Watch the viral 'ad' that imagines aged Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos promoting a creepy energy source for AI
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Belgian AI video generation startup, AiCandy, created a viral spoof ad that envisions Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos in 2036 promoting a futuristic gym where humans power AI through group workouts. The video, titled "Energym," imagines a dystopian future where 80% of jobs are lost to AI, leaving humans with idle time but no money—except for their energy. In the ad, aged versions of Musk, Altman, and Bezos suggest using human power as a sustainable energy source for AI, sparking both humor and concern about the potential impact of AI on employment.
AiCandy founders Hans Buyse and Jan De Loore conceived the video to address criticism over energy consumption in their work. The idea evolved into a satirical take on the intersection of AI, fitness trends, and job displacement, blending dark humor with commentary on technological advancement. The 40-second clip resonated widely, amassing over 4 million views on Instagram and gaining attention from prominent accounts, including one with nearly 2 million followers. Despite its viral success, AiCandy expressed concern over unauthorized reposts, which they view as profiting off their creation.
The ad's unexpected popularity led to a surge in requests for collaborations, including an offer from The Dor Brothers, a leading AI video production company. While the founders are thrilled with the exposure, they humorously await an email from Elon Musk himself. Buyse and De Loore shared their backgrounds—Buyse has decades of experience in commercials, while De Loore is a motion designer who integrates AI into his art. Their innovative approach highlights how startups can leverage creativity to address criticism and capture attention in the competitive tech landscape.
The viral ad underscores broader societal concerns about AI's role in job markets and its energy demands. While it’s currently unclear if an AI-driven job apocalypse will materialize, the video sparks important conversations about technology’s ethical implications. AiCandy’s success demonstrates how humor and satire can effectively engage audiences while addressing complex issues, making it a valuable tool for startups aiming to make an impact in the business world.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026