Three Melbourne brothers known for posting prank videos in which they imitate terrorists by filming fake bomb stunts and drive-by shootings have been charged by Victoria Police and released on bail.

Key points: Three brothers charged over social media clips

Three brothers charged over social media clips Brothers known for videos in which they dress up

Brothers known for videos in which they dress up Videos are not simple "childhood pranks", police say

The brothers, aged 20, 18 and 16, were charged with public nuisance, possessing a prohibited weapon and behaving in an offensive manner in a public place.

The two men aged 20 and 18 will return to court on May 20 and were released on bail on the condition that they do not produce, upload, or publish on any social media site, any images or video that are offensive in nature.

The 16-year-old was bailed to appear at the children's court at a later date.

The brothers are known for their videos on Facebook and YouTube in which they appear dressed in fake beards and Islamic robes.

Police said Counter Terrorism Command detectives earlier executed a warrant in Melbourne's outer north-east.

The trio then presented themselves to police about 8:30am.

Assistant Commissioner Ross Guenther said police did not see the videos as simple "childhood pranks".

"Our response has been very much driven by the change in nature of those posts, the escalation in the type of content that's been there," he said.

"It's caused some significant alarm and anxiety in our community at a time when we already have a heightened security environment."

Police said they would also contact the social media sites involved as part of the investigation.