Finding a great set of copyright-free images is no easy feat. It can take hours—sometimes even days—to sort through all the options. Which photos are OK to reuse? Which ones could land you in hot water? An easy way to answer these questions is to use an image search engine.
An image search engine is a tool that helps you find appropriate images to use in your online store. You can also use it to reverse image search, a method used to authenticate digital photos. By learning how to reverse image search on Google, you’ll be able to find images labeled for reuse that you can use for your logo, website banner, blog post, or even a Facebook ad.
Let’s take a closer look at what an image search engine is and the top image search engines you can use to source your photos.
What is an image search engine?
An image search engine is a database of images that can be searched through the use of keywords. Once you type in a query, the images corresponding to your search phrase will appear. By entering keywords closely related to your business, you can find the right images that will appeal to your customers.
Google’s image search engine is the most comprehensive and known search engine of its kind. In 2001, Google noticed a huge search demand for a specific query that its regular search couldn’t provide a result on: the green Versace dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards. Google realized an image result would be much better than the text results it delivered back at the time. Hence, Google Images was born.
The best image search engines
There are many image search engines in the world. Some are very broad and all encompassing, like Google’s and Yahoo’s, and some are niche and confined, like HONmedia’s. What these tools have in common is a database of images that can be searched using keywords, tags, or topics.
The best image search engines are the ones that can provide the best match to a query and also have a large enough database to cater to their audience.
Here are the best image search engines you can use:
1. Google Images
Have you always wanted to know how to search images on Google? Using Google Images, you can look for images to use for your website, blog, ads, and other marketing content. While not all images found in Google Images can be used for commercial purposes without permission, Google Images aggregates an extensive collection for you to sort through. You’ll notice that most of the images in these sections come from various free stock image sites.
As the best image search engine in the market, Google Images will provide you with a more extensive collection of pictures on Google Images than on any other platform. You can search for specific products such as kitchen utensils or niches like running, and narrow down the results by usage rights to find copyright-free images for your business.
How does Google’s image search work? With Google Images, you can sort images by specific size, color, type of image, and more by simply typing in keywords and checking boxes. You can then sort images by their license by clicking Tools > Usage Rights. You’ll want to use an image that’s labeled for reuse. Images under that section can be used for blog posts, ads, or other marketing activities.
2. Yahoo Images
Yahoo Images is another robust image search engine that lets you find great images for every niche. When you type your keywords into the search bar, Yahoo will present you with a variety of relevant images.
You’ll want to change the license (see top right corner) to include “Free to share and use commercially,” or you can choose “Free to modify, share and use commercially” if you plan to modify images in any way. You’ll find professional lifestyle images, images on white backgrounds, graphics, and more that you can use on your store.
3. Bing Images
Bing’s image search is similar to Google Images and Yahoo Images, so it’s another great picture search engine you can use to source images.
To get started, type your keywords into the Bing Images search bar. You’ll notice a Filter button on the far right-hand side of the screen. When you click it, you’ll see a dropdown appear. Click on License to check whether the image is free for commercial use.
The best thing about Bing’s image search is that it mostly returns high-resolution images. So if you’re looking to source high-quality visuals for your website or product pages, this image search engine might come in handy.
4. Yandex
Yandex is another free website with a large database of images to search. It’s the most popular search engine in Russia, but small compared to its competitors. Yandex presents an easy-to-navigate results page, where hovering over an image makes it pop out from the screen to help you see it better.
Yandex aggregates millions of images from sites across the web. If its database has nothing to satisfy an exact search, it will show similar images.
5. Pinterest visual search tool
Pinterest visual search tool is a fun thing to play with. Unlike most similar tools, you can zoom in on a section of an image and reverse search to find similar images or pins. You don’t need to search the whole image, which makes this a very intriguing tool. To use visual search, you need to sign in to Pinterest and start pinning things.
6. Openverse
Openverse (formerly Creative Commons Search) aggregates over 500 million images from creators around the globe. All of them are free for commercial use, meaning you won’t have to pay to use them on your online store. Whether you’re looking for a picture that represents your niche or a picture of a celebrity, you’ll be sure to find what you need.
