Have you ever found an picture and wondered where it was taken?
Or perhaps, you have no idea what that “thing” is?
A flower, an animal, a famous person, you name it – Google Image Search (actually: reverse image search) can help you find it!
Let’s start with a howto, in case this is all you are looking for.
BTW: we are not using the search to find images, but instead to find out what images are.
So how do you use Google Image search for a reverse image search? simple really :>
Now you can choose where your image is
Now the reverse image search begins and Google will try to find matches to your image.
The results might include the following types:-
There is no exact results page I can describe, but Google Image Search will provide you with lots of ideas and result types
Now I know this is all amazing – technology of the future, but there is more!
Here are some uses for Google Image Search using images.
This is more of a “what is that” kind of search.
If you have an image or picture of something and want to know who created it. Try this out.
You can find painters, photographers, graphic artists. You name it.
As scary as this may seem, it is easy for today’s computers to match faces. Even people who are not famous.
Now this can also seem really weird, but imagine some of the following scenarios:-
It is possible to find things out that were impossible 10 years ago.
By uploading your image or your URL you can see if your image is being used anywhere
The team at Lifehacker have a similar list of uses.
If you are a Chrome user (if not get it now – it’s fast, easy, useful) then you can get a Chrome extension to add this functionality to your browser.
Chrome Google Image Search extension
Another Chrome option is an extension that gives 4 image search website options
Firefox users also have this option, and can find the extension here.
Firefox Image Search Extension
Why add these? Basically it adds a context menu option – so when you right click an image you can search straight away for it.
Google Reverse Image Search is a powerful tool you can add to your toolbox.
Find out things you have never been able to before.
Make sure no one is stealing your stuff as well :>
If you want to learn more about Google Search – check out these two previous posts
Google Search – Tips and Tricks Part 1 & Part 2
Einstein image courtesy of Free Digital Images – Mr Lightman
Ashley is obsessed with SEO and WordPress. He is also the founder of Mad Lemmings. When he is not busy helping clients get higher on Google he can be found doing crazy sports in the Swiss Alps (or eating too much chocolate - a habit he is trying to break).
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