Fact-Check an Image or Meme

"Reverse Image Search" Using Google

You can use the same strategies already presented to fact-check an image or meme. But, did you know there's a useful trick for finding the context and story behind an image? This will help you more quickly determine what others are saying about the image. Has it been digitally altered ("photoshopped"), or is it being shared out of context (misrepresented)?

On your Computer

Using Chrome as your browser, right-click the image and select "Search Google for image." Note: On a Mac, use Control-click. On a Chromebook, use Alt-click.

When you right-click an image from a meme, it will give you menu that includes "Search Google for this image"

On your Phone

Using Chrome (app), touch and hold the image, then select "Search Google for This Image" (note that you may first have to click a menu option to "Open in Chrome"):

Touching and holding on an image in Chrome on a phone gives a menu option to "Search Google for This Image"

The Results

You will get a list of any other websites where the image has been used, including previous fact-checks of the image, and perhaps even a link to the real version of the photo:

Google reverse image search results show a number of results indicating the photo was fake

The real image is shown in a Tweet from the Seahawks, showing the NFL player doing a victory dance without a burning flag