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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAI in MarketingDiffusion Model

AI in Marketing

Diffusion Model

The type of generative AI behind most image and video generators, which builds visuals by gradually refining random noise.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A diffusion model is the type of generative AI behind most modern image and video generators. It learns to create visuals by gradually refining random noise into a coherent image, guided by a text prompt or other input. Marketers use diffusion-based tools for concept art, product imagery and ad creative variations.