versions for whatever audience cohort they're targeting. It'd perform much better and wouldn't risk damaging their brand because I'm with you, I see AI and just think "cheap".

I've actually taken to blocking brands that I see using it in ads on social - particularly when it's just an unimaginative copy of things they can film quite cheaply. I see a lot of talking heads done with AI and I just scratch my head why they don't just get a real person and shoot multiple...

For sure - they've got a vested interest in it doing well, which is why I'm sus of the stats. And usually with any new product (FB Live, Reels etc) META allows organic reach in the early stages to encourage users before stemming that when it becomes popular. Same thing could be at play here.

Or are the watch time stats inflated from people pausing to ask "is this AI?" and it's just a momentary bump that actually isn't true engagement? Maybe a bit of both because I don't think I've ever been shared an AI-video or seen one that is even slightly impressive so I'm very suspicious.