Openverse (part of WordPress’s open-source project) has become a favorite of leading companies that use it to find high-quality images for their websites. The tool even lets you filter images to see the ones you can adapt and modify, so there are plenty of features to explore for first-time users.
7. Flickr
Flickr is a unique search engine that lets you search for images by place, tags, galleries, and sets. The majority of images come from amateur and professional photographers who share their work with Flickr’s community. With a few clicks, you can discover relevant photos and specify the orientation of their size.
What is reverse image search?
Reverse image search is a search engine technology that makes it possible for a user to input an image file as a search query and return results related to that image. It’s different from image search, where a user is able to find images to the search term they have entered.
Most search engines offer reverse image search, which can be helpful if you have an image you want to dig deeper into—to know where it originated from or who actually owns the image.
How to reverse image search
You can perform a reverse image search fairly easily on a desktop computer using the Google reverse image search option. All you have to do is go to images.google.com, click the camera icon that appears in the search bar, and:
- Paste in the URL of an image that you have seen somewhere online, or
- Manually upload an image from your computer that you have saved, or
- Drag an image from another window
Best reverse image search engines
If you’re looking to find the source file of a specific image or learn who the creator of that image is, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of reverse image search engines to help you learn more about any online photo.
8. TinEye
To use this tool, you’ll need to upload an image to the search bar to find a selection of websites and stores with images. Over 19 billion images have been searched for on the platform since its inception, making it a great tool for reverse image search.
9. Labnol’s Reverse Image Search
Labno’s reverse image search is a tool that allows you to upload your photo onto the platform and find out who else has posted the image. After uploading an image, click Show Matching Images to find other websites with your picture. The tool will then redirect you to Google search page, where you can see your exact picture on other websites.
10. Image Identification Project
Image Identification Project is a work-in-progress reverse image search solution that offers valuable insights into the images you search for within its platform. You can drag and drop an image into the browser and the service will identify that image and where it came from. Overall, this easy-to-use reverse image tool has plenty of value to offer.
11. IQDB.org
Don’t let the basic-looking website fool you. IQDB is an effective reverse image search engine, brimming with opportunities to learn more about any image you find online. You’ll need to upload an image file or paste a URL into the website to use the reverse image search. However, IQDB only accepts images up to eight megabytes in size and 7,500 by 7,500 pixels in dimension.
Apps for reverse image search
If you prefer using apps for reverse image search, we’ve compiled a list for you:
1. Search By Image
Search by Image is an app available on Android that helps you find similar images or pictures using Google, Tineye, or Yandex reverse image search engines. With the image editor, you can also rotate the image, flip it horizontally or vertically, and crop it. Additionally, you can open shared images from other apps like Facebook, Twitter, your browser, etc., without having to save them.
Available on Android for free.
2. Reversee
This reverse image app sends your pictures directly into the Google Images database to help you search for similar images. You can upgrade to the pro version for $3.99 and get results from Bing and Yandex as well.
Available on iOS for free.
3. Photo Sherlock
This app provides information on the image taken from your camera or an existing image in your gallery. It’s quite simple to use with basic image searching functions and lets you crop the image before searching. Like other reverse image apps, Photo Sherlock can be useful for finding information about photos on Google, such as who the real owner is or whether an image is original or fake.
Available on iOS and Android for free.
4. Veracity
With this app, you can reverse search images by uploading through your camera roll or photo library, or even upload from Dropbox. You have the option to remove ads from the app with a $2.99 in-app purchase.
Available on iOS for free.
Ready to reverse search your way to success?
When using images for your blog content or ads, be sure to look at the image license. For example, if you want to use an image from Google Images, you’ll need to ensure that the image has been approved for commercial reuse. Otherwise, you won’t have permission to use the photo. You can use tools like TinEye to find the contact of the person who created an image and then seek permission to use it. Happy image hunting!
