Since the creation of computers, one of the most basic and characteristic functions has been the viewing of multimedia files. If you are interested in know the origin of an image on the internet, stay with us, because today we will teach you everything you need to know about it.
Although it may seem complicated, tracing the origin of an image is relatively easy, since everything that is uploaded to the Internet rarely ceases to exist. even if you manage download instagram photos and you want to verify if they are real or taken from the internet, with what we will tell you today you will be able to know.
Get comfortable and enjoy all the information we have for you, let's get started!
Is it possible to know the origin of an image on the internet?
The Internet is without a doubt one of the most innovative and important inventions that is still important to this day. However, not everything is perfect and over the years, users have realized how easy it is to deceive people through the network.
At first glance, modifying an image may not seem like a big deal, but beyond impersonating another person, such modifications can have unfavorable financial consequences.
Luckily for everyone, it is not very difficult to know if an image has been modified or not. Likewise, knowing the origin of an image on the Internet is relatively simple, as long as we have the indicated tools.
To talk about these tools, we must know two important concepts, since they are the two methods used to find the source of an image:
- Reverse lookup: Reverse lookup consists of a series of techniques for retrieving images online. Thanks to this, it will be possible for us to find similarities between certain images and if we are lucky, find the original photo.
- EXIF data: EXIF data is specific data created for an image file. Although at first they were only used by digital cameras, they are currently present in any digital image and can be consulted with certain programs.
Once we have understood these two concepts, we can start talking about the different tools and methods that can be used to know the origin of an image on the internet.
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Use Google Images to know the origin of an image on the internet
Our first alternative is one of the best known, as it comes from one of the largest companies today. Since 2001, Google Images is available as a section of this search engine, allowing us to obtain results only in image formats.
It should be noted that these images are not hosted in the search engine, but rather belong to a web page. In this way, by clicking on them, we can see the original source and access more information.
However, it is not how this tool works that will help us find the origin of an image, but rather one of its functions.
In the Google Images search bar, we can find a camera-shaped button, which says "Search by image". After pressing this button, a pop-up window will open where we can insert the photograph that we want to search for on the web.
Although it goes without saying, this function works based on reverse search, returning image results hosted on other websites.
If you want a more detailed explanation, take a look at this step by step:
- Access Google.com from your computer
- At the top right, click on "Images"
- Next, touch the button with the camera located in the search bar and enter the image you want to consult; you can upload a file from your computer or copy the link of the image in case it is publicly hosted on the internet
- Well done! Now take a look at the visual matches to find more information about the image and its origin
Trace the origin of an image using Yandex
Google may be the best known search engine in the world, but there are a few countries where they have great competition.
This is the case of Russia, where Yandex is the search engine most used by its inhabitants. However, it is not blocked and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Unfortunately for us, most of the results will be Russian and it is difficult to find information easily.
Leaving this aside, Yandex has a very useful function for know the origin of an image on the internet. Similar to the feature of search by image G.oogle, the Yandex image section is based on reverse search.
Despite being the same function, Yandex reverse search is much deeper and when it comes to finding the source of an image, this is the best option available, and it is completely safe and free.
If you are interested in using this tool, here we tell you what you should do:
- Enter the Yandex search engine
- When you are inside, touch the "Images" section that appears above the search bar
- Tap the camera icon and choose one of the following options:
- Select file: Allows you to search for a file stored on your computer to upload it
- Paste from clipboard: Allows you to paste the image you have copied to the clipboard
- Enter image URL: Allows you to enter the direct link of an image that is stored on the web
Yandex Results
After uploading the image, Yandex will show you the results as follows:
- On the left side you will see the image you uploaded and below it, all the exact matches that are in the network; if you want more exact results, you can modify the crop area and the size of the images
- On the right side you will find text related to the image, based on the results available on the internet
- Finally, you can find a section of similar images very well done, capable of identifying faces and returning results that will allow us to continue searching for the origin of our image.
Search by mobile image using Google Lens
The two alternatives that we have mentioned for know the origin of an image on the internet, are made specifically for computers.
Despite this, it is more than clear that there are options for mobile users. Among these tools, the best known and that in certain instances can work better than those available on computers, is Google Lens.
That's right, Google not only has a tool for browsers, but has also designed a function integrated with Android devices and its "Photos" application.
Do you meet both requirements? Then check this out!:
- To find the source of an image using Google Lens, you must have the image saved in your gallery
- Search for the image using Google Photos
- When you have it selected, tap on the “Lens” option located at the bottom of the screen
- Using the crop tool, select the area of the image you want to search
- Perfect! Next, you will be able to see the different results of the web and continue exploring through them
All the features of Google Lens
This Google function has many uses in addition to that of know the origin of an image on the internet. Next, we briefly show you what these functions are and how to use them correctly to facilitate your search:
- Translate: The first option available in Google Lens allows us to automatically translate text from an image. Make sure you turn on language detection and that the text is in a readable format
- Text: If the image you are looking for has text, you can select this option. The results will be more accurate and you will be able to trace the source through various documents and web articles
- Search: This is the default option of Lens, which allows you to know the origin of an image on the internet by reverse lookup
- Shopping: In this section you can find various products related to your image. From official merchandise to hundreds of products on Amazon, this is a great option if you're on the hunt for a collector's item, even allowing you to filter prices into a specific range.
- Places: Making use of "Maps", this is a great idea if you are looking for streets or specific places. Also, this option is capable of distinguishing between backgrounds and people, allowing you to know a location even if there is someone posing
- Food: Finally, this tool also uses "Maps" and user reviews to find restaurants, bars and even nightclubs
Tineye, the best image search engine
We close our list of alternatives for know the origin of an image on the internet with Tineye, an exclusively image search engine.
Its use is similar to Yandex and Google Images, but with the great benefit that it can also be used on mobile devices.
To search for specific results, Tineye is the best option, since its results are exclusively the exact matches of the image. In case of not finding a result, we will not have similar images and we will have to keep looking.
On the other hand, Tineye also allows us to buy the EXIF data of the images hosted on the internet, being able to know if our image has been modified or is the original.
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Conclution
Image search is something that is years in the making and can achieve very good results. Thanks to new technologies like Google Lens and improved search algorithms, it is becoming easier and more accessible to find the source of hundreds of memes, products and places.
We hope that our guide about know the origin of an image on the internet It has been helpful to you and we invite you to continue browsing our website. How about you take a look at our guide on pages similar to Omegle?
Without further ado, we say goodbye, but not before inviting you to leave us a comment with your doubts or suggestions. See you soon!