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Out-of-context clip

Cutting a video so it seems to say something the full version doesn't.

In our replies we call it: Cut out of context

What it means

An out-of-context clip is a real video cut at the wrong place: just before the speaker explains, corrects or reverses what they said, or while they're quoting someone else. Every word is real, which is what makes it so convincing.

How to spot it in a Reel

Examples

Why it doesn't hold up

Meaning depends on what comes before and after. Without the full video, you can't know what the speaker meant, and the creator chose where to cut.

What to say back

"Where's the full video? What did they say right after this?"

Questions

How do I find the full original of a clip?

Search the speaker's name, the event and the date on YouTube, or send the Reel to @checkthis.chat: it looks for the original and shows what was cut.

Check a Reel for this trick

Send any Reel to @checkthis.chat on Instagram. If it uses this trick, the reply names it and shows where it happens.

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Related tricks

Strawman

Attacking a distorted version of what the other side said.

Cherry-picking

Showing the facts that fit and leaving out those that don't.