How to spot a deepfake video yourself

A surge in manipulated videos online has prompted Danish public broadcaster DR to publish a guide on identifying deepfakes. The advice comes as artificial intelligence tools make it increasingly difficult to distinguish real footage from fabricated content.

Experts recommend checking for subtle inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, and facial movements. Deepfakes often show unnatural blinking patterns, distorted edges around the face, or mismatched audio and lip syncing. Background details may also appear warped or artificially blurred.

Another red flag is unnatural skin texture—either overly smooth or unnaturally wrinkled—along with irregularities in hair or teeth. Viewers are advised to scrutinise videos where the subject’s head movements seem stiff or their expressions appear exaggerated.

DR’s guide also suggests verifying the source of the video and cross-checking with trusted news outlets before sharing. The broadcaster warns that while some deepfakes are obvious, others can be highly convincing, especially in short clips.