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FAQs
Is there a better reverse image search than Google? ›
TinEye is probably the oldest and most well-known reverse image search engine there is on the web. If you can't find an image via Google, the chances are you might find it via TinEye.
Is there an app that can find an item from a picture? ›You can learn more about an image or the objects around you with Google Lens. For example, you can take a photo of a plant and use it to search for info or other similar images.
What happened to Google Images 2022? ›If you've become accustomed to Google Chrome's reverse image search, you've probably seen the recent change from “Search Google for Image” to “Search image with Google Lens”. While the previous function was one of Chrome's most useful features, Google has prioritized Google Lens as a better solution.
Are there any free reverse image searches? ›Another one of the best free reverse image search tools you can use is Microsoft Bing Visual Search. This search engine has become a formidable alternative to Google Search. Microsoft Bing Visual Search tool works almost in a similar manner as Google and Yahoo Images.
Is there something better than TinEye? ›Google Images is the best alternative compared to TinEye because it utilizes one of the world's largest databases, so if Google can't find it, it's most likely not published anywhere on the internet.
What is better than TinEye? ›The best alternative is Google Images, which is free. Other great apps like TinEye are Google Lens, SauceNAO, Yandex. Images and Search by Image.
Which search engine has the most accurate results? ›- Google. Besides being the most popular search engine covering over 90% of the worldwide market, Google boasts outstanding features that make it the best search engine in the market. ...
- Bing. ...
- 3. Yahoo. ...
- Baidu. ...
- Yandex. ...
- Duckduckgo. ...
- Contextual Web Search. ...
- Yippy Search.
The best alternative is TinEye. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try SauceNAO or Search by Image. Other great sites and apps similar to Google Images are Image Search Options, Yandex. Images, NooBox and Bing Images.
Is there a better search engine than Google? ›Bing. Bing is a search engine by Microsoft and is second in terms of market share after Google. It was launched in 2009, and its origin traces back to earlier search engines offered by Microsoft, such as MSN Search and Live Search. You can perform the same kind of searches on Bing as you would do on Google.
Does DuckDuckGo have image search? ›Detailed image search with DuckDuckGo
Like Google, DuckDuckGo allows you to refine image searches with filters. Unlike Google, you can specify where in the world you want to search. Once you have performed your image search as above you should see another menu appear under the search box.
How do I take a picture of something and then find out what it is? ›
Best App for Searching for Anything and Everything: Google Lens. With Google Lens, all you have to do is point and shoot at any object, and Google Lens does a pretty good job of telling you what it is. I took a picture of a flowering plant I'm growing on my terrace and found it's an Alyssum.
Can I take a picture of an item and find it online? ›Simply take a picture of any object and CamFind uses mobile visual search technology to tell you what it is. The CamFind app provides fast, accurate results with no typing necessary. Snap a picture, learn more. That's it.
Is there an app to take a picture of something and find it online? ›Google Lens
Now, both iOS and Android users can use Google Lens to reverse search images. On Android, Google Lens is available as a standalone app. iOS users can access Lens within the Google search app (by tapping the camera icon in the search bar) or the Google Photos app.
To revert back to the old design, conduct any search on Google Images and then scroll to the bottom of the search results and then click the “Switch to basic version” link at the bottom of the page. You can see the old “basic version” for a query of [flowers] if you like and then switch back to the “standard version.”
Why can't I use Google Images? ›Can I take an image from Google search? You cannot download or use images from Google without seeking permission from the copyright holder, unless your use falls within one of the exceptions or the work is distributed under an open licence such as Creative Commons.
How accurate are reverse image searches? ›It's pretty accurate in searching through image databases and finding similar images. That is if the images are available on internet sites. Otherwise, it looks for similarities that do not reveal accurate results.
What is the best reverse image search for catfish? ›...
To get the best results, it is recommended to use all of the biggest reverse image search services:
- Google Reverse Image Search.
- TinEye.
- Yandex.
Use the noimageindex directive as such: <meta name="robots" content="noimageindex">. Once Google no index that image, it should not show up in Google reverse image search.
What is the most accurate image search? ›- TinEye Reverse Image Search Engine. ...
