AI Deepfakes, Campaigns, and Chaos: What Every Marketer Needs to Know in 2025
AI-generated videos aren’t the future. They’re the chaotic, unsettling, and often hilarious present.
From oddly realistic origin stories to politicians cloning their opponents for campaign smear videos, AI video content is flooding our feeds, and it’s getting harder to spot what’s real.
In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, we talk about the rise of Google’s Veo 3 (the latest AI video generator), what it means for marketers, and why the deepfake rabbit hole goes far beyond marketing.
What Is Veo 3, and Why Is It a Big Deal?
Google’s Veo 3 is next-level scary. It can generate near-realistic video content based on a short prompt: setting, characters, tone, you name it. And yes, the AI knows it’s AI—which somehow makes it creepier.
The kicker? It’s good. So good that people don’t even realize the videos are fake unless they’ve got an expert eye (or a teenager who lives on TikTok to double-check for them).
From Barbie and Ken life simulations to medieval queens aging through the decades, the content ranges from entertaining to straight-up eerie.
Why Marketers Should Care
If you’re thinking this is just a Gen Z thing happening in some corner of TikTok, think again. AI-generated videos are already being used in:
Political campaigns to create false narratives
Brand storytelling using avatars instead of real people
Social content that looks authentic but is 100% synthetic
Scam websites that mimic trustworthy visuals
This matters because marketers are in the business of building trust—and AI can break that trust if used irresponsibly.
What Happens When It Goes Too Far?
Let’s talk about the dark side. Time Magazine recently tested Veo 3 to generate fake footage of riots, election fraud, and international crises. The result? Extremely realistic chaos that could easily mislead anyone not deeply versed in AI.
Even scarier? Politicians are starting to use this exact type of content in real campaign ads. Some are obviously fake. Others are believable enough to fool anyone not expecting trickery.
This isn’t just a problem for “Facebook grandmas.” Anyone who isn’t actively studying AI content—your clients, your customers, even your staff—can fall for it.
So, Is All AI Video Bad? Not Exactly.
Used wisely, AI can enhance marketing and creative workflows. Some examples we actually love:
B-Roll Generation
Need cinematic filler footage but don’t have the budget or lighting to shoot it? Prompt AI to help set the tone without misleading your audience.
Multilingual Voiceover
Generate translations and voiceovers to reach new audiences. Just be sure to verify accuracy and pronunciation.
Stylized Reels and Intros
Use AI tools to add polish to video intros or quick animations. They’re fun, eye-catching, and great for short-form content.
What’s important: Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. Especially when it comes to brand stories, founder updates, or anything that needs a real, human face.
What NOT to Do With AI Video
Let’s be clear on the no-go zones:
Don’t let AI speak on behalf of your brand leader. Founders and execs should show up as themselves.
Don’t create fake political or news content. It’s unethical and could get you into legal hot water.
Don’t try to fool your audience. Even if you think they won’t notice, they will. And your credibility will tank.
One marketer’s “creative shortcut” is another person’s PR nightmare.
Humans Still Win
Despite the rise of hyper-realistic AI, people still crave authenticity. What gets clicks and shares? Real moments. Messy behind-the-scenes footage. Rants, laughter, personality.
That’s the magic your brand has that no robot can duplicate.
So, What Should Marketers Do?
Stay educated. AI is evolving fast. If you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.
Use AI as support, not a crutch. Enhance your content, don’t outsource your voice.
Train your team (and your clients). Make sure everyone can spot a fake and knows how to use these tools ethically.
Double down on human-centered content. That’s what stands out now.
Tag us with the weirdest AI video you’ve seen. Seriously. We want to see what’s out there.
Ready to Use AI Without Losing Your Brand’s Soul?
We’re not anti-AI. We’re pro-strategy. If you want to talk about how AI fits into your marketing plan without turning your brand into a faceless clone-factory, let’s chat.
👉 Download our free marketing strategy worksheet
And for the love of branding, don’t replace your founder with a digital avatar. Be real. Be rebellious. Be better.
