Fake News & Digital Media Literacy: Verifying Images and Videos

Reverse Image Searching with Google

One way to evaluate and verify images is to search for the image on Google. Called reverse image searching, this can be done using the "Search by image" function (Google Lens icon above) on a Google search bar. From the Google Chrome browser, you can also right-click an image and choose "Search image with Google."

Using this feature will pull up other websites that use a photo, or similar versions of it, allowing for a quick and easy way to evaluate the context and validity of a photo.

Using Reverse Image Search to Evaluate Videos

Reverse image search can also be used to evaluate videos and short clips found on social media. Take a screenshot of the video and use this in your reverse image search.

(Note: The right-click and select "Search Image with Google" method of reverse image searching discussed by Caulfield in this video is only available through the Google Chrome browser. To reverse image search in other browsers, you will need to use the "Search by image" feature embedded in the Google Search bar.)

This video was created by CNTRL-F with support from CIVIX.

Geolocating Images Using Google Maps

To verify the location where images or videos were taken, you can use Google Maps to geolocate the media. Take a good look at the image/video and see if you can discover any identifying information. For example, can you see any signs for businesses? Are there any landmarks or significant buildings in the frame? Use this information to search Google Maps and use the street view feature to see if you can locate where the image was taken.

Test Your Skills with Interactive Online Quizzes

Verifying Content Online Challenge

This interactive quiz from First Draft walks you through how to use Google tools to verify online content.

This video was created by the Poynter Institute.