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The rise of “Yeti” as a meme figure in Nepal’s digital culture

The rise of “Yeti” as a meme figure in Nepal’s digital culture

The AI video tool ‘Veo 3’, launched by Google on May 20, 2025, is getting popular in Nepal — for both good and bad reasons. While some creators are making hilarious and creative videos, others are misusing the tool to create vulgar and offensive content that’s now spreading fast on TikTok and Facebook.

Veo 3 isn’t just another AI video maker. It adds dialogues, syncs lip movement, and matches visuals with audio — making the videos look incredibly real. That’s why DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis called it “the end of the peaceful era of video generation.” Initially priced at $250/month, the tool is now available globally for $19.99/month, with a free trial that’s boosted its use dramatically in Nepal.

Some users are using the tool smartly — mocking public transport struggles or election campaigns with witty animations. One trending clip features a mythical creature “Yeti” getting fooled by a bus conductor in Kathmandu, saying “feri jhukyayo ni malai.” Another shows muddy roads and potholes during the monsoon.

But there’s a darker side. Some accounts like “Mote Yeti” and “Yeti Vlogs Nepal” are uploading videos filled with sexual references and obscene dialogues — all in Nepali. Since Veo 3’s content filters mostly catch English, these local-language clips are slipping through. Some of these videos have millions of views.

Even more concerning, fake news is also spreading. One video falsely shows a flooded village due to heavy rain; another claims a flyover that’s still under construction is already operating.

These trends may lead to misinformation and could negatively influence teens and children. The tool is powerful, but the way it’s used will shape its impact on Nepali society.

The Rtible Staff

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Aashutosh Khatiwada

Aashutosh Khatiwada

Aashutosh is a passionate coder and ICT student with a drive to solve real-world problems through technology. Currently, he is working on exciting projects like building the GuffGaff social media platform, developing a Time Scheduler app, and creating tools like the Mausam Nepal QR Code Generator and Currency Converter.