Creating just the right graphic or video for your website can be challenging. You likely have a set of requirements that need to be met and may not have the content readily available—especially if your company is new. However, with the advancements in the digital world, many tools now allow you to use AI for image generation.

These tools make having the perfect images/videos possible without requiring significant training. The use of artificial intelligence for writing, graphics, and video has become so widespread that the Exploding Logistics blog recently estimated that as of 2024, over 266 million companies (82%) are using or exploring using AI in their business operations. This number is a drastic increase from only 20% in 2017. While only 35% of these companies are using AI for graphics and content creation, now is an excellent time to ask if using AI for content is truly the best option.

Understanding AI Images

At its most simplistic definition, an AI-generated photo is a graphic or video created by artificial intelligence and algorithms based on existing imagery. It is designed to be visually appealing and to mimic content already found on search engines. While using AI images is a modern way to create imagery, it is also an oft-debated approach for marketing and website designs.

Disadvantages of Relying on AI Images and Videos

  1. Copyright Concerns—Because AI generates images based on content found online, there is a risk of plagiarism and copyright infringement. AI tools are designed to identify and implement pictures on the web, but they do not have a fail-safe that indicates if an image is original or has been misused.
  2. Poor Quality – Text created with AI will be error-free but can sound monotonous, repetitive or just not something a human would want to read. However, AI-generated images can look odd, confusing, out-of-proportion, and awkward. The AI images of a body, especially the hands, can be distorted. In addition, when asked to create architecture, the results may break all the rules of math and physics!
  3. Not Reliable or Trustworthy – You want your company to be seen as dependable and trustworthy. However, because there is a plethora of misinformation, falsified, and manipulated visuals online when the AI tool scours the web for imagery from which to generate content, you risk a questionable result that, in turn, can cause your followers/site guests to question your company and its practices.
  4. Hidden Biases and Influences—AI graphics and videography represent the material the AI program is designed or subconsciously prejudiced to look for. As such, the imagery produced will typically reflect the designers’ race, gender, orientation, religion, stereotype, etc. As AI does not have a moral compass or filter, one should not be surprised if AI results are offensive based on race, gender, orientation, religion, stereotype, etc.
  5. Impact on the Economy—When you decide to forego the human component of design, you are taking a job away from a person and replacing them with a machine. The need for people to actively create artwork, videos, written content, graphic designs, advertising, and other industries is lessened when companies opt to rely on AI-generated content. Opting for AI rather than a person can mean a loss of a job/income.
  6. Limited Customization—While you can put in specific parameters for your designs, AI-generated images/videos will lack the human touch and personality that comes from having a human craft an image. When you design an image/video for your website, you can do this best because you know your audience and can target a specific demographic.
  7. Loss of Customer Base—While not widespread, some people are so against AI that if they learn a company is using it in any form, they will boycott it.

Are AI-Generated Images the Answer?

This truly depends on what your plan is for your website. Before making the choice, take some time to consider the pros and cons of AI. A significant determining factor should be whether the images will increase your SEO value or undo what you have already accomplished. There is no simple answer to this question, so talk to a web specialist before making any changes.

Beyond the effect AI-generated imagery can have on SEO, it is important to note that you will still need to have someone responsible for “fact-checking” that images are not copyrighted, inappropriate, distasteful, or offensive. As such, it may cost you more in time/effort than simply working with a designer to create the desired image correctly the first time around.

So, I’m Thinking About Using AI Images…

If you decide to use it, then spend some time checking out the various AI tools available. They will range in cost from free to monthly charges, and each has an assortment of features to help you craft the ideal image you want to use. A few of the most popular AI image generators available are-

However, using any of these tools comes with some risks, so using only AI-generated content may not be ideal. Instead, using AI content to supplement your existing content may be best. However, before you implement images and videos with AI material, ensure your website’s pieces are truly unique. A great way to avoid copyright infringement is by working with Page Progressive’s graphics team, as we can design images that are distinctive to your company and goals.

Engaging graphics and videos on your website are a must. After all, you want to grab site guests’ attention and keep them on your site. So, if you are looking for ways to encourage site guests, now is the time to contact Page Progressive. Our team of website developers can work with you to create the look and message you want.