The Best AI-led PR Trends of 2025
We’re halfway through 2025, and it’s now clearer than ever that AI is here to stay. It’s embedded in every corner of digital comms, from brand storytelling to visual content strategies. It’s almost impossible to open LinkedIn without seeing a post either leveraging generative AI or slandering it. As someone who scrolls through X, Instagram, and LinkedIn each week while drafting content for clients, I’ve watched firsthand how AI-generated images have become a surprisingly useful tool in the B2B PR world.
Now, as a copywriter, I have serious reservations about using AI to generate any written content. It actually feels a bit cocky to say that I can write far better than any AI tool… Plus, authenticity matters. But I have found value in observing how others use generative AI to create eye-catching images.
Here are some of the top AI-led PR trends that have emerged in 2025 so far.
-
AI Action Figure Trend
This trend sees individuals reimagining themselves as boxed action figures, packed up in their favourite outfit and accessories.
Why it works for PR:
Finally, a popular trend that my B2B clients can hop on. This is the kind of lighthearted content that lets B2B leaders showcase personality without losing professionalism. It’s not only extremely shareable, but also a great way to get your team on board with creating their own uniformed action figures too.
The downside:
The environmental impact of AI tools like ChatGPT is something to take seriously. According to research from Queen Mary University, the data centers powering these tools consume more electricity annually than 117 entire countries. Each image created might feel small, but cumulatively, these trends are accelerating digital waste. Quite literally millions of people flocked to join in on this Action Figure trend and it’s very unfortunate that this has been the first of many trends for this year.
-
Studio Ghibli Selfies
There’s a lot of intrigue when it comes to seeing what you’d look like as a cartoon. Before, the odd Snapchat filter would allow you to do this. But now, AI can render any image anime in a matter of minutes. Home to some childhood classics, the first to take this trend was a wave of Studio Ghibli-inspired images. These dreamy, painterly visuals brought a nostalgic charm that’s instantly recognisable.
Why it works for PR:
For execs who want to soften their online presence, the Ghibli trend provides a whimsical (yet oddly elegant) alternative to stiff headshots. When this trend was live, I saw that even the tycoons of the Dragons Den such as Tej Lalvani had fun taking part in this trend.
The downside:
Copyright and ethics. The Ghibli aesthetic is heavily inspired by Studio Ghibli’s own artwork. Artists like Sarah Andersen have already launched lawsuits against AI firms for scraping copyrighted work when training these tools. Even if it’s a legally grey area, it still raises moral questions about originality. As PR professionals, who are part of the creative industry ourselves, we must be one of the first to respect other creatives and the protection of their work.
-
Pets Turned into People
Upload a photo of your dog or cat and ask ChatGPT to reimagine them as a human. It sounded adorable. Until I turned my Yorkshire Terrier into a weird-looking middle-aged man.
Why it works for PR:
Honestly, it doesn’t. This trend is more for personal feeds than client content. However, it does reflect the growing accessibility of AI visuals and could inspire internal campaigns. If you’re the kind of company that likes to have a bit of fun with internal monthly newsletters, then turning your staff into pets could make for a really entertaining section.
The downside:
It veers into the uncanny valley. I personally find this trend quite unsettling.
-
Lego, Pixar, The Simpsons
From Ghibli to LEGO cityscapes, the visual AI trend has expanded into pop culture territory. I’ve seen people turned into the Muppets, families reimagined as citizens of Springfield, or office teams given Pixar makeovers.
Why it works for PR:
Used sparingly, it’s a brilliant way to inject fun into corporate storytelling. You might have a group photo of all your employees that you really like. Instead of just reposting that photo again and again, you can fun it up by turning it into a LEGO-style portrait. These can boost internal engagement, and on social, show that a brand has a creative edge.
The downside:
We’re again entering dangerous copyright waters. While these trends are fan-driven and fun, platforms like Disney and Fox are known to guard their IP closely. The more brands lean into these recognisable styles, the more likely they are to face takedowns…or worse, lawsuits.
2025’s trends show that AI isn’t replacing creative professionals, it’s just expanding the canvas. For PR teams, these tools are a gift if used both ethically and strategically. The visual possibilities are endless, but as with any trend, they must align with brand values and long-term goals.
