Agencies love new tech until it starts making clients nervous. AI audio ads are faster, cheaper, and more flexible than traditional production, but some clients still hear “AI” and picture clunky, robotic voices from 2010.
If you’re an agency, you’re probably already exploring AI tools for ad production. The challenge isn’t just figuring out how to use it internally—it’s also about positioning it in a way that makes clients excited, not hesitant.
So, should agencies be transparent about AI ads? How do you balance automation with human creativity? And most importantly, how do you get clients on board without making them think you’re cutting corners?
Let’s break it down.
A shortcut or a smarter process?
Clients want high-quality, engaging audio ads—not a crash course in AI ethics. But let’s face it, AI is changing ad production in ways agencies can’t ignore.
- Instead of waiting days for a voiceover artist, AI can generate multiple voice variations in minutes
- Need localized versions? AI can handle multiple languages without extra recording sessions
- Want to test different ad styles? AI makes it easy to create multiple versions for A/B testing
AI isn’t about replacing creativity—it’s about giving agencies more control over execution without the time or budget constraints of traditional production. The agencies that embrace it now will outpace those that wait for clients to demand it first.
Clients are hesitant about AI
Some clients will be all in on AI, thrilled by the speed and cost savings. Others will be skeptical, fearing lower-quality work, lack of originality, or loss of human touch.
If you’re an agency, the key isn’t forcing AI on every client—it’s integrating it where it makes sense and knowing how to frame the conversation.
When to sell AI to clients:
- If they need fast turnarounds and multiple variations (e.g., performance marketers).
- If they’re budget-conscious but want high-quality audio ads.
- If they’re already using AI in other parts of their business and open to innovation.
When to keep AI in the background:
- If they’re hyper-traditional and want to see familiar production methods.
- If they’re paying for a premium, custom sound (e.g., hiring celebrity voiceovers).
- If AI won’t enhance the creative process for a specific campaign.
The reality? Most agencies will use AI behind the scenes anyway. The key is deciding when to highlight it as a value-add versus when to let the final product speak for itself.
AI shouldn’t mean sacrificing human creativity
Clients don’t want to feel like their ads are being churned out by a robot. That’s why agencies need to make human oversight a core part of their AI workflow.
- Use AI for production, not for strategy. AI can generate voices, suggest script variations, or fine-tune delivery, but creative direction should always come from a human.
- Make sure final versions are reviewed by people. AI can create 10 variations in seconds, but which one actually sounds good? That’s where human expertise matters.
- Mix AI content with human elements. Use Wondercraft’s Parrot Mode to make sentences sound more natural, or blend AI with live-recorded content for a more natural flow.
- Offer AI as an option, not a replacement. Some clients love the speed and efficiency of AI; others prefer traditional voiceover work. Giving them the choice builds trust.
How to talk about AI with clients (without freaking them out)
So, let’s say you’re ready to bring AI into your agency workflow. How do you explain it to clients without making it sound like you’re just cutting costs?
🚫 DON’T say:
- “We’re using AI to make your ad in half the time!” (Sounds rushed, like quality will suffer)
- “We don’t need voice actors anymore!” (Sounds like you’re just trying to save money)
- “It’s all automated now!” (Sounds like you’re removing the creative process)
✅ DO say:
- “We use AI voice technology to create high-quality, natural-sounding ads that we tweak in-house.” (Emphasizes human oversight)
- “AI allows us to quickly test different variations so we can optimize your ad for better engagement.” (Shows value in testing)
- “This lets us create localized versions and personalized content at scale—without compromising on quality.” (Addresses scalability and quality concerns)
The trick? Frame AI as an improvement, not a replacement for traditional ad production.
AI is a tool, not a threat
The agencies that ignore AI will spend twice as long making ads that don’t perform any better. The agencies that use AI intelligently will move faster, test more, and deliver better results.
Clients don’t care about AI—they care about great ads. As long as agencies keep creativity at the center, AI will simply be another tool that helps them do their best work, faster.
So, whether you’re all-in on AI or just testing the waters, one thing’s for sure—AI isn’t the future of advertising. It’s already here.