What 74% of AI-Created Content Means for Marketers Today
I think about AI in content creation a lot. (As you’ve probably noticed.)
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it's woven into the fabric of how we create, share, and consume content every single day. But recently, as I was doing some casual research, I came across a striking statistic in an article by Ahrefs that stopped me cold.
I had planned to skim the piece, maybe glance over a few numbers. Instead, I found myself asking a tough question: Am I falling behind?
The AI Content Revolution: 74% of New Web Content Is AI-Generated
Here’s what really hit me: 74% of all new web content today is created using generative AI. That means only 26% of content published online is fully human-written.
Pause and let that sink in.
The majority of what you read, watch, or interact with online carries an AI fingerprint. And this isn’t some light automation or a sprinkle of AI here and there. It’s a tidal wave of AI-driven creation reshaping the digital landscape.
Marketers Are Leading the Charge
It’s not just content creators dabbling in AI; marketers are embracing it in a big way. According to the same study:
87% of marketers are using AI to create content.
And those who do? They’re publishing 42% more content each month than those who don’t.
That last number stood out to me—not because I think flooding the internet with more content is the goal. More content alone isn’t the answer. But producing more intelligently, efficiently, and strategically—that’s where the real power lies.
What More Content Actually Gets You
You might wonder, why does publishing more content really matter? It’s not about volume for volume’s sake. It’s about what that volume unlocks:
Faster feedback loops: More content means you get quicker insights on what resonates and what doesn’t.
Greater reach: Increasing your content footprint expands your audience and amplifies your voice.
More compounding assets: Each piece of content becomes a long-term asset that can be repurposed and built upon.
Clearer signals: The data and engagement you gather help you refine your messaging and sharpen your strategy.
In short, AI-driven content creation isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about accelerating your ability to learn, adapt, and connect.
The Cost and Commitment Behind AI Content
Here’s another angle that’s equally important: the economics of AI in content creation.
Human-written content costs 4.7 times more than AI-assisted content.
Over 51% of companies are increasing their AI budgets to capitalize on this technology.
Yet, 84% of companies don’t disclose when their content is AI-assisted—keeping that edge subtle.
The takeaway? AI is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s the baseline expectation.
But Here’s the Wild Part: Most Creators Are Still Playing It Safe
Despite these jaw-dropping stats, most content creators treat AI like a fancy search engine—typing in simple prompts, accepting basic outputs, then copying and pasting the results to publish.
That’s the real gap. That’s the golden opportunity.
The AI Masters: Treating AI as a Creative Partner
The content creators and marketers who are really winning? They’re not cutting corners. They’re not just copying and pasting. They’re using AI as a:
Creative partner: Collaborating with AI to brainstorm new ideas and fresh angles.
Strategist: Using AI to analyze trends, data, and audience insights to shape content plans.
Editor: Refining and elevating AI-generated drafts into compelling narratives.
Second brain: Accelerating their thinking process, iterating quickly, and experimenting boldly.
They’re working with AI, not just through AI.
The Real Question for Marketers Today
So, if you’re involved in content or marketing, the real question you need to ask yourself isn’t:
“Should I use AI?”
It’s:
“Am I using it well enough to stay ahead?”
Because this AI wave isn’t slowing down—it’s gaining speed, and it’s changing the game for everyone in the content space.
Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead in an AI-Driven World
I’m personally committed to asking myself that question over and over. How can I use AI smarter, deeper, and more creatively? How can I make AI not just a tool but a true partner in storytelling and marketing?
Because if you’re not thinking this way, you risk falling behind while others are sprinting ahead—leveraging AI to build faster, create smarter, and engage stronger.
The future of content is here. It’s AI-powered, yes—but it’s also human-driven in its best form when creativity and technology come together.
Are you ready to lead or follow?
