Various techniques to manipulate images were introduced in the 19th century and later applied to motion pictures. These techniques improved rapidly with digital video.
Fast forward to the early 1990s, researchers at academic institutions developed Deepfake technology, which was later fine-tuned by developers in online communities. Recently, Deepfakes have gained widespread attention due to their involvement in activities such as financial fraud, hoaxes, and the creation of fake news.
This has forced the government and industry to detect and limit their illegal use. Nevertheless, itâs important to recognize that Deepfake technology holds great potential when harnessed responsibly.
What Exactly Is Deepfake Technology?
Deepfakes refer to manipulated visual content generated by sophisticated artificial intelligence, which yields fabricated pictures and sounds that appear to be real. Usually, an individual in an existing video or image is replaced with someone elseâs likeness.
Deepfakes are created by using deep learning models â a subclass of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks with representation learning. It involves training generative neural network architectures like generative adversarial networks or autoencoders.
Although it is difficult to create a good deepfake on a conventional computer, numerous online tools are readily available to assist users in producing decent deepfake content.
The technology is still in its infancy, so donât expect the perfect output.
To help you get started with creating deepfakes without the need for high-end computers and powerful graphics cards (with a few exceptions), weâve curated a selection of reliable deepfake apps and tools.
You can use these tools for research purposes or simply for entertainment but do not violate anyoneâs privacy and do not engage in any unethical or harmful activities.
Table of Contents
9. Avatarify
Platform: Android | iOS
Price: Free | Premium version costs $2.49
Avatarify utilizes advanced deep learning technology to create entertaining and personalized videos. It allows you to map your facial expression and emotions onto the chosen image, making it appear as if the image subject is speaking and emoting in real time.
All you need to do is upload a photo and record a short video, and the app will automatically superimpose the facial expressions and emotions from the video onto the chosen photo.
You can also animate world-famous art pieces. Itâs a fun way to engage with and reinterpret classic works.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Offers a unique way to personalize your content
- Character animation and artistic expression
Cons
- Doesnât have significant practical applications beyond creating fun videos and messages
This entertainment-centric app offers a plethora of creative opportunities, such as making your bossâs photo appear to talk and sharing a laugh with your colleagues, or creating videos where your babyâs first words seem to emanate from their photograph.
8. Reface: Face Swap Video App
Platform: Android | iOS
Price: Free
Reface lets you take a selfie and put your face on to a meme or GIF in its library. It takes about 5 seconds for your face to be overlaid on that of Brad Pitt, Leonardo Dicaprio, or Taylor Swift.
You will be surprised after seeing how well your overlaid face adopts the same expressions as the original. You can forward the results to your family and friends or post them on Instagram.
Pro
- Play with live face swaps, gender swaps
- New videos and GIFs are posted daily
- Swap your face with movie characters or celebrities
- Create funny videos and AI avatars within a few taps
Cons
- Sometimes, the app shows an âunknown errorâ and crashes for no reason
The output will be quite weird if there is a lot of facial movement, but overall, it is an interesting experiment.
Regarding privacy concerns, itâs worth noting that while the original image is promptly deleted from the servers once processing is complete, some representations of facial features are retained.
7. FaceApp
Platform: Android | iOS
Price: Free | Pro version starts at $8
With over one billion downloads, FaceApp is one of the most popular photo-editing tools. Itâs a go-to choice for people looking to transform their selfies and photos into stunning, eye-catching portraits.
It utilizes deep neural network models to generate highly realistic alterations of human faces in photographs. This transformation can make a face smile, appear older, look younger, or even change gender.
The app simplifies the editing process through dozens of filters, effects, backgrounds, and tools, allowing you to achieve photorealistic enhancements with just a single tap.
Pro
- 60+ highly photorealistic filters to dramatically enhance your photos
- Remove imperfections like acne and wrinkles
- Experiment with features like age transformation and celebrity morphing
- Seamless integration with social media platforms
Cons
- The free version puts a watermark on the processed image
This versatile app caters to both professionals and beginners seeking quick, professional-looking edits.
If you want additional benefits, you can opt for the Pro version, which gives you access to useful style filters, ongoing filter updates, and exclusive content.
6. MorphMe
Platform: Android
Price: Free | Pro version starts at $4.99 per month
Whether you want to transform into a celebrity, a movie star, or a friend, MorphMe makes it easy with just one selfie. Itâs an AI-powered tool designed to seamlessly merge faces in photos and videos.
Unlike most other apps, MorphMe requires only one selfie and the video or photo you want to edit. This streamlined process eliminates the need for professional editing skills.
