Tips On How to Spot Fake/Manipulated Videos

Misinformation is no longer just about text deepfakes, edited footage, and misleading captions have made fake videos a powerful tool for hoaxes. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others from falling for them.

1. Check the Source

Before believing or sharing a video, ask yourself: Who posted this?

Is it from a verified news organization or a reputable journalist?
Does the account have a history of sharing credible content?
If it’s from an unknown or anonymous source, proceed with caution.

2. Look for Visual Inconsistencies

Manipulated videos often have glitches, unnatural movements, or odd lighting.

Watch for distorted facial features or body movements—this is common in deepfake videos.
Check the background for blurred areas or shadows that don’t match the scene.
If subtitles or captions are added, verify if they match the speaker’s lip movements.

3. Verify the Date and Location

A real video can be misrepresented by attaching a false context.

Use Google Reverse Image Search or tools like InVID to check if the footage is old or taken from a different event.
If the video claims to be from Uganda, but you see billboards or signs in another language, that’s a red flag.

4. Pay Attention to Audio Manipulation

Audio can be edited, replaced, or even AI-generated to mislead people.

Does the speaker’s voice sound unnatural or robotic?
Are the words perfectly synchronized with the lips? AI-generated voices sometimes lag behind.
Background noise can also give clues—was it altered or removed?

5. Compare with Trusted News Sources

If a video claims to show a major event but no credible news outlets are reporting it, be skeptical.

Cross-check with trusted media houses and fact-checking platforms like Africa Check, PesaCheck, and Debunk Media Initiative.

6. Be Wary of Emotional Manipulation

Fake videos often trigger strong emotions anger, fear, or shock to push an agenda.

Does the video seem designed to provoke an extreme reaction?
Is it urging you to take immediate action (e.g., share widely, panic, or donate)?
If yes, take a step back and verify before reacting.

7. Use Fact-Checking Tools

There are great tools available to help verify videos:
InVID – Helps analyze key frames and detect manipulation.
Google Reverse Image Search – Checks if images from the video have been used elsewhere.
TinEye – Another great tool for tracking visual content.

Tumwine Edward

Edward Tumwine is a Digital Communications Consultant, Lecturer, and Media Viability Expert with over nine years of experience in media relations, content strategy, and digital communications. He has advised organizations and journalists on media sustainability, new media skills, and leveraging digital tools for impact. Edward currently serves as the Communications Officer at Debunk Media Initiative, where he leads strategic communications to combat misinformation. He also lectures in Multimedia Production at Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism and Communication.