YouTuber and influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has gone viral after an alleged private video began circulating online. While some social media users claimed the woman in the clip was Payal, her fans raised serious concerns, calling it an AI-generated deepfake. Payal has since issued a clarification, urging people not to spread unverified content.
Who Is Payal Gaming and Why Is She Going Viral?
Indian gaming creator Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, has found herself at the centre of an online controversy after a private video allegedly linked to her began circulating on social media. The clip, often referred to online as a “19-minute” or “40-minute” viral video, gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with several users speculating—without proof—that the woman seen in it was Payal.
Despite the growing buzz, there was no official confirmation supporting these claims.
Fans Step In, Call It a Deepfake
As Payal’s name began trending, her fans quickly stepped in to counter the rumours. Many insisted the video was not real and alleged it was an AI-generated deepfake, created to attract clicks and engagement.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleSeveral users urged restraint and responsible behaviour online. One post read,
“People need to understand how easy it is to create deepfake videos now. Dragging Payal Gaming’s name into this without proof is wrong.”
Another user commented,
“I’m not even a fan, but this doesn’t look real. Using AI videos to ruin someone’s image for views is disgusting.”
Supporters repeatedly asked users to stop sharing screenshots or clips from unverified sources.
Who Is Payal Gaming?
Payal Dhare began her YouTube journey in 2019, creating gameplay videos and livestreams featuring popular titles such as BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), PUBG, GTA V, and more. Known for her relatable personality and interactive streams, she quickly built a loyal audience.
By August 2021, her channel crossed 1 million subscribers, and she later became the first Indian female gamer to surpass 3 million subscribers on YouTube. Today, she has over 4.5 million subscribers, making her one of the most influential gaming creators in the country.
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Add Hunterfly on GooglePayal is affiliated with S8UL Esports, one of India’s leading gaming organisations, and regularly collaborates with top creators. In 2024, she won an international honour at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards), becoming one of India’s first female gamers to receive global recognition.
The Viral Clip Controversy
The controversy began after a private video started circulating online, with claims linking it to Payal Gaming. As screenshots and short clips spread across platforms, concerns grew over privacy, misinformation, and the misuse of AI tools.
Fans argued that this is part of a wider pattern where creators are falsely linked to explicit content. Similar incidents in recent weeks have shown how easily AI-generated or misattributed videos can damage reputations before facts are verified.
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Add Hunterfly on GooglePayal Dhare Issues Clarification
Amid the controversy, Payal Dhare issued a clarification on Instagram, addressing the claims directly. She stated that content circulating online had falsely associated her name and image with the viral video.
She urged the public and media to refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about the material in any form. In her statement, Payal noted that the most painful aspect was not just the misrepresentation, but how quickly dignity can be undermined in the digital space.
“These actions have consequences far beyond the screen,” she said, highlighting the impact on real people, families, and lives.
Why the Video Has Sparked Concern
The episode has reignited concerns around AI deepfakes, online safety, and digital ethics. Experts and creators alike warn that unverified viral content can cause long-term personal and professional harm, even when claims later turn out to be false.
With no evidence confirming the video’s authenticity, supporters continue to urge users to pause, verify, and think before sharing, stressing that virality should never come at the cost of someone’s dignity.
Bottom Line
There is no verified proof linking the viral video to Payal Gaming. The controversy highlights the growing dangers of deepfakes and misinformation in the creator economy—and the urgent need for responsible digital behaviour.