MorphMe has a library of faces, which includes athletic stars, movie characters, and award-winning guests. Swap your face with virtually anyone with a tap.
Pros
- Extensive face library
- Personal gallery to save and reuse edited content
- Live face and gender swaps
- Social media integration
Cons
- The free versionincludes watermarks and ads
All your edited images and videos are stored in a personal gallery. You can easily reuse them or share them on popular social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Plus, MorphMe features several templates and custom video options, giving you the flexibility to create unique, entertaining content.
5. Deepfakes web ÎČ
Weâve launched our blog website to help users get the best out of their deepfakes. Here you will find How To Make a Celebrity Deepfake Tutorials, along with downloadable HD Premium Facesets and our own deepfake videos. Check it out here: https://t.co/RNJywrCnme#DeepLearning pic.twitter.com/MzyYxJnmbw
â DeepfakesWeb (@DeepfakesWeb) July 9, 2021
Platform: Web-based
Price: Free | Premium version costs $19 per month
Deepfakes Web ÎČ is a cloud-based application, meaning all the computational heavy lifting happens on powerful GPUs in the cloud.
All you need to do is upload your video and initiate the deepfake generation process with a single click. The application will take care of the rest.
The key feature of this application is its ability to reuse your trained model. This means once you initially train the model with your images or videos (which takes nearly 4 hours),you can continue to use that same model for future face-swapping tasks without the need to retrain it.
This feature not only saves time but also allows you to improve the quality of your results over time.
Pro
- Leverages cloud-based GPUs
- You have the option to fine-tune the quality of deepfake videos
- Every deepfake has a clear and visible watermark to indicate the video is not real
Cons
- Can be slow compared to other quick face-swap apps
The quality of the generated deepfake videos is based on the âlossâ values. Lower loss values during the learning process result in higher-quality outputs. You can fine-tune settings to achieve the desired level of realism and quality in your deepfake videos.
The premium version, priced at $19 per month, is tailored for users seeking expedited processing times and the ability to generate multiple videos simultaneously.
4. DeepFaceLab
Platform: Windows
Price: Free
DeepFaceLab utilizes Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to replace faces in videos. It is hosted on GitHub and has spawned countless tutorials on the internet.
Besides replacing faces in images or videos, DeepFaceLab allows you to modify the entire head, rejuvenate facial features, and even manipulate lip movements for speech synchronization. However, this may requireproficiency in video editing software like Davinci Resolve or Adobe After Effects.
According to its developers, over 95% of deepfake videos are created with DeepFaceLab. It is used by several popular YouTube channels like Ctrl Shift Face, iFake, and Shamook.
Pro
- An open-source deepfake system
- Flexible, easy-to-use pipeline
- Users can Seamlessly swap and de-age faces
- Includes community-made pre-trained models and ready-to-work face sets
Cons
- Voice replacement is not included
DeepFaceLab works great, but you need to have the technical knowledge to use it.
Once you download and unzip the tool, you will see numerous folders and a series of batch files. There is a folder named âworkspaceâ that contains all training models, source videos, and the output. The tool works with specific file names and locations so that the batch file can function.
3. FaceSwap
Platform: Windows | MacOS | Linux
Price: Free
FaceSwap is similar to DeepFaceLab, but it distinguishes itself by offering a more extensive array of features, well-documented guidance, and enhanced online support. And yes, it is also available on Mac and Linux.
Itâs an open-source tool packed with functionality to perform every step of the deepfake process, from importing initial videos to producing a final deepfake video. However, you need a powerful graphics card to run this tool, as CPU-based face-swapping processes are notably sluggish.
Pro
- An open-source deepfake system
- Auto-saves your training model so you can stop at any time
- Generates high-quality deepfakes
Cons
- Requires a modern GPU with CUDA for best performance
Powered by Python, Keras, and Tensorflow, Faceswap has an active community supporting and developing the software. There are plenty of tutorials to help you get started.
3. Revive AI
Platform: iOS | Android
Price: Free | Pro weekly subscription costs $3.49
Revive AI features numerous creative tools for making funny animations and engaging content. It excels in face animation, allowing you to make faces dance and come alive in a humorous and entertaining way.
Apply AI-generated animations and mimic any avatar within a few taps. This feature adds a creative dimension to your images.
The app has a curated selection of animations and funny video effects, including popular choices like Fifty Fifty, CJ, Jake Sully, and more. This variety allows you to experiment with different styles and effects.
It also includes a rich collection of animations and effects for different occasions like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. This versatility allows you to create thematic content throughout the year.