- Google Images. ...
- 3. Yahoo Image Search. ...
- Bing Image Search. ...
- Pinterest Visual Search Tool. ...
- Openverse. ...
- Flickr. ...
- Getty Images.
When you send someone a picture, can they see when it was taken? Yes. Each digital photo has metadata or so called EXIF tags that tell not only when the image was shot but with which settings and what camera (or phone).
What is the most viewed image on the Internet? ›
You may not recognize the image by its name, “Bliss,” but you'll know it when you see it. Viewed by over a billion people since it was Windows XP's default desktop image, “Bliss” has long been the subject of speculation as many doubted that such a “perfect” hillside could exist beyond Photoshop.
Which website is best for high quality photos? ›- StockSnap. StockSnap.io has a large selection of beautiful free stock photos and high resolution images. ...
- Pexels. ...
- Unsplash. ...
- Burst (by Shopify) ...
- Vecteezy. ...
- Pixabay. ...
- Reshot. ...
- FoodiesFeed.
- On your computer, go to a web browser and access the website with the image you want to use.
- To copy the URL, right-click on the image and click Copy image address.
- Go to Google Images.
- Click Search by image. Paste image link.
- In the text box, paste the URL and click Search.
- Vecteezy.
- Freepik.
- Morguefile.
- Pixabay.
- Stockvault.
- Pexels.
- Picjumbo.
- Rawpixel.
- TruthFinder – Best Overall.
- Intelius – Best for Accurate Public Records Search.
- Instant Checkmate – Best for Searching Government Records.
- Spokeo – Best on a Budget.
- US Search – Best for Single Search.
Google Search Engine is the best search engine in the world and it is also one of most popular products from Google. Almost 70 percent of the Search Engine market has been acquired by Google.
What is the highest quality image in the world? ›The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has released an interactive photo of The Night Watch painting by Rembrandt in a staggering resolution of 717-gigapixels. The museum claims it is the highest resolution photo of artwork ever captured.
Why is Bing images better than Google? ›3. More Visual Search Options. While Google allows you to “search by image,” it limits you to pasting image URLs or uploading them from your computer. Bing Visual search additionally lets you find similar images, drag them from your desktop or take a photo with your webcam/phone.
What search engine do hackers use? ›1. Shodan. Being called both "the search engine for hackers" as well as "the world's first search engine for Internet-connected devices", it's easy to guess why Shodan is the first logical choice.
Is DuckDuckGo better than Google? ›DuckDuckGo is fairly safe and offers much more privacy than mainstream browsers. First of all, DuckDuckGo's main appeal is your search privacy. This means that DuckDuckGo doesn't collect user data and track your search history. Unlike Google, it doesn't associate what you look for online with your IP address.
Can police track DuckDuckGo? ›
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that protects your privacy. DDG won't track you, log your searches, or turn you over to law enforcement.
Can I be tracked if I use DuckDuckGo? ›DuckDuckGo does not have any trackers that monitor your online activities. However, when you visit individual sites from DuckDuckGo search results, you can be tracked by the websites you're visiting. To avoid this, use a VPN like Surfshark.
Why do men use DuckDuckGo? ›DuckDuckGo's browser and mobile app promise to block trackers from other search engines, Facebook, and other trackers. So for those looking to stay anonymous when they venture off the search engines, DuckDuckGo could be your answer.
What is the best app for identifying things? ›- Pinterest.
- Google Lens.
- Amazon Shopping.
- Snapchat.
- CamFind.
- Search By Image.
- Reverse Image Search.
- PlantNet Plant Identification.
Open a photo that contains an item you think could be identified, such as a book or painting. Tap the Info icon at the top or bottom of the screen. If Visual Lookup can identify the item, a Look Up option appears on the Info screen, while an icon related to the image pops up in the center of that image.
Can you take a picture of something and tell me what it is? ›Google Lens can identify real-world objects with your camera and find information about them. To use Google Lens with your camera, you must have an Android phone. You can also use Google Lens through the Google Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
Can you take a picture of something and find it on Amazon? ›If you see something you like at your friend's house you no longer have to ask "Where can I get one of those?" Just point your camera at it and Amazon takes you directly to the product search results.
