What Is a Deepfake?

Detecting a deepfake isn't always easy, but there are signs something may be off.

Unnatural movements. Watch for stiff or robotic facial expressions, body language that doesn't feel quite right, and unusual blinking or eye movement. Real people blink regularly and naturally AI-generated faces may blink too much, too little, or not at all.

Visual artifacts. Look for blurry edges around the face, flickering, inconsistent lighting, or skin texture that looks oddly smooth especially near the hairline and ears. Pay close attention to accessories: reflections in glasses may not match the surrounding environment, and hats or jewelry may cast incorrect (or no) shadows.

Eye and facial detail inconsistencies. Deepfake eyes often lack depth or appear unusually still, without the subtle changes in pupil size or focus that occur naturally. Check whether eyebrow movement matches facial expressions. A smile with completely stationary eyebrows is a red flag. Also look for whether the apparent age of the skin matches the eyes and hair.

Audio irregularities. Pay attention to how well the voice syncs with lip movement. Mismatched timing, a robotic tone, or an unusual cadence are all red flags. Compare the voice to known recordings of the person if you can, altered voices often sound subdued or slightly off in tone.

The content seems designed to provoke. Deepfakes are often used to manufacture controversy or urgency. If a video shows someone saying something shocking, out of character, or demanding immediate action, treat it with skepticism and verify independently before sharing or acting.

Nobody else is reporting it. If a major news-worthy clip hasn't been picked up by credible outlets, that's a reason to question it.

See it in action: A real-world deepfake attack

Watch how convincing a deepfake can be — and what to look for.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ECDAlrVZO5s?si=yLFqX53JrAmvEZ6t