Brand Runner

AI Is the New OS. Humans Are the Luxury — What You MUST Do in 2026

## Summary In this episode of Brand Runner, Fabien discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, focusing on the integration of AI as the new operating system. He explores six significant shifts in the industry, including the rise of AI in marketing, the transformation of search into answer engines, and the emergence of every company as a media company. Fabien also delves into the financial infrastructure of the creator economy and the importance of human elements in an AI-driven world. The episode concludes with actionable insights on how brands can adapt to these changes. Keywords AI, marketing, brand strategy, creator economy, answer engines, media companies, human elements, digital transformation, marketing shifts, AI integration Takeaways * AI is becoming the operating system of marketing. * Search is evolving into answer engines. * Every company is now a media company. * The creator economy is gaining financial infrastructure. * Human elements are becoming a luxury in an AI-driven world. * Brands need to adapt to AI-driven changes. * AI is transforming discovery and commerce. * The importance of direct audience relationships is growing. * Brands must simplify measurements before scaling. * The shifts in marketing are already underway. Title Options * AI: The New Marketing OS * Transforming Search: The Rise of Answer Engines * Every Company is a Media Company Now * The Creator Economy's Financial Revolution * Human Elements in an AI World * Adapting to AI-Driven Changes * AI's Impact on Discovery and Commerce * Building Direct Audience Relationships * Simplifying Measurements for Growth * Navigating Marketing Shifts Sound bites AI is the new marketing OS. Search evolves into answer engines. Every company is a media company. Creator economy gains financial infrastructure. Human elements are a luxury now. Adapt to AI-driven changes. AI transforms discovery and commerce. Direct audience relationships matter. Simplify measurements before scaling. Marketing shifts are underway. Chapters * 00:00:00 Introduction to Marketing Shifts * 00:00:00 AI as the New Operating System * 00:00:00 The Evolution of Search * 00:00:00 Media Companies Everywhere * 00:00:01 Financial Infrastructure in the Creator Economy * 00:00:01 The Luxury of Human Elements * 00:00:01 Adapting to AI-Driven Changes Links * Connect on LinkedIn: Fabien Hameline [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/] * Subscribe to the newsletter: Brand Runner Newsletter [https://brandrunner.substack.com/] * The app Creative TLDR [https://creativetldr.com]: Sends a WhatsApp daily and keeps the pulse for you on all things marketing: https://creativetldr.com Sources links: Amazon’s AI ads agent and campaign manager – https://www.adweek.com/media/amazon-ai-ads-agent-campaign-manager [https://www.adweek.com/media/amazon-ai-ads-agent-campaign-manager] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-1] WPP launches self-serve AI platform – https://www.adweek.com/agencies/wpp-launches-a-self-serve-version-of-its-ai-platform-to-court-small-biz-dollars [https://www.adweek.com/agencies/wpp-launches-a-self-serve-version-of-its-ai-platform-to-court-small-biz-dollars] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-4] Unilever’s AI beauty marketing assembly line – https://digiday.com/marketing/inside-unilevers-ai-beauty-marketing-assembly-line-and-its-implications-for-agencies [https://digiday.com/marketing/inside-unilevers-ai-beauty-marketing-assembly-line-and-its-implications-for-agencies] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-5] Google AI Overviews reach 2B+ monthly users – https://digiday.com/media/googles-ai-overviews-reach-over-2-billion-monthly-users [https://digiday.com/media/googles-ai-overviews-reach-over-2-billion-monthly-users] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-9] ChatGPT Shopping changes ecommerce SEO – https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-shopping-ecommerce-seo-rules-462865 [https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-shopping-ecommerce-seo-rules-462865] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-10] Zero-click landscape challenges – https://digiday.com/marketing/how-brands-are-trying-to-optimize-outsmart-ai-answer-engines-across-the-zero-click-landscape [https://digiday.com/marketing/how-brands-are-trying-to-optimize-outsmart-ai-answer-engines-across-the-zero-click-landscape] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-15] American Express launches ad business – https://www.adweek.com/commerce/american-express-launches-ad-business-in-growing-commerce-media-race [https://www.adweek.com/commerce/american-express-launches-ad-business-in-growing-commerce-media-race] ↩ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/p/the-six-shifts-that-will-define-marketing#user-content-fnref-19]

