Recently, a wave of fake videos about the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has emerged on the social media platform YouTube. These videos use AI-generated images and audio, accompanied by false information, and have attracted tens of millions of views.
According to an investigation, over the past 12 months, 26 related channels have accumulated nearly 70 million views through almost 900 Diddy videos. The strategies used by these channels are largely similar, typically using attention-grabbing titles and AI-generated thumbnails to link Diddy with other celebrities, fabricating false accusations, such as claiming that a celebrity just testified in the trial or was forced by Diddy to do something.
These thumbnails often use sensational false quotes, such as "Did 16 hours with me" or "Diddy abused Bieber," to attract viewers' attention. Some of these channels have been around for a long time, while others are newly created; many creators are taking this opportunity to make quick money, despite the risk of being banned by YouTube and facing legal action. According to some industry insiders, this approach of using AI-generated content is a quick way to make money.
For example, a channel called Peeper, which was created in 2010, recently focused on Diddy content, releasing a series of fake popular videos. Several other channels have recently changed their content direction, quickly shifting to Diddy themes, trying to profit from this trend. Some channels' content is entirely AI-generated, spreading false information. This phenomenon is not only prevalent on YouTube but also appears on platforms like TikTok.
According to a YouTube spokesperson, some channels that spread fake videos have been banned due to violating community guidelines, demonstrating the platform's regulation of content quality. However, content creators continue to pursue opportunities for quick profits, and the advancement of AI technology has made video production easier and cheaper, leading to this issue becoming more severe.
Key Points:
🛑 In the past year, nearly 900 Diddy videos published by 26 channels received nearly 70 million views.
💰 Many channels quickly make money by publishing false content, despite the risk of being banned and facing legal action.
📈 The use of AI technology has made video production easier, attracting more creators into this market.