A 40-minute video viral trend is spreading across the social media platform, causing confusion among users. This latest trend is a speculation-driven buzz, not based on a particular piece of content. It follows closely after the controversy surrounding the “19-minute viral video”. Cybersecurity experts urge caution and warn that this trend may be a digital ghost fueled by clickbait or rumors.
The 40-minute viral phenomenon is different from the typical viral moment. A specific video or event usually triggers discussion and widespread sharing. In this instance, however, no single confirmed video lasting exactly 40 minutes is currently being circulated online. Instead, it appears that the phrase has emerged as a popular search term, amplified through social media, spam links and misinformation. This trend is a byproduct of the “19-minute video viral” controversy, which dominated internet activity in recent weeks.
This trend was based on an alleged leak of a private video, resulting in harassment and false association with an influencer known as sweet_zannat. Cybersecurity experts have flagged the overuse of “19 minutes” on social media, and users are now using similar variations. Clickbait posts that promised access to “full-leaked videos” sparked the “40-minute viral video,” which became a popular alternative. The term “40-minute viral video” became an online ghost, meaning that people looked for it because others were talking about it.
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Google Trends data shows a spike in the number of searches for “40-minute video viral” from various states, including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The geographical spread of the confusion in India is evident. This lack of an identifiable video clip creates a vacuum in information that malicious actors can quickly exploit.
A cybersecurity analyst who is monitoring the situation said that the ’40-minute viral video’ appears to be a phantom term related to the 19-minute controversy. Clickbait, rumours and scams drive it.
It is impossible to identify the “40-minute video viral” as a single clip. It is actually a mixture of videos that are unrelated, false thumbnails and vague statements, all merged to create a narrative. Users are less likely to trust the videos because they don’t have any idea what they contain. This makes the trend more dangerous. Cybersecurity experts warn that phrases like “40-minute video viral”, “leaked video,” or other similar terms are perfect bait for scams. Malicious actors use such trends, as seen in the 19-minute controversy earlier this year, to spread malware and phishing sites.
Users of the Internet are urged to be extremely cautious when they encounter links that promise access to an alleged video. Search terms shifting from “19 minutes” to “40 minutes” suggest a pattern of curiosity and exploitation, rather than the discovery of genuine new content. The best way to combat these trends is by avoiding suspicious links and verifying the information with credible sources.
Also Read: ‘40-Minute Viral Video’ & ‘19-Minute MMS’ Alert: One Click Can Put Your Phone, Data at Risk
About CyberSafe
The initiative aims to promote digital literacy, online safety and cyber threats across India. CyberSafe India’s research, advocacy and awareness campaigns aim to help internet users navigate the digital realm safely and responsibly. They will also protect themselves against misinformation, cyber-threats and scams.
