Deepfake videos are on the increase, and this time, a deepfake Chinese software called Zao has taken the internet by storm. It allows you to generate deepfake videos in seconds and the results appear remarkably real. While the software is intended for entertainment purposes, deepfake videos may be extremely harmful if used to mislead someone, especially in politics. So, in this post, we have carefully picked deepfake applications and websites that are mainly innocuous and may be exploited for research reasons. You may use these services to learn about machine learning, image recognition, computer vision, and for enjoyment. At last, let’s get started on the list.
1. Zao
Starting with Zao, which is the most recent app to go viral in China due to its brilliant ability to make deepfake movies in seconds. You may select a video clip from its database, which includes moments from Chinese drama series, The Big Bang Theory, popular Hollywood films, and others. Zao makes a supposedly realistic deepfake video in a matter of seconds that seems natural and indistinguishable from the original footage. The programme takes only a few seconds to train, unlike powerful computers, which can take hours to train the Generative Adversarial Network responsible for deepfake video.
In terms of availability, the Zao app is exclusively available in China for both Android and iOS users. On Android, you may sideload the app but not use it since Zao requires a Chinese phone number to join up. However, we were able to test the Zao app in India, and it appears to be functional for the most part. In our testing, we discovered that it does not seem as natural on Indian faces as one would assume. It’s possible that’s because Zao is largely trained on Chinese facial data. Nonetheless, Zao is an intriguing software that you may test whenever it is made available to everyone.
Note: The venture behind the Zao app previously said in the user agreement that they can exploit pictures made on their app for any reason. However, following much criticism, they withdrew the contentious paragraph. However, if you are concerned about your privacy, we recommend that you do not use the app at all.
2. Deepfakes Web
Deepfakes is a web-based service that allows you to generate deepfake videos. Deep learning is used to absorb the varied intricacies of face data. Deepfakes online can take up to 4 hours to learn and train from video and photos, with an additional 30 minutes required to swap the faces using the learned model. The free version will take around 5 hours to generate the deepfake video, however the premium version will take only 1 hour.
Although it employs powerful GPUs in the cloud, rendering all of the data can take hours. It goes on to demonstrate that making a deepfake video is no easy task, and witnessing Zao achieve it in seconds is absolutely game-changing. In any case, if you want to experiment with creating deepfake videos for computer vision research, you may visit the Deepfakes website.
Visit Website (Paid, $3/hour of usage)
3. Wombo
If you haven’t been staying in a cave, you’ve most certainly seen some Wombo vids. Wombo is a lip-syncing tool that allows you to turn yourself or others into singing faces. You may select one of 15 songs and have the character sing it, all from a single photograph. This app is currently taking over Reels and TikTok throughout the world.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, in-app purchases)
4. Reface
REFACE, originally Doublicat, is a free lifestyle smartphone app that allows you to replace your own image onto GIFs. This photo app, created by NEOCORTEXT, INC., uses deep fake technology to make realistic live image modification using your phone’s camera. It’s similar to ZAO, but instead of movie sequences, it utilises short GIFs as your template. You may also use this software to make customised GIF reactions and publish them on your social media profiles. Behind the scenes, Reface AI is the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). To use the programme, simply take a snapshot of yourself and then select the gif that you want to utilise.
The programme will superimpose your face on the gif in a matter of seconds. It doesn’t function precisely, and the symmetry of your face and the gif you’re using will affect the face superimposition. Having said that, there are so many gifs on the internet that you’ll never run out of possibilities. This may be your unique gif creation app for impressing your pals.
Install: Android / iOS – Free (in-app purchases)
5. MyHeritage
MyHeritage is another popular deepfake software that you should explore. Deep Nostalgia, a function of the programme that allows you to animate old images, has acquired appeal among social media users. To use the service, just upload an image and click the animate button.
