How to spot deepfake videos before they fool you

A convincing video can make a public figure appear to say something they never said, show a celebrity endorsing a product they have never used, or place an ordinary person inside an entirely fabricated event. These manipulated clips, commonly called deepfakes, are becoming easier to create and harder to dismiss at a glance.

For Australians, the risk appears across social media, messaging apps, online marketplaces and political discussion. A fake video might use a familiar Sydney newsreader, imitate a Melbourne business owner, or attach a fabricated investment pitch to a well-known AFL player. Knowing what to examine before sharing can prevent misinformation, financial loss and reputational harm.

Look beyond a convincing face

Deepfake software can reproduce facial movements, skin texture and expressions with impressive accuracy. However, the face may not behave naturally in relation to the rest of the body. Watch for a stiff jaw, strange blinking, blurred teeth, uneven earrings or hair that seems to merge into the background.

Lighting can reveal problems too. A person’s face may appear brightly lit while their neck and clothing sit in shadow. Reflections in glasses, windows or polished surfaces may fail to match the visible scene. These clues are often subtle, so watch the clip at normal speed first and then replay suspicious moments slowly.

Listen for unnatural speech

Synthetic audio may sound polished, yet it can lack the small variations found in ordinary conversation. Pay attention to flat emphasis, unusual pauses, breath that does not match the speech, or words that seem clipped at the beginning or end. An Australian voice clone may also use an accent convincingly while mispronouncing local place names or slang.

Lip-sync errors are another useful warning sign. The mouth may move a fraction too early, particularly around words containing “p,” “b” or “m” sounds. If the speaker supposedly delivers urgent financial advice, a political statement or a celebrity endorsement, do not treat confident delivery as proof of authenticity.

Check the source and surrounding story

A viral clip without a clear origin deserves caution. Find out who first posted it, whether the account is verified or established, and whether reputable outlets have reported the same event. Screenshots, cropped reposts and videos stripped of their original captions can remove important context.

Search for the full quote using distinctive words from the clip. Compare it with reporting from established Australian organisations, government websites or the person’s official channels. During an election campaign, for example, a sensational statement attributed to a candidate should be checked against party announcements and reliable local reporting before it is repeated in a group chat.

Treat urgent offers as warning signs

Many deepfake scams are designed to create pressure. A fake entrepreneur may promise guaranteed returns, while an imitation of a television personality promotes cryptocurrency, property schemes or a health product. The combination of celebrity authority, emotional language and a countdown timer is intended to stop people from checking details.

Australian consumers should be especially careful with investment advertisements that lead to unfamiliar websites, request cryptocurrency payments or ask for remote access to a device. A business using an Australian-looking logo or a “.au” address is not automatically trustworthy. Check the company through official registers and search independently rather than using the contact details shown in the video.

Use a practical verification routine

A simple pause can interrupt the spread of false content. Save the clip or copy its wording, then investigate the source, date, location and claimed speaker separately. Reverse image search may identify an older video that has been edited or given a misleading caption, while video search can uncover the original longer recording.

Use these quick visual checks before sharing:

• Watch the eyes, teeth, hands and background edges.
• Look for mismatched shadows, reflections or skin tones.
• Check whether the audio matches the mouth movements.
• Find the earliest credible source of the footage.

The message around a video matters as much as the pixels. Consider these contextual checks:

• Is the account newly created or unusually anonymous?
• Does the claim demand immediate action?
• Are reputable Australian outlets reporting the same event?
• Has the clip been cropped to remove dates or explanations?

Report suspicious content responsibly

Do not amplify a questionable video simply to criticise it. Reposting it, even with a warning, can increase its reach through recommendation systems. Instead, record the account name, post date and relevant link, then report the content through the platform’s built-in process.

If a deepfake involves fraud, identity misuse or an attempted scam, report it to Scamwatch and contact your bank quickly if money has been sent. Harmful impersonation may also need to be reported to the platform, the person being impersonated and, in serious cases, the Australian authorities. Keep evidence before the post disappears.

Build better habits for a noisy feed

Deepfake detection is easier when digital media habits are deliberate. Avoid sharing while angry, excited or alarmed, especially when a clip appears to confirm a strong political or cultural opinion. A few minutes spent checking a claim can protect friends, family and colleagues from an avoidable mistake.

The same care applies to wellness and lifestyle content. A polished video claiming that a celebrity has discovered a miracle routine should be checked against reliable advice; for ordinary exercise guidance, readers can explore morning running stretches rather than trusting an anonymous influencer’s edited health claim.

Deepfakes will continue to improve, and no single visual clue proves that a video is genuine or fake. Combine technical observation with source checking, independent searches and scepticism toward urgent requests. Review the platform’s rules and reporting options in its terms and conditions, then pause before passing a questionable clip along.

When a video triggers shock, outrage or excitement, stop before you share it. Check the speaker, source, date, context and request, and report material that appears deceptive or harmful. A careful viewing habit is one of the simplest ways to keep your feed—and the people around you—safer.