Advertising has a strong focus on youth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median age—the midpoint of workers’ ages—in advertising was 39 in 2025, compared with 42 across the workforce. The World Advertising Research Center estimates that only 5% to 10% of advertising budgets target older consumers.
Brands are concentrating on Generation Z customers, while advertising companies seek employees from the same generation. Newer platforms such as TikTok are part of this focus. However, AI does not necessarily have to push older creative workers aside.
Some established professionals already include AI in their work. They include game designers, visual effects artists, animators, photographers, and directors. After decades of creating characters, images, and imaginary worlds, they bring experience with lighting, movement, performance, and storytelling. They can also recognize when a creative choice feels wrong.
Although AI can produce advertising campaigns, it cannot reproduce genuine experience. Operating a new AI model is not the same as knowing what to create with it. For experienced creative workers who learn to use the technology, AI could help renew their careers.
