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A new $500k AI ad winner, same old (smart) framework🎯

Let's talk about an AI-generated ad for Tai Chi walking that's been running on YouTube, very successfully. In less than a month, it has spent more than $500k+ on YouTube.

It follows a conversational format, similar to other successful AI-generated ads that we've been seeing lately from the same advertiser.

It doesn't surprise us that we see the pattern emerging in how these ads are structured. There's a clear formula at play, and it's worth understanding what's making it effective across different demographics and workout styles.

Author:
Alex Simic, Creative Director

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Let's break down what's making this ad effective.

The hook is direct and provocative: "Running breaks your joints. Tai Chi builds them back. After 50, you need that." Right away, they're positioning their solution not just as different, but as necessary for their target demographic. And we see a “Tai Chi adjacent” figure holding a speech, talking about Tai Chi.

What follows is a conversational format between two people discussing whether a 56-year-old husband should start Tai Chi. It's a dialogue that feels natural and addresses real concerns.

Here's what makes this ad work:

1. Creating a clear alternative

The opening line immediately positions running (a common exercise) as harmful and Tai Chi as healing. It's reframing the conversation around what's appropriate for the target age group.

2. Time-bound promises

"In one week... In two weeks... In 3 weeks..." They're giving specific timelines for when results will appear. This creates clear expectations and makes the commitment feel manageable.

3. Conversational format

The back-and-forth dialogue in the second half of the ad makes the ad feel less like a pitch and more like a helpful conversation. It's the same technique we saw in the Case Connect ad - using dialogue to address objections naturally.

4. Precise targeting

"Men over 50" - they're not trying to appeal to everyone. This specificity makes the ad feel more relevant to its intended audience.

5. Addressing the main objection

"What if he hasn't worked out in years?" followed by "That's even better" flips a potential barrier into a selling point.

6. Challenging conventional wisdom

"Isn't the gym better? After 50, the gym breaks you." They're directly confronting what many people believe about fitness and offering an alternative perspective.

7. Low barrier to entry

"No equipment needed" and "just 7 minutes a day" make the commitment seem minimal and achievable.

8. Transformation promise

"See your body get younger" taps into a deep desire for their target demographic - not just getting fit, but reversing aging.

9. Simple CTA

"Click the link, get the app, and start tomorrow." Clear, actionable, immediate.

Now, let's talk about what this ad shares with the military workout ad we analyzed earlier. Both are AI-generated, both use entertainment disclaimers, and both are spending significant amounts on YouTube. This suggests we're seeing a successful formula being replicated across different niches.

The pattern is clear:

  • Bold opening that challenges conventional wisdom, with an “AI authority figure”

  • Conversational format that addresses objections

  • Specific targeting (women 30-50+ vs. men over 50)

  • Time-bound promises

  • Low commitment (7-9 minutes, no equipment)

  • Empowerment messaging

  • Simple call to action

What does this tell us about AI-generated ads? First, they're not just one-off experiments anymore. We're seeing systematic application of successful formulas across different demographics and offers.

Second, the conversational format seems to be particularly effective for AI-generated content. It allows for natural objection handling and creates a sense of authenticity even when the content is clearly not real.

Third, these ads are proving that audiences care more about whether the message resonates than whether the story is literally true. The entertainment disclaimer doesn't seem to be hurting performance.

Here's what you can learn from this ad:

  1. Age-specific targeting works: "Men over 50" is more compelling than "anyone who wants to get fit."

  2. Challenge what your audience currently does: Position your solution as the smarter alternative for their life stage.

  3. Use dialogue to address objections: It feels more natural than a monologue listing benefits.

  4. Be specific about time commitments: "7 minutes" is more believable than "just a few minutes."

  5. Flip objections into advantages: "Haven't worked out in years? That's even better."

  6. Make it feel effortless: No equipment, minimal time, can do it anywhere.

  7. Promise transformation, not just improvement: "Get younger" is more powerful than "get healthier."

The success of these AI-generated ads also raises some practical questions for advertisers. If this formula is working so well, should you be testing it for your own offers?

