Most of what you see online isn’t real.
Not the products. Not the cars. Not even the models sometimes.
Welcome to the age of CGI — Computer-Generated Imagery — where pixels are replacing photographers, sets, and sometimes even reality. And here’s the kicker: you probably didn’t even notice.
The Big Brands Are All In
Let’s call out some names:
• Apple’s jaw-dropping iPhone reveals? Half the time, you’re looking at a 3D render, not a real product shoot.
• Nike’s wild sneaker videos that look straight out of a video game? CGI magic.
• BMW commercials showing their cars flying down a futuristic cityscape? That car never even left the studio — the background doesn’t exist.
• IKEA? 75% of its product images aren’t photos. They’re hyper-realistic 3D models.
And we’re not just talking ads. Scroll through your favorite e-commerce site — there’s a solid chance the product you’re looking at was never actually photographed.
Real Talk: Is CGI Cheating?
Some people think using CGI in advertising is deceptive — selling a product that looks too perfect, too smooth, too unreal.
And they’re not entirely wrong.
We’re sold a fantasy every day. Perfect lighting. Impossibly flawless surfaces. Zero human error. CGI lets brands create a version of their product that may not even exist yet — and that’s both powerful and, yeah, a little bit manipulative.
But here’s the truth: CGI sells. It grabs attention. It tells a story that static product images just can’t. And in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, that kind of power is irresistible.
The Line Between Real and Fake Is Gone
We’re living in a time when:
• Real estate companies sell million-dollar homes before they’re built — using CGI walkthroughs.
• Fashion brands launch collections using CGI models.
• Tech companies promote features with CGI videos long before the product is finished.
• Even virtual influencers (yep, fake people) are racking up brand deals on Instagram.
It’s not about “faking it” anymore — it’s about owning the illusion.
So What Does This Mean for Us?
Whether you’re a marketer, content creator, startup founder, or just a consumer — CGI is part of your world now. And if you’re not using it yet, you’re already behind.
It’s cheaper, faster, more flexible — and let’s be honest — it often looks better than the real thing.
CGI isn’t the future. It’s the new normal.
The only question is: Are you using it to your advantage? Or are you still stuck thinking everything you see is real?
Not the products. Not the cars. Not even the models sometimes.
Welcome to the age of CGI — Computer-Generated Imagery — where pixels are replacing photographers, sets, and sometimes even reality. And here’s the kicker: you probably didn’t even notice.
The Big Brands Are All In
Let’s call out some names:
• Apple’s jaw-dropping iPhone reveals? Half the time, you’re looking at a 3D render, not a real product shoot.
• Nike’s wild sneaker videos that look straight out of a video game? CGI magic.
• BMW commercials showing their cars flying down a futuristic cityscape? That car never even left the studio — the background doesn’t exist.
• IKEA? 75% of its product images aren’t photos. They’re hyper-realistic 3D models.
And we’re not just talking ads. Scroll through your favorite e-commerce site — there’s a solid chance the product you’re looking at was never actually photographed.
Real Talk: Is CGI Cheating?
Some people think using CGI in advertising is deceptive — selling a product that looks too perfect, too smooth, too unreal.
And they’re not entirely wrong.
We’re sold a fantasy every day. Perfect lighting. Impossibly flawless surfaces. Zero human error. CGI lets brands create a version of their product that may not even exist yet — and that’s both powerful and, yeah, a little bit manipulative.
But here’s the truth: CGI sells. It grabs attention. It tells a story that static product images just can’t. And in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, that kind of power is irresistible.
The Line Between Real and Fake Is Gone
We’re living in a time when:
• Real estate companies sell million-dollar homes before they’re built — using CGI walkthroughs.
• Fashion brands launch collections using CGI models.
• Tech companies promote features with CGI videos long before the product is finished.
• Even virtual influencers (yep, fake people) are racking up brand deals on Instagram.
It’s not about “faking it” anymore — it’s about owning the illusion.
So What Does This Mean for Us?
Whether you’re a marketer, content creator, startup founder, or just a consumer — CGI is part of your world now. And if you’re not using it yet, you’re already behind.
It’s cheaper, faster, more flexible — and let’s be honest — it often looks better than the real thing.
CGI isn’t the future. It’s the new normal.
The only question is: Are you using it to your advantage? Or are you still stuck thinking everything you see is real?