Within few seconds, you’ll see an animated version of the image with the face, eyes, and mouth moving like it’s fresh out of Harry Potter’s The Daily Prophet magical publication. You can see the final image right here:
Install: Android / iOS / Website (Free)
6. DeepFaceLab
DeepFaceLab is a Windows software that allows you to generate deepfake films. It is primarily designed for computer vision researchers and students. However, if you want to understand more about deepfake videos, you should absolutely use this tool. To substitute faces in videos, it employs machine learning and human image synthesis.
Because DeepFaceLab is primarily a research tool, the UI is not user-friendly, and you will need to learn how to use it from the manual. Again, it goes without saying that a powerful PC with a dedicated high-end GPU is required. Simply said, if you are a computer vision student, DeepFaceLab may be an excellent tool for understanding deepfake films.
Visit GitHub (Free)
7. Deep Art
Deep Art is another app that has recently gone viral. Although it is not a deepfake video programme, it can generate deepfake photos based on art, old architecture, and paintings. While numerous apps offer similar functionality, Deep Art is unique in that it employs AI to transform any photo into an artwork.
The highly complex algorithm is reported to have been inspired by the human brain and recreates beautiful visuals by using stylistic aspects from popular artworks. Deep Art is influenced by the works of many painters, including Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso, and others. The good news is that there are no privacy concerns with this software. Deep Art is the ideal software to attempt if you want to try something artistic.
Install: Android / iOS — (Free, in-app purchases)
8. Face Swap Live
Face Swap isn’t fully a deepfake app, but it does enable you swap faces in movies with a buddy or a photo, and it’s one of the better face swap applications available. You may film movies, apply stickers, shoot images, and upload them immediately to social media. What I appreciate about this software is that, unlike other face swap applications, it is not completely static and allows for some movement on the face. There are additional 3D effects, as well as interactive face warping with a variety of masks and effects. Overall, Face Swap Live might be an excellent Zao option for the time being if you’re seeking for a deepfake app.
Install: Android (Free), iOS ($0.99)
9. FaceApp
FaceApp is a prominent app that was among the first to popularise and democratise deepfakes and AI-generated face editing on smartphones. FaceApp allows you to submit your photo and then see what you’ll look like when you’re old, make yourself smile, and more. As previously said, the app employs AI to enhance the photographs’ realism. Not only is this a terrific way to have some fun with your pals, but it’s also perfect if you have vintage images and want the subjects to smile instead of sitting with a straight expression.
Install: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
10. Jiggy
I frequently use Giphy on my Mac to generate GIFs and share them with my pals via WhatsApp, iMessage (which I can now unsend if I wish), and other platforms. Jiggy, on the other hand, takes the procedure a step farther. You may use this programme to generate deepfakes of GIFs and insert yourself into any GIF you choose. Isn’t it cool? All you have to do is choose a photo of yourself and the GIF you want to appear in. Jiggy will then utilise its intelligence to put your photo in the GIF, complete with motion! It’s a great method to make personalised, personal GIFs that you’ll want to share.
Install: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
11. FaceMagic
FaceMagic is another AI-powered face swap software. FaceMagic allows you to use whatever face you want on movies and photos. The app’s in-app feed urges you to make face swaps, but you may also use your own photographs and images as the foundation face swap object. You may also get started with FaceMagic for free. However, if you want limitless face swaps, priority processing, unlimited photo uploads, and the removal of watermarks and adverts, you must pay the premium subscription.
Install: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
12. DALL-E Mini
While we’re on the subject, if you enjoy making ridiculous deepfakes, don’t forget to check out DALL-E Mini. DALL-E Mini, inspired by OpenAI’s DALL-E, is an AI model capable of creating visuals given a text input. The AI model is taught using millions of online photographs, eventually allowing it to draw drawings of objects that don’t exist. For example, consider the following cursed combo of Batman and Boris Jhonson 😜
Is making deepfake videos illegal?
No, it is not unlawful to make deepfake films as long as they are clearly labelled as such and are not used to intentionally mislead people.
However, if you’re utilising someone else’s images to create a deepfake, make sure you have permission to use their photos, otherwise you’ll risk legal trouble.
