Myth or reality? The viral ‘Leviathan’ footage that’s breaking the internet

If you’ve been on social media recently, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the video that’s been setting the internet on fire. The footage allegedly shows a giant sea monster swimming beneath the waves near a group of tourist boats, sparking a wave of excitement and theories about what it might be.
Some are convinced it’s the legendary Leviathan– an ancient creature from myth– while others are skeptical, brushing it off as another internet hoax. But as enticing as the idea of discovering a sea monster might be, the truth is far more grounded. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really behind this viral video.
The video that went viral: What’s the buzz about?

The video shows a large, reptilian-like creature swimming beneath the ocean’s surface, with the camera supposedly capturing the moment via Google Earth. This immediately sent waves of speculation across the internet– could this be a real-life Leviathan, or is it something else entirely? The video quickly gained traction across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with people sharing their theories and getting caught up in the excitement of a possible oceanic discovery.
Experts step in: The truth about the sea monster
Despite all the buzz, experts quickly investigated the footage and proved it was fake. Media reports suggest that the base images in the video, taken from Google Earth, are real, but the so-called sea monster was added using digital effects. Skilled video editors used animation techniques, likely inspired by movies like Godzilla, to create the creature. What seems like a terrifying sea monster is actually just advanced video editing, according to a report presented by India Today.
This isn’t the first time a viral hoax has made waves. Over the years, similar videos have surfaced, claiming to show everything from hidden underwater cities to mysterious sea creatures. These videos are designed to grab attention and spark curiosity, but they rarely hold up under a detailed check.
Why do these hoaxes go viral?

It’s easy to see why this kind of content captures people’s imaginations. The ocean is one of the most unexplored parts of our planet, and the idea that something as mythical as the Leviathan could be hiding beneath its surface is thrilling. Videos like these play into our fascination with the unknown and the mysteries of the deep sea, and that’s exactly why they get so much attention. When combined with eye-catching visuals, it’s easy for people to get swept up in the excitement.
However, these videos are often designed to do just that– stir excitement and intrigue. The creators know that if they can make the footage look convincing enough, they’ll attract views, shares, and ultimately, more attention to their channels or pages. In today’s digital world, grabbing people’s attention is often more important than telling the truth.
Hoaxes are nothing new: A growing trend of digital trickery
This type of digital deception is becoming more common as video editing tools become increasingly accessible. Videos claiming to reveal hidden creatures, ancient monsters, or other unexplained phenomena are nothing new. From mysterious sea creatures to supposed sightings of Godzilla, these hoaxes regularly capture the public’s attention. But once the initial excitement fades, the truth always comes out– these videos are almost always fabricated, using advanced editing techniques to create a false narrative.

Creators of these videos know exactly what they’re doing: they’re playing into people’s love of mystery and their willingness to believe in the extraordinary. It’s a tactic that works– especially when the footage appears so convincing.
Ultimately, while viral hoaxes like this can be entertaining, they remind us to stay skeptical and fact-check before believing everything we see online. The deep sea holds many real mysteries, but this so-called sea monster isn’t one of them.
In a world where so much is already mapped and explained, the idea that the ocean could still hide something undiscovered is undeniably thrilling. However, while technology allows for more realistic fabrications, it also gives us the tools to debunk them. Instead of simply consuming viral content, we should use critical thinking to separate fact from fiction while still embracing the real wonders of the natural world.
Image credit: Canva AI
Note: These images are intended for illustrative purposes only