An Instagram Reel is going viral on social media these days, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket star Virat Kohli liked the post. Millions of people are surprised to see their names and profiles appear below the Reel and are sharing it, believing it to be true. But did this actually happen, or is it just a digital trick?
In fact, such posts circulating on social media can be completely misleading. According to experts, a screenshot or video showing a post being liked by PM Modi, Virat Kohli, or any other major celebrity is not always proof that they actually liked it. Often, such visuals are created through editing or fake interfaces to attract maximum attention. Let’s find out how.
How does such confusion spread?
Today, millions of people in India use Instagram. Every day, millions of Reels and posts go viral. Seeing the name of a prominent politician, cricketer, or film star on a post piques people’s curiosity and leads them to click on the content. Taking advantage of this psychology, some people share misleading screenshots or videos on social media. However, simply seeing a celebrity’s name in a video or screenshot is not proof that they actually liked the post.
Does Instagram itself show such information?
Instagram may sometimes show that someone you know or follow has liked a post based on its algorithm. However, if a claim is based solely on a screen recording, screenshot, or edited video, it’s important to verify its authenticity.
How to identify if a claim may be fake?
- Don’t trust just by watching viral videos.
- Go to the relevant post to check for yourself who actually liked it (if this information is visible).
- If the claim is linked to a major celebrity or leader, verify it with credible sources or official accounts.
- Avoid sharing edited screenshots and videos thinking they are real.
Beware of fake claims
In the race to go viral on social media, misleading content is often created solely to increase views, likes, and engagement. Misleading people by attributing a celebrity’s name or identity may violate the platform’s policies and, in some cases, could even lead to legal action. So, the next time you see a Reel claiming to have been liked by PM Narendra Modi, Virat Kohli, or another celebrity, be sure to verify it before assuming it’s true. Not everything you see on social media is real.