Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about AI Video Detector and how our AI video analysis and detection tool works
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General Questions
What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a video, image, or audio recording that has been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to make it appear as though someone said or did something they did not actually do. Deepfakes use machine learning algorithms, particularly deep neural networks, to swap faces, synthesize voices, or alter content in highly realistic ways. They can be used for entertainment, satire, or malicious purposes such as spreading misinformation or damaging reputations.
How does AI Video Detector work?
Our tool uses a three-stage detection process: (1) Metadata Analysis examines video file properties, editing software traces, and compression patterns; (2) Heuristic Detection analyzes frame rate consistency, quality jumps, and audio-video synchronization; (3) AI Face Detection uses machine learning models (face-api.js and TensorFlow.js) to check facial landmark stability, eye movement patterns, and lighting consistency. These three methods are combined using a weighted scoring algorithm to produce an overall risk assessment for AI-generated content and manipulation.
Is AI Video Detector free to use?
Yes, our AI video detection tool is completely free to use with no hidden fees, subscriptions, or limitations. You can analyze as many videos as you need without any cost. We are committed to making AI video analysis and detection accessible to everyone as a public service.
Do I need to create an account?
No, you do not need to register, create an account, or provide any personal information to use our Service. Simply visit the detection page, upload your video, and get instant results. This no-registration approach protects your privacy and makes the tool immediately accessible.
Privacy & Security
Is my uploaded video safe? Where does it go?
Your video is completely safe and never leaves your device. All video processing happens entirely in your web browser using client-side JavaScript. Your video is NOT uploaded to our servers, stored in any database, or transmitted over the internet. This browser-based approach ensures complete privacy and security. Once you close the browser tab, all traces of your video are removed from your device's temporary memory.
Do you collect or store my videos?
No, we do not collect, store, access, view, or have any technical capability to receive your videos. The detection process runs 100% locally in your browser. We have designed our system specifically to ensure your videos remain private and under your complete control. This is a core principle of our Service and will never change.
What data do you collect about me?
We may collect minimal usage data through standard web server logs (such as pages visited, time on site, device type, and general location) to improve our website performance and user experience. We only use essential cookies required for website functionality. However, we do NOT collect, store, or have access to your uploaded videos or detection results. For full details, please review our Privacy Policy.
Is the detection process secure?
Yes. Since all processing happens in your browser, your video never travels over the internet, eliminating interception risks. We use industry-standard HTTPS encryption for all web communications. The open-source libraries we use (FFmpeg.wasm, face-api.js, TensorFlow.js) are widely trusted and regularly audited by the security community.
Detection Accuracy
How accurate is the detection?
Our tool achieves approximately 75-85% accuracy for detecting common deepfakes. This accuracy rate applies to deepfakes created with widely available tools and moderate sophistication. However, detection accuracy varies based on several factors including video quality, length, deepfake generation method, and content type. Advanced deepfakes created with state-of-the-art techniques may evade detection. Our tool should be used as one part of a comprehensive verification strategy, not as the sole method of authentication.
Can your tool detect all deepfakes?
No, our tool cannot detect all deepfakes. Advanced deepfakes created with cutting-edge AI technology, high-quality source material, and significant computational resources may appear authentic to our detection algorithms. Additionally, deepfake technology is constantly evolving, and new generation methods may evade current detection techniques. We are transparent about these limitations and continuously work to improve our algorithms.
What factors affect detection accuracy?
Detection accuracy is influenced by: (1) Video quality - higher resolution videos (720p+) provide better detection accuracy; (2) Video length - videos between 10 seconds and 10 minutes work best; (3) Facial visibility - clear, well-lit faces improve AI detection; (4) Deepfake sophistication - professional deepfakes are harder to detect; (5) Video format and compression - some formats preserve more forensic evidence than others; (6) Content type - videos with multiple faces, rapid movement, or poor lighting are more challenging to analyze.
Can I trust the detection results?
Detection results should be used as a reference tool to inform your judgment, not as definitive proof. A 'high risk' result suggests the video may be manipulated and warrants further investigation. A 'low risk' result suggests the video shows no obvious signs of manipulation, but does not guarantee authenticity. For critical decisions (legal matters, journalism, law enforcement), you should verify content through multiple independent methods and consult professional forensic experts.
Why did my authentic video get flagged as potentially fake?
False positives can occur for several reasons: (1) Heavy editing - legitimate videos that have been edited multiple times may show compression artifacts; (2) Low quality - poorly recorded videos with quality inconsistencies; (3) Artistic effects - videos with filters, color grading, or effects may trigger heuristic detection; (4) Technical issues - encoding problems or file corruption can mimic manipulation signs. If you know your video is authentic, you can disregard the warning. Our tool errs on the side of caution to minimize missed deepfakes.
Technical Questions
What video formats are supported?
