Olivia Rodrigo shuts down AI rumours with behind-the-scenes music video clips
Olivia Rodrigo shared behind-the-scenes footage after fans accused her latest music video of using AI. The clips show how the animation was made, addressing criticism of a sequence featuring cartoon versions of Rodrigo and Chappell Roan.
The video accompanies a new remix of ‘Expectations’ featuring Roan, from Rodrigo’s recent album. Fans had pointed to apparent changes in Roan’s limbs and the shifting colours as signs of AI; Rodrigo’s post described hand-drawn characters, 2D and 3D animation, and analogue TV screens. Earlier this month, she said she would never use AI in her music.
- Rodrigo shared animation footage after fans questioned whether AI was used.
- The video used hand-drawn art and 2D and 3D animation.
- She has said she would not use AI in her music.
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Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer-songwriter whose recent album includes ‘Expectations’, a song later remixed with fellow singer Chappell Roan. The video for the remix features animated versions of both artists.
Music videos often combine different techniques, including drawn images, computer animation and filmed footage. The debate over whether AI was used reflects wider questions about how artists make creative work and how clearly they explain those methods to audiences.
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The case for
Rodrigo’s behind-the-scenes clips offer a direct account of how the sequence was made, showing hand-drawn characters alongside 2D and 3D animation and analogue screens. Her stated opposition to using AI in her music also supports the view that the video reflects a deliberate creative process rather than undisclosed AI generation.
The case against
The clips may reassure viewers about the techniques used, but fans’ initial suspicions were understandable: shifting colours and apparent changes in Roan’s limbs can resemble errors associated with AI-generated imagery. Viewers can reasonably ask for clear production information, especially when a creator has publicly said she would not use AI and the visual style makes the process difficult to judge.