We’re excited to share that BrandLens was recently featured in LA Examiner, highlighting the shift happening in the content creation world. The piece explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workflows while reaffirming the irreplaceable value of human creativity.
For us at BrandLens, this recognition is more than media coverage, it validates our belief that authentic, human-created video remains the most powerful tool for building trust, loyalty, and engagement.
The debate is heating up: Can AI replace human creativity? The truth is more nuanced. AI tools can streamline repetitive tasks, but true connection still comes from people. This blog explores what the LA Examiner highlighted, why human-created content creation matters more than ever in the AI era, and how BrandLens sits at the intersection of technology and humanity.
1. What the LA Examiner Highlighted About BrandLens
In its feature, LA Examiner praised BrandLens for championing authentic, community-driven video storytelling at a time when automation is reshaping marketing.
- Authenticity First: BrandLens keeps all content 100% human-made, building trust in an AI-driven era. As our co-founder and CEO, Vahag Karayan, told the Examiner: “We can, with 100% certainty, say that our content was made with humans and zero AI was involved in that.”
- Smart Use of AI: AI is used only for backend tasks like moderation and campaign ideation, never for the creative process.
- Mindset Shift: CEO Vahag Karayan stresses brands should focus on ongoing customer engagement to create evergreen content, not just flashy campaigns.
- True UGC Defined: Karayan clarifies that AI video isn’t user-generated content (UGC), real UGC comes from people sharing genuine stories, with AI only supporting the process.
The article notes that AI-powered tools from transcription to editing are becoming staples for creators. But it also stresses that audiences crave authenticity. That’s where BrandLens stands apart:
- Ease of use with a platform built for human-first video storytelling.
- App-free participation for contributors, making user-generated content campaigns accessible at scale.
- Scalable UGC activations across industries like fashion, gifting, and consumer packaged goods (CPG).
This clear stance has resonated with brands seeking real voices in an era of synthetic content.
How BrandLens enables app-free UGC collection and co-creation?
- No app needed – contributors join via link or QR code
- Easy submissions – record and upload right away from any device
- Frictionless UGC – removes barriers to participation
- Co-creation tools – brands and creators collaborate in one platform
- Scalable campaigns – collect, moderate, and publish at scale
2. Why Human-Created Video Still Wins in 2025
The psychology behind why consumers crave real voices is simple. The AI boom has brought efficiency, but efficiency isn’t enough to win hearts. AI can mimic tone and polish but it cannot replicate emotion, vulnerability, or lived experience.
That’s why authentic content consistently outperforms AI-generated alternatives in marketing campaigns:
- Trust & Relatability – Audiences connect with real customers, employees, and fans, not synthetic avatars.
- Engagement – Studies show authentic UGC delivers engagement rates up to 4x higher than branded studio content.
- Longevity – Unlike paid influencer campaigns, UGC provides evergreen value and social proof that lives far beyond a single post.
Karayan emphasized in the LA Examiner piece that the real challenge isn’t technology, it’s mindset:
“If you engage your customers consistently, they will create evergreen content that tells your story for years. That is worth far more than a single viral hit.”
For brands in 2025, the winning formula is clear: AI can assist, but human content is what inspires action.
3. Artificial Intelligence is Neither the Enemy nor the Star
The LA Examiner article framed AI as a creative co-pilot, not a replacement. Tools like Trint demonstrate how automation can free creators from tedious tasks, such as transcription, translation, or formatting, so they can focus on storytelling, strategy, and innovation.
BrandLens takes a similar approach. We leverage AI behind the scenes to support creators, not replace them:
- AI voiceover prompts to guide UGC submissions
- Smart editing tools to streamline post-production
- Real-time moderation features to ensure brand safety at scale
But we draw a firm line: AI will never generate fake “UGC.” True user-generated content is created by people with smartphones, emotions, and unique perspectives.
As Karayan explained:
“You cannot call AI-generated video user-generated content. True UGC is someone picking up their phone and speaking from the heart. AI can support that, but it cannot replace it.”
This balanced stance, technology as enabler, humans as creators, reflects where the industry is heading.
Let’s check out the pros and cons of authentic UGC vs AI:
4. BrandLens Mixes Technology, Humanity, and Scale
The synergy between AI and humans doesn’t just preserve authenticity; it unlocks scale. BrandLens gives companies the ability to start large-scale marketing without compromising authenticity.
Here’s how:
- User-Driven Stories – Real customers, fans, and employees become content creators.
- Intuitive Technology – No app downloads required, reducing friction.
- Video Co-Creation Model – Empowering creators and communities to build content together.
This blend makes BrandLens perfect for industries like:
- Beauty and Fashion – Authentic tutorials and testimonials build credibility.
- Gifting, Cards & Flowers – Real customer reactions showcase emotional impact.
- Events & Hospitality – Attendee-driven videos amplify reach organically.
With BrandLens, brands no longer have to choose between speed and sincerity; they can have both.
5. What This Media Moment Means for Brands
Being as featured in LA Examiner is more than a badge of honour. It’s proof that the industry recognizes the shift BrandLens is leading:
- Authentic content isn’t going away; it’s becoming more critical than ever.
- Media validation builds trust with prospects, partners, and investors.
- UGC at scale is now mainstream, not niche.
For brands navigating 2025, the message is clear: double down on human-first storytelling. AI will continue to evolve, but it cannot replicate the trust, relatability, and creativity of human video content. BrandLens is proud to stand at the intersection of technology and humanity, ensuring that brands can scale their content strategies without losing their soul.
If you want to join the brands that are choosing authenticity over automation in an AI-driven world, now is the time.Request a demo with BrandLens today and see how human-created video can power your marketing strategy in 2025 and beyond.