We support the most common video formats: MP4 (.mp4), AVI (.avi), MOV (.mov), MKV (.mkv), and WebM (.webm). These formats are widely used and compatible with our browser-based processing technology. If your video is in an unsupported format, you can use free video conversion tools to convert it to MP4, which is the most universally compatible format.
What is the maximum file size?
The current maximum file size is 100MB. This limit is in place because all processing happens in your browser, and very large files can cause performance issues or crashes, especially on mobile devices or older computers. If your video exceeds 100MB, consider compressing it using video editing software while maintaining reasonable quality (720p or higher recommended).
How long does the detection process take?
Detection typically takes between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on video length, file size, and your device's processing power. The three stages (metadata, heuristic, face detection) run sequentially. Longer videos and slower devices will take more time. You can monitor real-time progress during the analysis.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes, our tool works on modern mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) using updated browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). However, detection may be slower on mobile devices compared to desktop computers due to limited processing power. Very large video files may cause performance issues on some mobile devices. For best results, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.
Which browsers are supported?
Our tool works best on modern browsers including Google Chrome (recommended), Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Your browser must support WebAssembly (WASM) and modern JavaScript features. We recommend using the latest version of your browser for optimal performance and compatibility. Internet Explorer is NOT supported.
Can I use this tool offline?
No, you need an internet connection to access our website and load the detection models and libraries (FFmpeg.wasm, face-api.js models). However, once the page is loaded, your video processing happens locally in your browser without requiring additional internet connectivity for the analysis itself. Your video is never transmitted over the internet.
Use Cases & Applications
Who should use this tool?
Our tool is valuable for: (1) Journalists verifying video sources before publication; (2) Content creators protecting their brand from deepfake impersonation; (3) Businesses monitoring brand-related video content; (4) Social media users fact-checking suspicious videos; (5) Educators teaching media literacy; (6) Researchers studying deepfake technology; (7) Anyone concerned about video authenticity. The tool is designed to be accessible to both professionals and general users.
Can I use this for legal or journalistic purposes?
While our tool can be a helpful initial screening mechanism, it should NOT be used as the sole evidence for legal proceedings or high-stakes journalism. Detection results are for reference only and should be supplemented with: (1) Professional digital forensic analysis; (2) Multiple independent verification methods; (3) Source verification and fact-checking; (4) Expert witness testimony (for legal cases). Always consult with qualified forensic experts for critical decisions.
Can businesses use this tool?
Yes, businesses can use our free tool for brand monitoring, reputation management, and internal verification purposes. However, for commercial use cases requiring guaranteed accuracy, service level agreements (SLAs), or legal liability, we recommend consulting professional digital forensics firms that offer enterprise-grade verification services. Our free tool is provided 'as-is' with no warranties (see Terms of Service).
Limitations & Disclaimers
What are the main limitations of this tool?
Key limitations include: (1) Cannot detect all deepfakes, especially sophisticated ones; (2) Accuracy varies based on video quality and content; (3) May produce false positives on heavily edited legitimate videos; (4) Cannot verify the truthfulness of video content, only detect signs of AI manipulation; (5) File size limited to 100MB; (6) Not a substitute for professional forensic analysis; (7) Technology is evolving - new deepfake methods may evade current detection.
Is this tool 100% reliable?
No, no deepfake detection tool is 100% reliable. Our tool achieves approximately 75-85% accuracy, which means there is a 15-25% chance of error (either missing a deepfake or flagging authentic content). Deepfake technology and detection methods are in a constant 'arms race,' with each side improving over time. Always use multiple verification methods and exercise critical thinking when evaluating video content.
What if the tool gives me an incorrect result?
If you believe the detection result is incorrect: (1) Run the analysis again to ensure consistency; (2) Try analyzing the video with other deepfake detection tools; (3) Examine the detailed analysis breakdown to understand which factors contributed to the result; (4) Consider the specific limitations mentioned in the results; (5) Seek professional verification if the stakes are high. Remember that our tool is a reference aid, not a definitive authority.
About the Service
Who created this tool?
AI Video Detector was created by a team committed to combating misinformation and making video verification accessible to everyone. We believe that AI video analysis and detection should be free, privacy-focused, and available to all users regardless of technical expertise. For more information about our mission and values, please visit our About Us page.
How do you make money if the service is free?
Currently, this is a free public service project. We are committed to keeping the AI video detection tool completely free of charge. We will NEVER charge for the core detection functionality, require subscriptions, or monetize your uploaded videos or personal data. Keeping the tool free and accessible to everyone is a core commitment.
Will this tool always be free?
Yes, we are committed to keeping the core AI video detection tool free forever. We will never put core detection features behind a paywall. If we ever introduce premium features in the future, the basic detection functionality will always remain free and accessible to everyone.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? We're here to help. Reach out to our support team.