Cheapfake
Authentic-looking media fabricated by affordable technology
Example
They proved that the video of Taylor Swift was a cheapfake
The damage has been done, though. They are already making memes from it
Cheapfake definition by Slang.net
This page explains what the slang term "Cheapfake" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.
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Cheapfake, or "cheap fake," is similar to deepfake but is typically less realistic-looking because it is fabricated using cheaper technology. For example, a person may slow down a video of a politician speaking with a simple video editor (instead of rendering an entirely new scene with an advanced AI algorithm or video editing software) to make it look like they are discombobulated or inebriated.
Like deepfakes, people may generate cheapfakes for good or bad purposes (e.g., to make a harmless, funny meme or make a politician look stupid). Photoshop is a common tool for cheapfakes since the software is widely accessible.
Additionally, you will likely encounter cheapfakes on social media and online forums. For example, a user may manipulate a photo with Photoshop to make a celebrity look like they are passed out at a restaurant and share it on social media.
Origin of cheapfake
The term "deepfake" originated in 2019, when misinformation researchers coined the term to describe cheaper quality deepfakes. The term has since gained prominence in 2024, especially in the political realm in the USA.