Check a source image before you publish it
A tip lands in the inbox at 6pm. The image looks right, but you cannot place it. Witness gives you a fast first read: is it likely AI-generated, does it carry Content Credentials, and what does its metadata say.
When people use Witness
Breaking news images
Run a viral photo through a scan while you chase the original source.
Tips and screenshots
Check an image sent by a reader before it goes any further in the newsroom.
Video clips
Scan a clip for signs of AI generation or a swapped face, with a per-frame view.
What Witness checks
AI-generation likelihood
A verdict and confidence percentage, with a heatmap showing which regions drove the result.
Content Credentials (C2PA)
If a file carries signed provenance data, Witness reads who signed it and what edits were recorded.
Metadata
Camera, software and date fields, where present. Missing metadata is common and is not proof of anything.
Chrome extension
Right click an image on a page, or scan every image on the page, without leaving your workflow.
What Witness is not for
- Witness does not tell you where or when a photo was taken. Pair it with reverse image search and source verification.
- A likely real result does not mean a photo is genuine news. It can still be staged, miscaptioned or reused.
- Witness reports a likelihood with a confidence score. It does not prove anything on its own.
How it works
- 01
Drop in the file
Upload an image or video, or paste a link, or right click any image in Chrome with the extension.
- 02
Witness checks it
Several detection methods run in parallel, plus checks for provenance data such as Content Credentials and metadata.
- 03
Read the result
You get a likely real or likely AI-generated verdict with a confidence percentage and a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cite a Witness result in a story?
Describe it as a detection tool's estimate, with the confidence shown, not as proof. Verify with the source, reverse image search and a second method.
Does Witness work on images from X, Instagram and Reddit?
The Chrome extension is built to fetch images on those sites, so you can scan them in place. Results still depend on how the image was compressed when it was posted.
Is Witness free?
Yes. You can try a few scans without an account, and a free account includes a monthly allowance. Pro raises the limits. See the pricing page for current plans.
Is a Witness result proof?
No. Witness gives a likelihood and a confidence percentage, plus an explanation. Use it as a second pair of eyes, not as a final ruling.
Related
Don't guess. Witness it.
Free to try. No account needed for your first scans. Witness gives a likelihood with a confidence percentage, not a certainty.