Can you take a picture of something and search it on Amazon? ›Amazon Photos' image-recognition feature helps you search and find photos easily and keep your photo library organized. The image recognition features allow you to: Search by People, Places, or Things using the search box option.
Is there an app where I can take a picture of a question and get answer? ›Photo input
Open the Socratic app. Tap Photo Camera . Take a picture of the question or explanation with your device's camera. Crop the image to only include the section you want to ask about.
How to web search using only pictures
Google Goggles: Take A Picture With Your Phone, Search By Image
How to Use Your Phone's Camera to Search
How do I search by image on iPhone 2022? ›
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and go to.
- Next, tap on Upload an image → Choose File → Photo Library (or one of the other options)
- Select the picture and tap on Done to upload it and see results for this image.
Google recently replaced one of Chrome's most useful features with what they think is a better alternative. The right-click menu option for a reverse image search was swapped out in favor of searching through Google Lens instead. If you heavily depend on the older feature and want it back, then don't worry.
How do I turn on reverse image search in Google? ›Google's reverse image search is a breeze on a desktop computer. Go to images.google.com(Opens in a new window), click the camera icon, and either paste in the image link (URL) for an image you've seen online, upload an image from your hard drive, or drag an image from another window.
What is the best image search app for iPhone? ›- CamFind. 3 Images. Close. ...
- Google Lens. 3 Images. Close. ...
- Veracity. 2 Images. Close. ...
- Reverse Image Search App. 3 Images. Close. ...
- Direct Image Search on Google. 3 Images. Close. ...
- Photo Sherlock. 3 Images. ...
- TinEye Reverse Image Search. 3 Images. ...
- Reverse Photos Image Search. 2 Images.
You can reverse image search on your Android device with Google Chrome. You can also reverse image search on a web page by tapping and holding the image and then choosing to search with Google Lens. If the image is stored on your phone, you can tap on the Google Lens icon in Chrome's search bar.
Does Apple search your photos? ›Because Apple only scans photos uploaded to iCloud, you can choose to opt out of the new feature by disabling iCloud storage for your photos. Follow these steps to disable iCloud Photos: Open your iPhone or iPad and go to Settings. Scroll down to Photos.
How do I do a reverse image search without getting caught? ›Use the noimageindex directive as such: <meta name="robots" content="noimageindex">. Once Google no index that image, it should not show up in Google reverse image search.
Can you reverse Google image search a person? ›How To Reverse Image Search (Google) - YouTube
Can I take a picture and search it on Google? ›Take or upload a photo to use for your search: To take a photo: With your camera, point to an object and tap Search. . To upload an existing image: Tap Photo picker.
How do I change my Google Images back to normal 2022? ›To revert back to the old design, conduct any search on Google Images and then scroll to the bottom of the search results and then click the “Switch to basic version” link at the bottom of the page. You can see the old “basic version” for a query of [flowers] if you like and then switch back to the “standard version.”
Is Google Lens the same as reverse search? ›
Lens on Android now lets you do classic reverse image searches via Google Images. Reverse image searching is awfully straight-forward on the web version of Google. You just head over to Google Images, tap the little camera icon, and upload whatever image you want to search for.
How do I switch back to the old Chrome? ›How to Change Google Chrome's Interface Back to the Old Style.
Does reverse image search work with screenshots? ›Yes, of course. Doing a reverse image search of a screenshot on a phone is pretty much like how it is on a desktop. If you are on Android or iPhone, just open your favorite mobile browser, visit images.google.com and click on the camera icon. Then, choose the screenshot you just took and upload it.
How do I reverse image search without Google Lens? ›Disable Chrome's Lens Search Option on Android
To deactivate the Lens search option on your Android phone, first, launch Chrome on your phone. In the search results, find “Google Lens Powered Image Search in the Context Menu.” Then, beneath this option, tap “Default.” From the menu that opens, choose “Disabled.”