ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Rudaw Digital, the online platform of Rudaw Media Network, entered the Guinness World Records for the most-viewed video on Facebook within 24 hours - a deepfake debunking video which garnered over 284 million views - making it the 8th most-watched video in Facebook history.
Below is a statement from Rudaw:
Rudaw Media Network has achieved a historic milestone on a global scale. Rudaw proudly announces that it has set a global Guinness World Record for the most views of a video on Facebook in 24 hours.
This is a historic achievement for Rudaw Media Network, Kurdish digital media, and the region's press as a whole, particularly in the context of fact-checking, building trust and strengthening credibility worldwide.
A Rudaw fact-checking video published on July 24, 2026, garnered 284,007,601 views, making it the most-viewed Facebook video within a 24-hour window globally. This accomplishment underscores Rudaw Media Network’s standing as a leading, trusted institution in digital content creation, capable of reaching wider international audiences.
Setting this record comes amid escalating Middle East tensions, widespread disinformation, declining public trust in digital news, and a rise in sensationalist, unreliable social media content across the region.
Against this backdrop, Rudaw leveraged its digital platforms to verify information and deliver clear, accurate reporting. The massive worldwide audience response reinforces the necessity of professional journalism and the strong demand for reliable, high-quality media.
This milestone adds to Rudaw's growing list of international achievements. This year, as in previous years, Rudaw’s investigative reports, documentaries, and digital productions have garnered accolades and earned major global awards.
Securing an entry in the Guinness World Records adds a global dimension to Rudaw’s work. It demonstrates that the network is not only a regional leader, but also a formidable contender in global media and a key player in combating misinformation. Moving forward, Rudaw will continue its work with even greater momentum as a trusted source and reliable platform against fake news.
For Rudaw, these milestones represent more than numbers; they reflect a major responsibility and demonstrate the impact of pairing professional journalism with high-quality content and robust digital strategy - driven by a new generation at Rudaw.
From Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Rudaw announces this global victory and remains committed to setting new benchmarks for media in the region. Powered by the energy of Kurdistan's youth, Rudaw continues to innovate and advance.
Congratulations to all of Rudaw’s viewers, readers and listeners.
Rudaw Media Network
September 14, 2026