Pros
- Animate faces and photos, adding a personalized touch
- Experiment with different styles and effects
- Seasonal and thematic options
- Collages and mood categories
Cons
- You may need some time to explore and master the appâs features
You can even select retro celebrities from different eras to stylize your content â select phrases and styles from the 00s, 90s, 80s, 60s, and 20s.
2. Deepbrain AI
Platform: Web-based
Price: Starts at $30 per month
DeepBrain AI is an innovative tech platform known for its expertise in AI research and development. It focuses on advancing AI and machine learning techniques to address real-world challenges and create useful solutions.
More specifically, it is actively involved in Natural Language Processing research and development, enabling machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. The company also focuses on âcomputer vision,â which involves training AI systems to understand visual information from images and videos.n
Their platform is powerful enough to create AI-generated video from text, complete with photo-realistic AI avatars and multilingual support. It is well-suited for various applications, from training and marketing videos to social media content.
Moreover, its user-friendly interface and automated features make video creation efficient and cost-effective.
Key Features
- Creates generative AI videos from text within minutes
- Includes 100+ fully licensed AI avatars
- Create custom avatars from celebrities and politicians to brand ambassadors and news anchors
- Supports more than 80 languages
- Comes with an online video editor with a drag-and-drop interface
As for pricing, Deepbrain AI offers a flexible subscription model tailored to the needs of different users. The starter plan (which costs $30 per month) allows you to create videos with a duration of up to 10 minutes each and include up to 6 scenes in a video.
1. DeepAI
Platform: Web-based
Price: Free | Starts at $5 per month
Whether you are looking to bring your artistic ideas to life or edit pictures with ease, DeepAI provides a versatile and comprehensive toolkit to support your endeavors.
It allows you to turn your ideas into stunning art by entering a text-based prompt and selecting an art style. Just type what you have in mind and let DeepAI do its magic to make your vision a reality. The entire process takes only a few seconds.
The platform has a rich library of diverse art styles. You can browse through these styles and choose the one that perfectly aligns with your creative concept.
Key Benefits
- User-friendly and cost-effective
- Create art from a text-based prompt
- Effortless image editing
- Offers a diverse library of art styles
DeepAI has a straightforward pricing model. Its free plan gives you access to basic features, but it comes with certain limitations, such as usage caps, potential watermarks, and fewer advanced features.
The Pro version, one the other hand, allows you to generate 500 AI-based images of superior quality. It also gives you an ad-free creative environment (to minimize distractions) and includes API access (for advanced integrations and customization).
Other Equally Good Deepfake Tools
11. FacePlay â Face Swap Videos
Platform:iOS | Android
Price: Free | Premium version costs $6 per month
FacePlay supports a range of special effects, encompassing AI image enhancements, GIF creation, AI comics, video face transformations, and more.
This multi-faceted app allows you to explore numerous styles, catering to ever-changing trends and ensuring a dynamic and exciting experience. For example, you can transform a single image into multiple avatar styles in batches. Options range from queen-like elegance and artsy aesthetics to sci-fi and war-damaged styles.
The app contains numerous face-changing short video templates. Just select one, click your picture, and you will become the protagonist of the video. You can also add special effects to the video and share it with friends. Itâs a fun way to create unique content and get more likes on social media.
12. Adobeâs Project Morpheus
Platform: Adobe products
Project Morpheus is an innovative venture by Adobe aiming to revolutionize video face-editing technology. It offers an automated and efficient way to modify individualsâ appearances in videos while maintaining smooth and consistent results.
Unlike the time-consuming and visually inconsistent process of applying Adobeâs Smart Portrait filter to each video frame, Project Morpheus streamlines the entire editing process.
It introduces various re-imagined filters within Adobe Photoshop, called Neural Filters, that bring a new dimension to creative expression and video editing. These filters, such as Smart Portrait, allow you to manipulate different aspects of faces in videos, including facial expressions, hair thickness, age, gaze, and more.
Adobe continues to innovate with beta filters like photo restoration, depth blur, color transfer, and landscape mixer, providing you with powerful tools for image and video editing tasks.
13. Deep Dream Generator
Platform: Web-based
Price: Free | Pro version starts at $19 per month
Deep Dream Generator harnesses the power of AI to merge technology and art, allowing you to transform your ordinary pictures and stunning visual artwork.
Its user-friendly interface and creative tools empower your imagination to soar. Experiment with a wide array of styles and transformations to transform your original images into something truly one-of-a-kind.
