In today’s world, where social media is flooded with manipulated images, distinguishing between real and fake images is more important than ever. A simple and quick solution is a reverse image search. This process takes just a few seconds and a few keystrokes.
Google has offered reverse image search since 2011, but using it, especially on mobile devices, hasn’t always been straightforward. Fortunately, there are other easy methods available, from Bing to ImgOps. We’ll guide you through these methods. Reverse Image Search helps you trace the origin of an image by searching for it on the web. It works for any image, from personal photographs to the most unusual memes.
What is Google Image Reverse Search?
Reverse image search lets you find out where a picture first appeared, other websites using the same image, different sizes of the same image, and similar pictures. When you do a reverse image search, you use an image instead of text for your search query.
A Google image reverse search generates a results list like standard text searches. However, it shows you web pages where the image appears and links to search for similar images and related searches. You can perform a reverse image search on mobile and desktop using Google, Bing, and other search engines or tools.
Let’s start with how to do a Google reverse image search on a desktop and then move to mobile devices like iPhones and Android phones. We’ll also cover other search engines and third-party reverse image search tools. If you find this process challenging, consider hiring a digital marketing company for SEO services so you can focus on your business without worrying about marketing.
Why Use Reverse Google Image Search?
There are three main reasons to use reverse image searches:
To Recognize Altered Media: Don’t share a photo on social media if you don’t know where it originated. This is crucial in public-facing roles where sharing fake images could cause problems. When in doubt, perform a reverse image search to verify the image’s origin.
To Verify Identity: You might encounter spam or suspicious profiles on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. For instance, if you receive a job offer from an unknown person or a friend request from someone seemingly familiar, a quick reverse image search of their profile picture can reveal if the image is used elsewhere, possibly under different names.
Track Down Illicit Use of Your Images: Copyrights have limitations, and many websites use images without permission. With a reverse image search, you can see where your photos have been used and decide if you need to take legal action, like sending a cease-and-desist letter.
Understanding how to use reverse image search can protect you from misinformation, verify identities, and safeguard your images. It’s a simple yet powerful tool in the digital age.
Conducting a reverse image search on a PC or Mac is straightforward and can be done in just a few seconds. Depending on your browser, like Chrome or others, there are different methods to follow.
Reverse Google Image Search on Desktop Browsers
This method works with any browser when you open the Google Images search page.
1. Go to Google Images: Access the main Google Images page.
2. Click the Camera Icon: This is labelled ‘Search by Image’ in the search bar. Clicking it opens a new search screen with two options.
3. Option 1 – Paste Image URL: Here, you paste the URL of an image found online.
4. Option 2 – Upload an Image: This lets you use an image from your computer for the search.
5. Search: After entering the URL or uploading the image, click the search button to get your results.
Using Chrome Browser for Google Reverse Image Search
If you’re using Chrome, you can reverse-search an image directly online. Note that this method is for images you find while browsing the web.
Here are the steps:
- Locate the Image: Find the image on the webpage where you first saw it.
- Right-click on the Image: Choose ‘Search Google for an image.’
- Search and View Results: Google will show you where the image appears online.
Reverse Image Search Using Bing
Bing, another popular search engine, offers its reverse image search feature, Visual Search.
Here’s how it works on PC:
- Use Visual Search: Click the Visual Search button (icon with a dot encircled by corner lines) in the Bing search bar. A pop-up menu appears.
- Choose an Option: You can drag an image from your computer into the box, paste the image’s URL, or capture a picture using your webcam.
- Search: Bing focuses on the image’s properties, finds where it appears online, shows similar images, extracts text from the image, and provides search suggestions.
Performing a reverse image search is a useful skill, whether it’s for verifying the source of an image, finding similar images, or just satisfying your curiosity. These simple steps allow you to conduct reverse image searches using Google or Bing on your PC or Mac.
Reverse Image Search Using Third-Party Websites
Using third-party websites for reverse image search is a handy way to discover the origins of images, especially when using a PC. Different sites offer various features, and some are more effective than others.
Using Tineye.com
Tineye functions similarly to Google’s reverse image search. You can either upload a picture or enter an image URL. Tineye offers paid features that let you track an image’s usage over time. They also provide a browser plugin for easier access.
SmallSEOTools
This site offers a user-friendly interface for reverse image searches, similar to Tineye.com and Google. It’s a straightforward tool that provides quick results and helpful guidance if needed.
Reverse Google Image Search on Mobile Devices
Performing a reverse image search on mobile devices like iPhones or Android phones differs slightly from a desktop. You need the Google Chrome app or a specialised app to use Google’s reverse image search on these devices. There are two methods: forcing the site’s desktop version or using a similar right-click approach.
Using Other Apps for Reverse Image Search
Various apps allow reverse image searches on mobile devices, from official Google apps to third-party options.
Google Lens: Available as a standalone app on Android and part of the Google app on iOS. It’s versatile but not specifically designed for reverse image searches.
Veracity: An iPhone app that lets you select photos from your Camera Roll or Dropbox. It has a basic image editor but requires payment for full features. Sharing results directly from the app is not possible.
Photo Sherlock: This app has a minimalistic interface and allows you to search reverse images using your camera or photos from your Camera Roll. You can crop images before searching, and it uses Google, Yandex, or Bing for results. However, it contains ads, which can be removed for a fee.
Yandex: A well-known search engine with an image search feature. You can upload images or use your camera for searches without saving photos in your library. It recognizes text in images and offers cropping and similar image suggestions.
In conclusion, reverse image search can be fun and valuable in marketing strategies. It helps in tracking advertising, building links, and brand monitoring. This simple tool can enhance your marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reverse Google Image Search?
Open a browser, visit images.google.com, click the camera icon in the search box, and either paste an image URL or upload an image from your device.
Which reverse image search is best?
Google Image Search is regarded as the best due to its extensive database and matching capabilities. Bing’s Visual Search is a great alternative with more specific search parameters.
What is Google image reverse search used for?
Reverse image search can find similar images, discover an image’s dimensions and metadata, check if your images are being used elsewhere, and identify copyright infringements.
How can I find someone by picture?
Use Google Lens on your Android phone. Open the Google app, tap Discover, Google Lens, and then take or upload a photo of the person. Select the search area and look for results.
How do you perform a Google reverse image search on Android?
Open Google Chrome, go to images.google.com, find the image, tap on it, and then tap the Google Lens icon for a reverse image search.
