feel misled and can make informed decisions about the brands they support. 

Additionally, 51.4% of respondents think AI usage in marketing should be regulated to protect consumers, highlighting a growing concern about the ethical implications of AI in advertising.

The Future of AI in Marketing and Consumer Trust

As AI continues to grow in marketing, consumer trust will be crucial. Brands need to balance the benefits of AI—such as efficiency and personalization—with a commitment to authenticity, transparency, and ethics. AI has the potential to improve customer experiences and create more personalized content, but only if consumers feel that brands are honest and ethical in how they use this technology.