The answer depends on your product and audience. This approach seems particularly effective for fitness and wellness offers targeting specific age demographics. The conversational format works well for addressing the unique concerns of these groups - joint health, energy levels, and time constraints.

What's also worth noting is how these ads handle compliance. The entertainment disclaimer gives them freedom to make bold claims and create compelling narratives without running into the same regulatory issues that traditional testimonial ads might face.

The dialogue format is particularly clever for this. Instead of the advertiser making claims directly, they're presenting a conversation where concerns are raised and addressed. It's a subtle but important distinction that likely helps with platform approval.

Let's also talk about the production efficiency here. AI-generated ads can be created and tested at a scale that traditional production can't match. You can test different hooks, different objections, different demographics - all without the time and cost of filming multiple versions.

This doesn't mean these ads are cheap to run successfully. The media spend is still significant. But the production cost is minimal, which changes the economics of testing and iteration.

For those of you in competitive spaces like fitness, here are some practical takeaways:

  1. Test the conversational format: It's proving effective across multiple niches.

  2. Be bold with your positioning: "The gym breaks you" is a strong statement that creates clear differentiation.

  3. Address age-specific concerns: Joint health, energy, recovery time - these matter more to older demographics.

  4. Make the commitment laughably small: 7 minutes is hard to say no to.

  5. Use specific timelines: "In one week... in two weeks..." creates clear expectations.

  6. Consider AI-generated content: It's no longer experimental; it's proven.

The structure of this ad is also worth studying. It follows a clear pattern:

  1. Problem with the current approach (running breaks joints)

  2. Solution introduction (Tai Chi builds them back)

  3. Why it matters for this demographic (after 50, you need that)

  4. Timeline of results (week-by-week breakdown)

  5. Conversational objection handling

  6. Clear call to action

This structure could be adapted to almost any offer targeting a specific demographic with specific concerns.

What's particularly smart is how they've tailored the message to men over 50. The concerns addressed - joint health, not having worked out in years, whether the gym is better - are exactly what this demographic worries about. It shows a deep understanding of the target audience.

The "your body is enough" message is also powerful for this group. Many men over 50 feel intimidated by modern gyms with complex equipment. Telling them they don't need any of that removes a significant psychological barrier.

So, what's the bottom line here? We're seeing AI-generated ads prove themselves as a viable, scalable approach to YouTube advertising. The formula is clear, the results are strong, and the production efficiency is unmatched.

But here's the key - these ads work because the messaging is solid. AI is the tool, but the strategy behind the messaging is what drives results. Understanding your audience, addressing their specific concerns, and positioning your solution effectively - that's still the foundation.

For those of you looking to create high-performing ads, whether AI-generated or traditionally produced, focus on getting the message right first. Understand your audience deeply, craft a narrative that resonates with their specific struggles and aspirations, and make taking action feel like the obvious next step.

And hey, if you're looking to explore how AI-generated content might fit into your ad strategy, or if you want to discuss how to craft messaging that resonates this deeply with your specific audience, you know where to find us. At Inceptly, we're always excited to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape of YouTube advertising.

Until next time, keep testing, keep refining, and remember - the best ad is the one that converts, regardless of how it's made.

Cheers,

Alex and the Inceptly Team

P.S. Curious about testing AI-generated ads for your offer? Or want to discuss how to adapt this conversational format to your specific niche? Drop us a line. We're always up for exploring new approaches that drive real results.


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Want to brainstorm with us on new ways to scale your business with YouTube Ads (and other performance video platforms)?

Join us for a free YouTube ad brainstorming session here:

Alex Simic, Creative Director

Alex Simic is the person responsible for all creative work that stands behind Inceptly since stepping into his role in 2022. He comes from the role of the Media Buying Team Lead and Strategist behind some of Inceptly’s biggest successes. He has collaborated with the biggest names in the Direct Response industry, whether as a Senior Account Manager & Media Buyer or Creative Director. His main goal is bridging the gap between Media Buying and Creative, ensuring that the videos Inceptly produces are data-based and giving our clients the best chance at achieving success.

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