AI Deepfake Videos of Binance Founders Spark Alarm Across Crypto Twitter

AI-generated deepfake videos featuring former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and Binance co-founder Yi He have gone viral on Crypto Twitter, igniting widespread debate about how advanced artificial intelligence has become in replicating real-life crypto leaders. The short-form videos, shared extensively on X, are styled as dramatic “internal affairs” mini-series and use highly realistic AI avatars modeled on the two Binance founders. From lifelike voice cloning and facial movements to convincing emotional delivery, the production quality has stunned large segments of the crypto community.

Although many creators and users have clearly labeled the clips as AI-generated satire, their realism has blurred the line between entertainment and potential misinformation. Viewers have noted that the visuals, dialogue, and pacing now rival professional studio productions, raising concerns about how easily similar content could mislead audiences if used maliciously. The videos reference the well-known professional and personal relationship between Zhao and Yi He, but they largely focus on fictional corporate drama rather than real events. As of now, neither Zhao nor Yi He has publicly responded to the viral deepfakes.

The emergence of these Binance-themed deepfake videos comes amid a broader surge in AI-driven impersonation across the cryptocurrency industry. Researchers and cybersecurity experts consistently warn that crypto remains the most heavily targeted sector for deepfake scams. AI-generated videos, synthetic avatars, and voice cloning are increasingly being deployed to impersonate founders, executives, and influencers in order to deceive investors.

According to data from Chainalysis, AI-generated impersonation scams surged by more than 1,400% in 2025, highlighting how effective and scalable these attacks have become. Law enforcement agencies have also cautioned that as generative AI tools improve and become more accessible, distinguishing satire from fraud and market manipulation is becoming significantly harder.

While the viral Binance deepfakes appear intended for entertainment, their success underscores a growing risk for the crypto ecosystem. As AI technology continues to evolve, the industry faces mounting pressure to strengthen verification methods, promote digital literacy, and educate users on how to identify AI-generated content before it is weaponized for scams or financial manipulation.