Found a Twitter account of the investigation target, but not sure whether it belongs to the right person? Clear your doubts with a reverse image search based on the person’s Twitter photos. Become a pro in reverse image search on Twitter with this concise overview from X-Ray Contact.
What Is Reverse Image Search?
In a nutshell, reverse image search is a type of OSINT investigation in which you use a photo rather than a keyword or text to kick off the search query. It can be used to discover where an image appears online, identify the picture’s source, find visually similar images or gather information about the person or object.
Why Should You Do a Twitter Reverse Image Search?
Twitter might not seem as a perfect platform for a reverse image search investigation. Since it is not an image-focused social media, it might be challenging to find a suitable pool of pictures for a successful reverse image search investigation.
Why Should You Choose Twitter Reverse Image Search on Twitter?
However, Twitter has unique perks unique compared to other social media. Consider the following scenarios:
- Viral Photo Investigation. Twitter is often the first platform where news and popular content are posted. A reverse image search can help you track the origin of an image that has gone viral so you can find out a tweet’s author or other additional context.
- News Verification. The microblogging platform is used extensively by journalists, news outlets and eyewitnesses to share real-time information. Image search on Twitter can help verify the authenticity of images to prove that they align with the reported events or stories.
- Hidden Content. For some users, a private Twitter account is a place to post unique content for a close circle of users compared to Instagram or Facebook. If a private account’s content is intended for a limited group of users, a reverse image search can reveal if there’s been a breach of privacy.
Steps for Conducting Twitter Reverse Image Investigation
The process of reverse image search on Twitter might seem intimidating if you have zero previous OSINT experience. With that said, you can make the task easier by following a 101 tutorial from X-Ray Contact experts.
Step 1: How Can You Find Someone on Twitter?
First, you need to focus on tracking down a person of interest’s Twitter account. Use Twitter’s search bar to enter the person’s name, username, or known Twitter handle. You can also opt for “Advanced Settings” if you want to narrow down the search. This is the most straightforward way to find someone’s account.
If this method fails, opt for more advanced means to disclose a user’s account. Go to the X-Ray Contact’s “Platform” tab and choose any one of the search channels you have access to, such as a user’s real name, email, phone number or a link to a different social media. In case the search is successful, one’s Twitter account may be in a search report.
Step 2: What to Do After You Saw the Image on Twitter?
If you have managed to find the target’s Twitter account, the next stage is to select the most suitable photo reverse image search investigation. Here are some qualities of a photo that will work best for an image search on Twitter:
- Images with higher resolution and clear details are more likely to produce accurate results.
- Choose pictures where the face of the person is clearly visible. Don’t opt for photos with poses or angles that cover the face since it may obstruct an image search on Twitter.
- Photos with fewer filters, overlays, or significant edits are better for reverse image searches. However, images with heavy editing can distort the original features of a person, so it is harder for reverse image search engines to identify similarities.
- When possible, select more recent images. Older images might not be indexed as widely or might lead to outdated results. Moreover, signs of aging and changes in appearance also affect the accuracy of a search.
- If you’re having difficulty finding results with a single image, try using multiple images from the same Twitter account.
Step 3: Use the X-Ray Contact Tool for a Reverse Image Search on Twitter
Once you’ve selected the appropriate photo, use X-Ray Contact to conduct a reverse image search. The algorithm is user-friendly and accessible:
- Visit the main page of the X-Ray Contact and click on the “Platform” section in the header.
- Select the “Image search” channel and paste the URL of a photo on Twitter or directly upload it from your device in the search bar.
- If an image of the individual matches the results in the databases of our providers, you will receive a detailed report with personal details, career details, social media links, connections and other types of findings.
Conclusion
Now you know that the task of doing a reverse image search on Twitter is easier than it seems. Just collect the proper data pool and then automate the search with X-Ray Contact to get the most accurate picture matches with minimum effort.