Viral Sensation: “Gogo Flying on a Broom in Broad Daylight” — What’s Real and What’s AI?
A bizarre video that appeared to show an elderly “gogo” (grandmother) soaring through the sky on a broomstick in broad daylight recently captivated social media users in South Africa and beyond. Shared widely on platforms like TikTok, the clip quickly went viral, sparking reactions ranging from humor and awe to confusion and concern. Briefly
The Video That Broke the Internet
In the video, a figure resembling an elderly woman is seen high above the ground, flying through the air mounted on a broomstick — reminiscent of classic witch imagery from folklore and fantasy. The clip spread rapidly, with many viewers initially unsure whether what they were seeing was real or digitally altered. Briefly
But within hours, experts and social media commenters began pointing out that the clip was most likely generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, leveraging advanced video synthesis and effects that have become increasingly accessible. In other words: what appears to be a real sighting is almost certainly a deepfake-style creation, not a genuine event. Briefly
How AI Makes Videos Like This Possible
In recent years, AI technologies — including generative video tools and visual effects platforms — have made it possible to create highly convincing video content from simple prompts or source clips. These tools can insert subjects into scenes, animate static images, and simulate motion that looks realistic at a glance.
For example, AI flying video generators like those offered by sites such as Media.io, Pollo AI, and other tools can take an uploaded image and transform it into a dynamic video of that person flying, complete with motion and background effects. Media.io+1
Some of these applications don’t require traditional editing skills — just a prompt and a base image — and can generate fluid-looking footage in minutes. This democratization of video creation is part of why so many viral AI clips are spreading rapidly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Why It Spread So Fast
Several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the “flying gogo” video:
- Novelty and Humor: The visual of someone — especially an elderly figure — flying on a broom in daylight is unexpected, whimsical, and meme‑worthy.
- AI Realism: Modern AI can generate visuals that look more convincing than ever, making many viewers unsure whether the footage is real or fake.
- Algorithm Boost: Social media platforms tend to amplify unusual or engaging content quickly because it keeps people scrolling and sharing.
Similar content — like videos of cinematic scenes, characters flying, or deepfake celebrity clips — have also gone viral in the past, showing AI’s growing impact on online culture. Know Your Meme
Reality Check: It’s Not Real
While the video was widely shared as if it depicted a genuine event, there’s no credible evidence that anyone actually flew on a broomstick. Instead, it’s almost certainly a AI‑generated or heavily edited digital clip designed to entertain or intrigue viewers.
This aligns with a larger trend: deepfake and AI‑generated media are proliferating online, making it harder than ever to trust visual content at face value. From misleading political clips to fanciful scenes like this one, experts warn that AI can be both creative and deceptive, depending on how it’s used. IOL
The Bigger Picture: AI and Online Trust
The “Gogo on a broom” video is a fun example of how AI can be used for amusement — but it also highlights broader concerns about online information integrity. Deepfakes and AI‑generated videos have already been linked to scams, misinformation and manipulated media that can spread false narratives. IOL
As the technology improves, distinguishing between real footage and AI creations will become more challenging. Digital literacy, fact-checking, and platform transparency around AI‑generated content are increasingly important in helping users navigate what they see online.