Inside Canva’s Visual Suite: AI, Creativity & the Future of Marketing Teams

Episode Summary: In this episode of Brand Runner, we explore Canva’s Visual Suite 2.0 — a major shift that brings design, AI, code, and data into a single creative workspace. From Magic Studio to Canva Code, we break down the most impactful features and what they mean for creative productivity, marketing teams, and the future of work. What We Cover: * Canva AI and Magic Studio tools * Visual spreadsheets and real-time charts * Canva Code and no-code interactive tools * AI-powered workflows for faster content creation * How these changes impact collaboration and team structure Resources Mentioned: Canva Create 2025 Keynote and Demos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LupwvXsOQqs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LupwvXsOQqs] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85f-fwJzUKM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85f-fwJzUKM] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnVsl3PIx8U [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnVsl3PIx8U] More on Canva’s Visual Suite: https://smallbiztrends.com/canva-launches-visual-suite-2-ai-tools/ [https://smallbiztrends.com/canva-launches-visual-suite-2-ai-tools/] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410082173/en/Canvas-Biggest-Launch-Yet-Introduces-Visual-Suite-2.0-to-Redefine-Creativity-and-Productivity [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410082173/en/Canvas-Biggest-Launch-Yet-Introduces-Visual-Suite-2.0-to-Redefine-Creativity-and-Productivity] Connect with Fabien: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/]Newsletter: https://brandrunner.substack.com/ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/] Get weekly insights on creative productivity, branding, and modern marketing. New Book – The Five Rings of Marketing Unlock timeless strategy for today’s marketing battles. Grab your copy here: https://brandrunner.kit.com/8b9a431f0f?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes [https://brandrunner.kit.com/8b9a431f0f?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes] This episode was produced with the help of AI.

AI Goes Ghibli: The Viral Trend and Its Implications

Summary: This episode dives into the explosive trend of transforming images into Studio Ghibli-inspired art using ChatGPT's latest GPT-4 model. We explore why this trend captivated the internet, its ease of use, and the deep cultural resonance of Studio Ghibli's unique aesthetic. From personal photos and pop-culture memes to historical moments, this style has touched every corner of digital culture. We also address critical copyright and ethical issues raised by this AI-driven phenomenon, highlighting Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki’s stark criticism of AI-generated animation as well as legal concerns over copyright infringement. What You'll Learn: * Why the Ghibli-style AI art trend has rapidly spread. * The cultural and nostalgic appeal of Studio Ghibli. * Easy-to-use AI tools fueling creativity and virality. * Ethical and copyright implications surrounding AI-generated art. * Perspectives from key figures including Hayao Miyazaki and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Key Highlights: * The role of GPT-4 and platforms like MidJourney and BrockAI in democratizing AI art creation. * Viral examples including Ghibli-style renditions of historical events, famous memes, and personal portraits. * Debate over artistic authenticity: Miyazaki's intense opposition vs. the widespread public enthusiasm. * Legal ambiguity around AI-generated images replicating recognizable artistic elements. * Ongoing lawsuits and debates over copyright protection. Important References: * Sam Altman's viral engagement and tweets. * Miyazaki’s comments describing AI animation as an "insult to life." * Coverage from Getting Animated, CNN, Variety, The Independent. Discussion Questions: * What happens when AI blurs the line between inspiration and infringement? * How can creators ethically engage with AI tools? * What does the popularity of AI-generated Ghibli art say about nostalgia and creative ownership? Stay Connected: * Subscribe to Brand Runner's newsletter here: https://brandrunner.substack.com/ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/] * Fabien's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/] Join us next episode as we continue exploring the intersection of creativity, branding, and technology. Links https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/openai-ceo-chatgpt-studio-ghibli-ai-images-1236349141/ [https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/openai-ceo-chatgpt-studio-ghibli-ai-images-1236349141/] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/studio-ghibli-chatgpt-openai-hayao-miyazaki-trend-copyright-b2723114.html [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/studio-ghibli-chatgpt-openai-hayao-miyazaki-trend-copyright-b2723114.html] https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/style/chatgpt-studio-ghibli-ai-images-intl-hnk/index.html [https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/style/chatgpt-studio-ghibli-ai-images-intl-hnk/index.html] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/style/ai-chatgpt-studio-ghibli.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/style/ai-chatgpt-studio-ghibli.html] https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-studio-ghibli-style-images-violate-copyright-or-not-2025-3 [https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-studio-ghibli-style-images-violate-copyright-or-not-2025-3] This episode was generated with the help of AI.