You have the option to share your creations publicly or privately. Publicly shared artwork appears in the âLatestâ section for the community to see, while private sharing keeps the artwork accessible only to the creator.The platform encourages you to share your work with a community of like-minded artists and explorers.
Its pro version (which costs $19 per month) gives you more storage space (20 GB) and the ability to create and save high-quality art in Full HD resolution.
14. Mimic â AI Photo Face Animator
Platform:iOS | Android
Price: Free | Premium version costs $6 per month
Mimic turns static images into engaging and amusing videos. All you need to do is take or select a photo from your gallery and apply AI-driven animation to bring it to life.
There is a diverse collection of tracks within the app to accompany your animated pictures. This feature adds a musical dimension to your videos, making them more engaging and enjoyable.
Its straightforward interface ensures that you can quickly and easily animate pictures. It also allows you to share your creations with friends and followers on social media platforms.
Read:Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning vs Deep Learning | The Difference
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the deepfake tool work?
Deepfake tools are based on a special type of artificial neural network known as an autoencoder. It contains two components:
- Encoder â reduces the picture (taken from the original video) to a lower-dimensional latent space
- Decoder â rebuilds the picture from the latent representation
The latent representation consists of crucial data, such as facial features and body posture, which can be decoded with a model trained particularly for the target. The targetâs data is superimposed on the underlying facial and body features of the original video.
Modern deepfake tools utilize a generative adversarial network (GAN) to make videos more realistic. GAN is made of two components: a generator and a discriminator.
The generator constructs new photos from the latent representation, while the discriminator spots the errors in the photos. This helps the generator construct photos that mimic reality very well. In this way, both the generator and discriminator improve continuously in a zero-sum game.
What are the disadvantages of deepfakes?
Deepfake technology has raised several concerns over the past few years. This includes
- Spread of false information and manipulation of public opinion
- Severe privacy breaches and potential harm to individuals
- Identity theft and ethical concerns
- More challenging to detect fraudulent communication
- Loss of authenticity
Although researchers have made significant improvements in detecting realistic-looking deepfakes, it is estimated that deepfakes might someday become a potent tool for propagating hate speech, disseminating political misinformation, or spreading falsehoods on social platforms.
The one obvious solution is to use artificial intelligence itself to detect these fake videos. Many governments, tech companies, and researchers are working on countermeasures (including detection tools, educational campaigns, and regulations) to mitigate the negative impact of deepfake technology.
Are deepfakes illegal in the US?
Of course not. But you shouldnât use deepfake apps to spread fake news, defame notable personalities, or cause any harm to people. The US National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions that address the increasing issues of deepfakes.
Can deepfake tools be used for educational purposes or creative projects?
Absolutely. Deepfake tools can be used for educational and creative projects in responsible and ethical ways. Here are some examples:
- Historical Reenactments: It can bring historical figures to life in educational videos or presentations. For instance, history teachers can use deepfake to recreate speeches by famous leaders.
- Science Demonstrations: Deepfakes can be used to simulate scientific experiments or phenomena that are challenging to recreate in a classroom setting.
- Language Learning: Many apps utilize deepfake technology to generate lifelike conversations for language learners. Duolingo, for instance, incorporates AI-generated speech to increase user engagement.
- Advertising and Marketing: Brands are exploring deepfake techniques for attention-grabbing marketing campaigns.
- Animation and Game Development: Developers can utilize deepfake to produce realistic facial animations for characters in animated movies or video games.
- Film and Entertainment: The film industry has started using deepfakes to bring deceased actors back to the screen. It is also used to make actors look younger. For example, âThe Matrix Resurrectionsâ featured a young Keanu Reeves created using deepfake techniques. The filmâs box office revenue exceeded $159 million, indicating the potential commercial success of such applications.
What is the future of deepfake technology?
According to 360ResearchReports, the global Deepfake Software market size will exceed $348.9 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 36.34% from 2023 to 2028.
The major factors behind this growth include advancements in AI, easy accessibility of AI-based editing tools, and the increasing demand for personalized content. The growth is accompanied by ethical concerns and regulatory challenges, leading to efforts to strike a balance between deepfake innovation and responsible use.
Why You Can Trust Us?
We tested over 30 deepfake software, including free and paid ones. We found that most of the tools available on the internet are either full of bugs or totally useless â only a few applications work properly.
After comprehensive research and analysis, we decided to shortlist 14 deepfake tools based on their features and accuracy. Every piece of information presented here is sourced directly from the developersâ websites and credible references.
We DO NOT accept paid articles or earn any commission from featured tools. Plus, we have two separate editors who have no influence over our listing criteria or recommendations.
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