Image & Media · Free tool
Reverse Image Search
Reverse image search takes an image as input and finds visually similar images or identical copies across the web. Use it to find the original source of an image, check whether your original photos are being used without attribution, or identify what an unknown object, place, or person might be.
SEO, GEO & AEO: why this checklist matters
Who should use this
Photographers and content creators protecting their work, journalists verifying image authenticity, SEOs finding unauthorized use of original images, and researchers identifying unknown images.
Rankings, AI answers, and citations
Original images can rank in Google Image search and drive direct traffic. Finding where your images are used without attribution lets you request credit links, which contribute to backlink building. Images used with your attribution also increase brand visibility across the web.
What to verify before you ship
- Search your most trafficked original images regularly for unauthorized use
- When you find unauthorized use, document the URL and timestamp before contacting the site
- Consider adding a visible watermark or EXIF copyright data to original photos
- Request attribution links rather than image removal — that's often more beneficial
What you can expect next
Use this workflow on drafts and live URLs. For continuous monitoring across Google and AI surfaces, pair results with Linkstonic SEO audit, AI tracking, and TrueTrace.
Frequently asked questions
Written for search snippets, People Also Ask-style surfaces, and answer engines that quote short Q&A units.
Which reverse image search engines work best?
Google Images reverse search has the broadest index. TinEye specializes in exact image matching and tracks upload dates. Yandex Images often finds images on non-English sites that Google misses. Using all three gives the most comprehensive coverage.
Can reverse image search find edited or cropped versions?
Google Images and Yandex use visual similarity algorithms that can match cropped, resized, or slightly edited versions. TinEye uses hash-based matching and is better at finding exact copies of unmodified images.
What should I do if I find my image used without credit?
Document the usage (screenshot + URL). Check whether the site has removed it since you indexed it. Contact the site owner through their contact page or DMCA agent (listed in their privacy policy or found via WHOIS). Most cases resolve amicably.
Can I use reverse image search to find the source of stock photos?
Yes. Before using an image you found online without clear licensing, a reverse search often reveals the original upload source and licensing context. It's useful for verifying whether something labeled 'free to use' actually is.