Is It OK to Use AI-Generated Images on Your Billboard Ad?

AI-generated images from tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E, and others are popping up everywhere, and billboard advertisers are starting to take notice. These tools can create one-of-a-kind visuals in just minutes, which sounds like a dream come true for fast-moving campaigns. But the big question is: is it actually okay to use AI-generated images on your billboard ad?

The short answer is yes, but with some important guidelines.

AI imagery can be a great option when you’re stuck trying to find the perfect photo. Sometimes you need something so specific or unusual that it simply doesn’t exist in stock libraries. Maybe you’re creating a billboard for a fantasy-themed event, or you need a futuristic cityscape. In these cases, AI-generated art can help bring your vision to life quickly and affordably. Just make sure the final image is clear, high-quality, and looks good from a distance.

At Tasty Ad, we recommend using AI-generated images sparingly, and only when you can’t find a sufficient stock photo or when you need a photo that doesn’t exist. In the example below, a dog wearing glasses and reading a newspaper might be impossible to find on any stock photo site. However, with AI, you can create the exact image fairly easily. Always check your work carefully before sending it to print. Make sure the image fits your brand, is free of odd visual glitches, and most importantly, doesn’t resemble someone else’s work too closely.

One easy way to check this is by using a reverse image search at images.google.com. Just upload the image and see what comes up. If your AI-generated image is too similar to existing content, it’s best to go back and revise.

And remember, even with a cool AI image, the rules of billboard design still apply. Keep your layout clean, your message short, and your visuals strong. If an AI image looks too busy or confusing, it might actually hurt your ad more than help it.

Used wisely and sparingly, AI images can be a helpful tool in your creative process. Just treat them like any other design element that needs to work together with everything else to make your billboard shine.