Generative AI
4d ago
Consumers Prefer Human-Made Products Over AI-Generated Assets in Marketplaces
Aug 20, 2026
AI Summary
A report from CGTrader reveals that despite the rise of AI-generated assets, consumers are still favoring human-made products. Only a small percentage of customers have purchased AI models, indicating a preference for quality and craftsmanship in digital goods.
- CGTrader allows designers to upload both AI-generated and human-made 3D models for sale, with over two million models available.
- Despite one in six models being AI-generated, these assets accounted for only $1 out of every $90 in revenue and 2.6% of total sales.
- Only 5% of CGTrader customers who tried AI models found them satisfactory, while 20% deemed them inadequate.
- CGTrader CEO Dalia Lasaite noted that buyers prioritize high quality and human craftsmanship in their purchases.
- A Stanford University study indicated that consumers may gravitate towards AI-generated art, but a Pew Research Center poll found that many Americans are concerned about AI's role in creative fields.
- Dennis Zhang, a marketing professor, suggested that the presence of AI products reflects changing consumer preferences, emphasizing the importance of human involvement in product creation.
- Zhang's research showed a significant increase in app launches due to AI coding agents, but engagement with AI-generated apps was lower compared to human-made ones.
- Both Lasaite and Zhang believe that while AI will play a role in productivity, consumers will continue to value human contributions in the marketplace.
ai-generatedmarketplace3d modelsconsumer behaviorsales