Inside Adobe Summit 2025 (recap): Creativity is the New Productivity

In this episode of Brand Runner, we dive deep into the groundbreaking announcements from Adobe Summit 2025, where AI has officially stepped into the spotlight, fundamentally changing the game for creativity, productivity, and brand building. We explore how Adobe is transitioning from bolt-on AI features to embedding artificial intelligence into the foundation of their entire ecosystem. From the exciting new Firefly application that brings IP-friendly generative AI for images, vectors, video, and voice to a single platform, to the revolutionary AI assistant in Acrobat that lets you literally "talk to your PDFs," the creative landscape is being transformed. Key highlights include: * Adobe's vision of "creativity for all" and how AI is democratizing design tools * The blurring lines between productivity and creativity, as visual communication becomes essential * The unveiling of Adobe's agentic AI platform with specialized agents for marketing, customer journeys, and data insights * Coca-Cola CEO James Quincy's insights on balancing AI-driven marketing with authentic experiences * B2B marketing's transformation with AI-orchestrated journeys and account-based intelligence * Real-world case studies showing dramatic improvements in efficiency and engagement Whether you're a creative professional, marketer, or brand strategist, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping the tools we use every day and opening new possibilities for creativity and customer connection. As AI continues to advance, the question remains: how will you and your brand adapt while maintaining authentic human connections? Source Adobe Summit keynotes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQVpva50W74&list=TLGG8XCeg68IHIwyMjAzMjAyNQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQVpva50W74&list=TLGG8XCeg68IHIwyMjAzMjAyNQ] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmUZhAa6KW4&list=TLGGNvPSMz9qHZ4yMjAzMjAyNQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmUZhAa6KW4&list=TLGGNvPSMz9qHZ4yMjAzMjAyNQ] https://www.zdnet.com/article/adobes-latest-projects-are-packed-with-ai-agents-heres-a-sneak-peek/ [https://www.zdnet.com/article/adobes-latest-projects-are-packed-with-ai-agents-heres-a-sneak-peek/] https://diginomica.com/adobe-summit-coca-cola-using-gen-ai-make-cheaper-and-quicker-adverts-misses-human-touch [https://diginomica.com/adobe-summit-coca-cola-using-gen-ai-make-cheaper-and-quicker-adverts-misses-human-touch] Links Sign up for the Brand Runner newsletter ⁠⁠ here⁠ [https://brandrunner.substack.com/] This episode was produced with the help of AI.

The State of VR with Sébastien Hameline

Show notes keywords: immersive marketing, virtual reality, VR milestones, consumer adoption, brand applications, metaverse, XR, Web3, healthcare VR, interactive experiences summary In this conversation, Fabien and Sébastien discuss the evolution of virtual reality (VR) and immersive marketing, highlighting key milestones, consumer adoption, and innovative applications by brands. They explore the importance of content in VR experiences, the impact of new technologies like the Apple Vision Pro, and the future of VR in the context of the metaverse and healthcare. The discussion emphasizes the need for brands to create engaging and unique content to leverage the immersive capabilities of VR. takeaways VR has evolved significantly since its inception, with key milestones marking its accessibility. The Oculus Go was a turning point for consumer access to VR. Content quality and relevance are crucial for consumer engagement in VR. Healthcare applications of VR are growing, providing therapeutic benefits. The Apple Vision Pro is setting new standards for VR technology. Brands are beginning to explore innovative uses of VR for marketing. The metaverse is becoming a focal point for social interaction and content consumption. Interactive experiences in VR can enhance storytelling and engagement. Consumer adoption of VR is still in its early stages, with growth expected. The future of VR includes a blend of entertainment, education, and productivity applications. Sound Bites "VR is not just live actions, it's games." "The consumer cares about the content." "Accessibility was a milestone in VR." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Immersive Marketing and VR 02:18The Evolution of VR: Key Milestones 13:43Consumer Landscape: Who Uses VR Today? 18:29Barriers to Mass Adoption of VR 22:56Apple Vision Pro: A New Milestone? 24:09Meta Connect: Key Takeaways 24:56Innovative Brand Uses of VR 33:22Future of VR: Innovations and Trends 44:50The Future of Work and VR Links Sébastien's VR work [: https://www.sebastienhameline.com/] Sébastien's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/s%C3%A9bastien-hameline-30569733/] Fabien's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-hameline/] Sign up for the Brand Runner newsletter here [https://brandrunner.substack.com/]