A video celebrating the purported ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has gone viral, garnering millions of views across TikTok and Instagram and sparking widespread discussion about the role of artificial intelligence in political commentary. The video, created by Venezuelan music producer and social media commentator Miguel Alejandro Herrera, known online as Kilómetro, depicts Herrera lip-syncing to a catchy Latin rhythm while questioning the absence of support from Maduro's allies, specifically China and Russia.

Herrera, who has been living in exile in Argentina since 2024, said he created the video using artificial intelligence. This highlights a growing trend of AI-generated content being used for political expression and satire. The use of AI in this context raises questions about the authenticity and potential manipulation of information, as well as the accessibility of sophisticated media production tools to a wider audience. AI-driven tools are increasingly capable of generating realistic visuals and audio, blurring the lines between reality and fabrication. This capability can be used to create compelling narratives, but also carries the risk of spreading misinformation or propaganda.

The video's popularity underscores the deep-seated political sentiments within Venezuela and among the Venezuelan diaspora. The lyrics, "Where is China? Where is Russia? Why didn’t they act? What’s the excuse? Maduro is in a federal prison, and now I ask myself: Where are the communists who were going to help him?" reflect a sense of disillusionment with Maduro's leadership and his international alliances. The video's virality suggests a widespread desire for change and a willingness to embrace new forms of political expression, even those generated through artificial intelligence.

"I knew the theme was going to catch on," Herrera said in an interview, "But I didn’t know it was going to be this big." The video, posted on Jan. 8, has accumulated over 11 million views on TikTok and five million on Instagram, along with thousands of comments largely supportive of Herrera and celebrating Maduro's supposed removal from power.

The use of AI in creating and disseminating political messages is a rapidly evolving field. Recent advancements in generative AI models have made it easier than ever to create realistic and engaging content. However, this technology also presents challenges in terms of verifying the authenticity of information and combating the spread of deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated misinformation. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion. The Venezuelan example serves as a case study for understanding the potential impact of AI on political movements and social commentary.