Purple ‘lightning balls’ spotted at Pasir Ris, Yishun & Tampines were actually part of YouTrip promo campaign

Purple ‘lightning balls’ captured on video across Singapore, netizens question if they are AI-generated

UPDATE (22 Sept, 6.08pm): YouTrip, a multi-currency mobile wallet, said on Instagram that the “lightning balls” were a promo for its new “birthday mascot” Trippie.

Its video showed the purple balls of light landing in a suitcase at Jewel Changi Airport, which opened to reveal three cute critters.

Created to mark its seventh anniversary, YouTrip is rolling out a series of activities from now till 24 Oct for users to get their hands on blind boxes of Trippie, available in six adorable variations.

To score one, users need to spend a minimum of S$300 (or its foreign currency equivalent) with YouTrip during the campaign period and tap the Perks banner in-app, putting them in the running to win one of 3,000 exclusive blind boxes.

Adding to the celebrations, a special birthday pop-up will be held at Ngee Ann City Basement 2 this weekend.

Users who flash their YouTrip card can redeem exclusive blind boxes and merchandise in limited quantities, join games and photo ops, and enjoy complimentary Mister Donut.

The pop-up runs from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday (27 Sept) and 10am to 9pm on Sunday (28 Sept).

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Clips of glowing purple “lightning balls” bouncing around different parts of Singapore have been making the rounds on social media, leaving netizens divided over whether they’re real or just AI trickery.

Strange balls of light filmed in Tampines, Yishun and Pasir Ris

The first sighting came on Friday (19 Sept), when a TikTok clip showed a purple orb bouncing along a road in Tampines.

Captured on a car’s dashboard camera, the ball appeared to unleash crackles of “lightning” whenever it neared the ground.

It travelled in an up-and-down motion several times across the road.

On Saturday (20 Sept), a similar “lightning ball” was featured in another TikTok video.

This time, it was filmed at a void deck in Yishun.

Filmed at much closer range, the ball glowed brightly as it hovered in the air, leaving a smoky trail behind it.

It also sparked lightning whenever it came close to the ground.

“Can Seventh Month get any creepier,” the Original Poster (OP) quipped in the caption.

To top off the series of unusual sightings, on Sunday (21 Sept), a third TikTok clip showed another similar-looking purple ball floating around Pasir Ris Park.

In the clip, the ball could be seen bouncing across grass patches.

At the end of the clip, it sparked lightning before disappearing into thin air.

Netizens weigh in on legitimacy

The videos have since racked up thousands of views and shares on the platform, as netizens speculate their authenticity.

Many netizens believe the orbs were AI-generated, pointing out the sheer number of sightings in such a short time.

Others expressed concern that so many viewers seemed convinced the lights were real.

Still, not everyone was sceptical. One commenter called the “ball lightning” a “rare” and “unexplained” phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms.

Another suggested that the OPs should “buy TOTO” due to the rarity of these sightings.

Meanwhile, a few speculated the clips might be part of a marketing stunt, with Lazada’s past flashy campaigns being singled out as a possible source.

Also read: Stunning solar halo appears over S’pore, netizens share dazzling photos & videos

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Featured image adapted from @sundayannab1 on TikTok, @xmbubulov3 on TikTok, and @horrorvidds on TikTok.