Five checks before you share a viral claim

1. Notice your reaction first

Viral claims often spread because they trigger strong feelings: anger, fear, outrage or delight. When a video makes you want to share instantly, that is the moment to slow down. Emotional urgency is not evidence.

Ask yourself whether you want this to be true. We are all more likely to believe claims that fit what we already think.

2. Find out who is saying it

Look at the account behind the video. Is it a known expert, a news organisation, an official body or an anonymous account that posts dramatic content every day? Check if the person is speaking about their own field or simply repeating something they read.

Reuploads are common. Try to trace the claim back to its first source rather than trusting the copy in your feed.

3. Check if others confirm it

Search for the claim outside the app. If something big really happened, reliable news outlets and official sources will usually report it. Fact-checking organisations often cover popular viral rumours quickly.

If the only sources are other short videos repeating the same words, treat the claim as unconfirmed.

4. Look for missing or twisted context

Old footage is often reshared as if it were new, and clips can be cut to change their meaning. Check dates, locations, weather, signs and languages in the video. A screenshot of a 'news headline' can be fake, so look for the original article.

Captions and voiceovers can also tell a different story from the actual footage. Watch with the sound off once and ask what the video shows on its own.

5. When in doubt, do not share

You do not have to have an opinion on every viral claim. If you cannot verify it, simply do not pass it on. If friends or family share something false, a gentle private message with a reliable source usually works better than a public correction.

Frequently asked questions