Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Comedians Embrace AI Tools but Retain Control
Some comedians are using AI tools to help make funny videos and songs.
Jon Lajoie made a video of a talking baby and a dog, and King Willonius creates AI-generated parodies.
They use AI to help with the technical parts, but they still write the jokes themselves.
Scholars say AI isn't very good at being funny on its own.
Some comedians are worried about AI copying their work without permission.
A big investment company showed off some of these AI videos in New York.
Even though AI can help, comedians say it can't replace the human touch in making people laugh.
Comedians Jon Lajoie and King Willonius use AI tools to create humorous content, but they still write the jokes themselves.
AI can generate imagery, video, music, and voices, but it lacks the nuance and edge that make jokes truly funny.
Scholars like Michelle Robinson and Caleb Warren note that AI can assist in comedy but cannot replace human creativity.
Some comedians, like Sarah Silverman and Zelda Williams, have expressed concerns about AI infringing on their copyrights and creating deepfakes.
The venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz promoted AI-generated comedy videos in a Manhattan gallery, highlighting the potential of AI in the entertainment industry.
- Who
- Comedians Jon Lajoie and King Willonius, along with scholars Michelle Robinson and Caleb Warren.
- What
- The use of AI tools in comedy and the challenges and opportunities they present.
- When
- During and after the 2023 Hollywood actor and writer strikes.
- Where
- Primarily in the United States, with mentions of specific locations like Manhattan.
- Why
- To explore the potential of AI in comedy and address concerns about its impact on the craft.
- Jon Lajoie
- Comedian who created AI-generated videos like the talking baby podcast.
- King Willonius
- Comedian who uses AI to create video parodies and songs.
- Michelle Robinson
- Professor of American studies at UNC Chapel Hill, specializing in comedy.
- Caleb Warren
- Professor studying marketing and consumer psychology at the University of Arizona.
- AI Tools
- Used for generating imagery, video, music, and voices for comedic content.
- Andreessen Horowitz
- Venture capital firm promoting AI creativity tools.
- AI Gallery Space
- Exhibition space in Manhattan showcasing AI-generated video creations.