How to Spot AI-Generated Photos & Videos

We’ve all been there, you're scrolling through your feed and see a video of a golden retriever cooking a five-course meal, or a "candid" photo of a celebrity in a place they couldn't possibly be, or a clip of a movie with actors and actresses who've never starred together. In 2026, AI-generated content isn't just "getting better", it’s everywhere. Tools like OpenAI’s Sora, Google’s Veo 3, X's Grok, MetaAI, Nano Banana Pro, and ByteDance's Seedance have made it possible to create hyper-realistic visuals that can fool almost anyone. But you don't need to be a tech expert like me to spot these and protect yourself from getting fooled. If you want to be able to spot real videos and photos from AI, check out my simple guide to help you navigate the sea of AI fakes. Here's what you need to know.

Before we dive in, it's worth noting that AI isn't all bad. When used responsibly, these tools are incredible for creativity and accessibility, as I explained in my TED Talk in 2024. Filmmakers are using AI to create 8-second cinematic clips that would otherwise cost thousands to film, and educators use AI to animate historical figures for more engaging lessons. From helping small businesses create professional ads on a budget to allowing people to visualize "what if" scenarios in high-definition 4K, AI is a powerful partner for human imagination.

Look for the Digital Fingerprints. The easiest way to spot AI is to look for a label. Most major companies now build in automatic identifiers.

• The Sora Cloud: Videos made with the Sora app usually feature a white cloud icon that bounces around the edges, similar to the TikTok logo.

• Google’s Signature: Content from Google’s Nano Banana models is automatically watermarked to ensure it can be identified.

• Social Media Labels: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now have systems to flag AI content. Look for small tags near the username that say "AI-generated" or "Altered content."

Keep in mind, watermarks can be cropped out of photos and videos, and not all AI content allows you to quickly find watermarks. With Chinese-based Seedance, there are no watermarks in the videos, so that obviously is a challenge. If a video looks suspicious but has no logo, don't assume it's real.

Check Out The Metadata. Every digital file has "metadata" or digital ID file which contains hidden info about when, where, and how it was made. You can check this yourself using a free tool from the Content Authenticity Initiative.

1. Go to verify.contentauthenticity.org.

2. Upload the photo or video.

3. Look at the sidebar. If it’s a Sora video, it will literally say: "Issued by OpenAI" and label it as AI-generated.

Spot the "AI Glitch" in Photos & Videos. AI is a brilliant artist, but it’s a terrible scientist. It often forgets how the real world actually works. Look for these "physics fails":

• Hands & Feet. Extra fingers, webbed toes, or hands that seem to "melt" into objects they are holding.

• Eyes & Teeth. Misaligned pupils, reflections in glasses that don't match the room, or "too many" teeth that look like a solid white strip.

• Text & Signs. Gibberish letters on background signs, blurry logos, or text that changes if you look away and look back.

• Physics. Hair that merges into clothing, shadows that point the wrong way, or objects that seem to float or slide.

• Backgrounds. People in the distance who look like "smudges" or duplicated "clone" characters in a crowd.

If a post makes you feel an intense, immediate emotion—like shock, anger, or total disbelief—take a breath. AI photos and videos are often designed to go viral by triggering your gut reaction. As these tools become easier to use, public figures are becoming frequent targets for fake videos using their likeness. Even though unions and tech companies are pushing for stronger guardrails, the internet is still filled with nonsensical AI creations. The best tool you have isn't an app—it's your skepticism. If a photo or video feels "too perfect" or just slightly "off," follow your gut. Even experts get fooled occasionally, so don't be too hard on yourself!

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