AI-generated deepfake videos depicting former Binance CEOs Changpeng Chao and Yi He flooded crypto Twitter. This has sparked a debate about how far artificial intelligence has come in reproducing real cryptocurrency numbers.
Styled as a dramatic “internal affairs” miniseries, this short video uses highly realistic AI avatars modeled after Zhao and Li He, complete with lifelike voices, facial expressions, and emotional expressions.
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While many users have clearly labeled the video as AI-generated satire, the quality of the video has shocked some in the crypto community. Several clips were widely circulated across X throughout the day, with users noting that the visuals and dialogue were now comparable to professional studio productions.
The growing problem of deepfakes and cryptocurrencies
Chao and Yi He, who co-founded Binance in 2017, have long been known for sharing both a close professional partnership and personal relationship.
The video briefly mentions that dynamic, but focuses primarily on the tensions of an imagined corporation rather than real-world events.
Neither Mr. Zhao nor Mr. Yi He have publicly commented on the video.
The viral clip arrives amid a widespread surge in AI-driven deepfake content across the cryptocurrency sector.
In recent months, researchers have warned that cryptocurrencies remain the most targeted industry for deepfake impersonations.
AI-generated videos, voice clones, and synthetic avatars are increasingly being used in scams to impersonate founders, executives, and influencers.
According to Chainalies, AI-generated identity fraud surged more than 1,400% in 2025. Law enforcement agencies also warn that as generative AI improves, the line between satire, misinformation, and outright fraud is becoming harder to detect.
A new cultural flashpoint
In this case, it appears that Binance’s videos are designed for entertainment rather than deception. But their realism highlights how easily similar tools can be weaponized for market manipulation and investment fraud.
As deepfake technology becomes cheaper and more available, the cryptocurrency industry faces increasing pressure to educate users about verification and digital literacy.
