A new study examining global search trends around artificial intelligence-generated deepfake content has identified a significant gender imbalance, with women accounting for all 10 names recording the highest search volumes in the research.
The analysis was conducted by AI-powered content platform CreateUGC using Google Keyword Planner. It examined average monthly global searches between June 2025 and May 2026 involving celebrity names combined with terms related to deepfakes. The individuals assessed were drawn from YouGov’s list of 250 celebrities.
The findings measure search activity only and do not establish that deepfake material involving any individual was created, viewed or distributed.
Study Records Highest Search Volumes Among Female Public Figures
According to CreateUGC’s analysis, Pokimane, whose real name is Imane Anys, recorded the highest average monthly search volume involving the terms examined, at 13,833 searches worldwide.
Taylor Swift ranked second in the study with an average of 11,300 monthly searches, followed by Scarlett Johansson with 8,750 and Ariana Grande with 5,133.
Margot Robbie ranked fifth with an average of 3,217 monthly searches. Anne Hathaway followed with 3,033, while Charli D’Amelio recorded 2,367.
Jennifer Lawrence appeared eighth in the research with 1,850 average monthly searches. Lil Tay recorded 1,622, while Kim Kardashian ranked 10th with 1,517.
CreateUGC said all 10 of the highest search volumes identified by its methodology involved women. According to the company, the group of people examined for the research initially included an equal split of men and women, while the first male public figure in the resulting ranking appeared at No. 19.
Search Data Does Not Establish Creation of Deepfake Material
The figures represent keyword search volumes rather than confirmed incidents involving individual public figures. A search containing a person’s name and the word “deepfake” does not by itself demonstrate that manipulated material exists or that the person has experienced a specific form of online abuse.
The research therefore provides an indication of online search interest in the subject rather than a measurement of verified deepfake production or distribution.
CreateUGC also examined search activity associated with members of the British royal family. According to the company’s analysis, Kate Middleton recorded more than 540 average monthly searches involving the deepfake-related terms assessed, the highest figure among the royals included in the study.
CreateUGC CEO Comments on Findings
Lior Pozin, CEO of CreateUGC, commented on the findings:
“The most striking part of this data isn’t the numbers – it’s that a list which began with an equal split of men and women produced a top 10 that’s entirely female, with the first man appearing only at 19th. That gap tells us deepfake abuse isn’t evenly distributed; it disproportionately targets women, and increasingly influencers, whose audiences are conditioned to trust a familiar face.
“What stands out is that Pokimane, an influencer whose content exists almost entirely online, generates more deepfake-related searches than even Taylor Swift or Scarlett Johansson.
“Women are far more likely to be affected by the use of deepfake content with influencers being used even more than some of the biggest names in Hollywood such as Taylor Swift and Margot Robbie. It goes to show how quickly social media users will trust an influencer.”
The statements represent CreateUGC’s interpretation of its research findings.
Deepfake Technology Draws Growing Attention
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to generate or manipulate visual and audio material, creating content that can appear realistic. Its development has generated broader discussions about consent, privacy, online safety and the responsibilities of technology platforms.
The CreateUGC research provides a snapshot of search behavior during the 12-month period examined. Because the analysis is based on keyword searches, its findings should not be interpreted as evidence that any person included in the study participated in, approved of or was definitively depicted in deepfake material.
CreateUGC provides AI-based image and video content tools for marketers, agencies and creators. Its study highlights patterns in public search activity as generative AI and synthetic media continue to attract attention worldwide.
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