Iranian Lego AI Video Creators Attribute Their Success to Passion
Donald Trump has touted the recent rescue of a downed airman whose fighter jet was shot down near Iranian territory as a major victory. However, the narrative takes a different turn in one of the many viral, AI-generated Lego videos created by an Iranian content group in the wake of escalating US and Israeli military actions. In this music video, the US military is portrayed as a laughingstock for losing multiple aircraft and spending “$100 million just to save one guy.”
The visuals of Lego jets bursting into $100 bills and gold coins emphasize the notion that taxpayer money is being squandered while Iranian forces outmaneuver the US. The AI-generated lyrics convey a clear message: Iran is ready to retaliate if the US strikes again.
While the content from this group is clearly propaganda, its straightforward messaging has propelled their videos into viral status. They are being widely shared online, with many viewers, including those in the US, praising the videos for their ability to mock Trump and remind audiences that before the conflict escalated, the Trump administration was busy downplaying his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. On social media platforms, unofficial uploads of these videos have garnered thousands of comments from users applauding the group and claiming their catchy AI songs are more informative than mainstream reports.
By tapping into public discontent with Trump and his administration, groups like this are effectively engaging in a meme-driven battle for ideas and perceptions. Despite the White House’s efforts to manage online discourse, it appears that the Iranian creators have the upper hand.
The group’s official YouTube and Instagram accounts were recently taken down, with YouTube citing violations of policies against spam and deceptive practices. However, their AI-generated shorts criticizing US and Israeli actions in Iran are still easy to find. Even if you’re not following the news closely, you might have stumbled upon their work while scrolling through social media. The frequency of their new videos, which comment on current events despite an internet blackout, suggests they could be a larger organization linked to Iran’s content creation efforts. This would position them as an extension of the same regime that has established an authoritarian theocracy in Iran, where dissent is harshly suppressed.
In a recent conversation with a member of the group via a Telegram channel, they claimed to be a small team of about ten individuals operating independently from Iranian state media. They emphasized the importance of maintaining their independence and connecting with Gen Z audiences. The representative highlighted that using Lego aesthetics is crucial for building a global audience. “Lego is a universal language,” they explained. “It conveys messages easily, it’s playful, it doesn’t require extreme realism, yet it can include astonishing detail.”
Their latest videos embrace dark, absurd humor, depicting US and Israeli leaders as expressive Lego figures. In one scene, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu nervously draft a ceasefire request while the devil grins beside them. The video humorously critiques Trump’s hand gestures and draws a stark comparison between the children killed in a US strike on an elementary school and Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, before transitioning to a montage of recent successful Iranian military operations. Another video directly targets a US defense official, using an AI-generated voice reminiscent of a popular rapper to mock various scandalous allegations against him.
It’s clear that the animations are AI-generated, but they stand out from the usual online content, not just because of the war’s unpopularity. Each video tells a cohesive story with well-defined characters, allowing viewers to follow along even without sound. The group maintains a list of potential video concepts, but each project starts with a script that guides the AI footage and accompanying music, which are then combined in post-production.
The Explosive Media member I spoke with explained that they use generative AI “as a tool to present truths in a compelling way and to break through walls of censorship” that have skewed perceptions of Iranians. They see little difference between generative AI and other technologies that can be used for good or ill, viewing their videos as prime examples of dynamic Iranian storytelling. “Western audiences have, for years, been fed distorted views of our nation by mainstream media,” the representative noted, pointing out that many are surprised to learn such creative work comes from Iran. This surprise is a key part of their mission to shift misconceptions.
Explosive Media’s content is not only more polished but also more engaging than the White House’s attempts at humor or Trump’s frequent social media posts. Their videos resonate because, in addition to mocking the US and its allies, they portray Iranians as relatable individuals with a sharp sense of humor, actively resisting foreign threats.
In contrast, the White House has been using AI-generated “memes” to mock its own citizens and trivialize its harsh policies. When Trump shared a video of himself using a fighter jet to dump waste on protesters, a government official claimed it was merely “satire.” This approach seems aimed at dehumanizing Trump’s critics, which is a key reason why the US’s meme content feels so different from that of the Iranian creators.
When I asked if Explosive Media sees its work as a response to the White House’s social media efforts, the representative stated they don’t “compare [themselves] to those childish pieces” because “hands stained with innocent blood cannot create work that touches hearts.”
Explosive Media’s memes are not only more compelling; they also highlight the broader communication issues the White House faces regarding the war. The US’s messaging about its actions in Iran and the resulting devastation has been incredibly unclear. When Trump claimed the US and Israel’s bombardment was “very complete,” he was misleading. On the same day, he stated the US would “not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” suggesting the conflict could escalate further.
Since then, the fighting has continued, Trump has threatened Iranian civilization, and a fragile ceasefire has reportedly been broken by Israeli forces. The White House’s lack of transparency has made it difficult to trust statements from officials. The defense secretary has repeatedly exaggerated the success of US operations, while the Pentagon has been accused of underreporting military casualties.
While Explosive Media aims to connect with ordinary people who may not see themselves as directly involved in the conflict, they also view their rising popularity as a moment for larger media organizations to take note. The group’s representative insisted that legacy news outlets have a responsibility to “let the world hear the voice of the people,” especially those who are young and fighting for their lives.
Moreover, the rise of Explosive Media using generative AI highlights how polished propaganda can effectively engage audiences outside of Iran, utilizing a familiar visual language. Their playful and creative videos thrive on social media, making the US government’s clumsy attempts to control online narratives about the war seem inadequate at best.
