This shocking video went viral on social media.
A person films a massive volcanic eruption from a boat. Rock breaks off and crashes into the sea – unleashing a huge wave that engulfs the boat and crew.
Numerous users share and comment on the spectacular recording.
But what is the clip all about? Is the video really real?
The video is not a real volcanic eruption, but a scene created on the computer.
Instagram user and VFX artist “aleksey__n” already posted the video on Instagram in November 2021.
In the accompanying text he makes it clear that it is a 3D animation and VFX art. Information that is not passed on when the clip is distributed by other users.
In making-of stories, the artist shows how the video was created and which elements were used in the animation.
The case shows how easily a lack of context can turn a clearly labeled animation into a supposedly real video.
By spreading it on social media, a VFX clip becomes an allegedly real volcanic eruption.
How do we check videos for manipulation in the editorial office? It is important to look at the details. The individual frames of a video often reveal whether a video has been edited. We take a close look at each image and enlarge individual sections. Indications of a fake are, for example: lack of motion blur, unnatural shadows or editing errors. The general rule at stern is: Seriousness before speed. We always double-check facts and material thoroughly before publishing them. For this we work with the cross-editorial “Team Verification” together with RTL, NTV, RTL2, Radio NRW.