How to tell if an image is AI-generated

Posting edited photos online is nothing new—but today, most of us question even the most realistic images or videos. As AI technology advances, the line between authentic and synthetic images is blurring more and more, and we can’t always rely on what we see online. Here is how to tell if an image is AI-generated so that you can navigate the digital world with confidence.

Understanding AI-generated images

AI-generated images are digital creations made using complex machine learning models — and more specifically, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). GANs work by having two neural networks, often described as the "generator" and the "discriminator." Together, the generator creates images while the discriminator evaluates them. This constant feedback loop helps refine the image until it’s nearly indistinguishable from a real photograph. 

Common indicators of AI-generated images

While AI is becoming more advanced and often more convincing, they are not flawless. If you know what to look for, you can start separating AI from authentic content.

Unnatural or glossy textures

AI can struggle to reproduce realistic textures, so AI-generated images often have surfaces that appear overly smooth or glossy. This is especially true with human skin, which may lack natural imperfections like pores. You can even see this in “natural” imagery like trees and grass, where the texture almost seems plastic. If the people or items in the photo look unnaturally polished, there’s a strong possibility it’s AI-generated.

Distorted or asymmetrical features

AI models still have difficulty generating symmetrical features, particularly when it comes to human faces and hands. You may not notice it immediately, but after a second glance, you might notice the person in the image has a couple of extra fingers. Human facial features are also often slightly off-balance or misshapen. These small distortions are a red flag—real human features tend to follow a certain level of symmetry and proportion.

Background inconsistencies

Look closely at the background of an AI-generated image, too—you’ll likely start seeing some distorted or inconsistent forms. For instance, objects in the distance might blur together unnaturally, or a skyline might appear warped. AI may also struggle with perspective, where backgrounds don’t really align with the subject of the image.

Lighting and shadow discrepancies

Inconsistent lighting and shadows are easy giveaways. AI often misplaces shadows or mismatches them with light sources. You’ll notice this when the lighting appears flat or unnatural and eventually realize the shadows don’t fall in the right places.

Distorted or misspelled words

When AI generates text within an image—such as on signs, clothing, or products—the text usually looks distorted or outright nonsensical. Artificial intelligence has a hard time replicating readable words, especially when it comes to more complex images.

How to identify AI-generated images: Step-by-step process

If you’re suspicious of an image, you can verify whether or not it’s been generated by AI with these basic steps.

1. Analyze visual cues. Start by examining the key details we discussed above like symmetry in human images, surface texture, and lighting. Those unnatural textures, asymmetrical features, and distorted backgrounds are the easiest place to start.
2. Check metadata. You can also inspect the image’s metadata, which often contains information about how and when the image was created. In some cases, AI-generated images might lack detailed metadata or show signs of digital tampering, such as mismatched dates.
3. Use AI detection tools. When in doubt, use tools designed to detect AI-generated content. There are apps and websites that can analyze images for signs of AI generation and essentially automate your AI checks.
4. Verify content provenance. You can double-check your digital media’s authenticity by tracing its origin, too. Look into the history of the content to determine whether it’s been digitally altered or generated. This step can often reveal whether the image has undergone suspicious edits. 

Tools to understand if an image is AI-generated 

Several tools can help you see if and how an image is AI-generated. Below are some of the most reliable methods 

• Deepware Scanner. This is a tool designed specifically to detect deepfakes and AI-generated images by analyzing both visual elements and metadata. You can do a quick scan for potential AI manipulation without delving into the backend of your content yourself.
• Hugging Face. In partnership with Hugging Face, Truepic is helping add watermarking to AI-generated images. Creators can embed metadata at the point of creation, marking content as AI-generated from the start. This makes the image’s authenticity traceable, even if it undergoes transformations like compression.
• Content provenance with Truepic. Truepic’s C2PA technology ensures the origin and history of digital media are transparent, whether an image is AI-generated or 

The impact of AI-generated images on transparency

AI-generated images are becoming more common, and while the technology behind them is impressive, it raises serious concerns about trust and security. When you can no longer tell whether an image is real or computer-generated, it becomes harder to trust the information you see online. 

This is particularly concerning for media outlets, where public confidence in the accuracy of what they publish is so important. If viewers begin doubting the authenticity of images, it can take a serious toll on trust in journalism and online platforms as a whole.

Beyond trust in media, there are real financial and security risks linked to AI-generated images. Scammers can create fake identities or use doctored images to carry out phishing attacks, manipulate identities, or even trick people into revealing sensitive information. The ability to generate convincing deepfakes presents a dangerous avenue for cybercriminals.

Businesses also face challenges in terms of regulatory compliance. As AI-generated content becomes more widespread, industries are under growing pressure to authenticate the media they produce and distribute. Governments and regulatory bodies are working to establish frameworks to address these concerns, but organizations must stay ahead of evolving standards to avoid non-compliance.

At the heart of all of this is the need to identify AI-generated images to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect brand trust. Accurate digital content is about, yes, security—but also maintaining public confidence in a world where it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real from what’s fake. 

Implementing content provenance with Truepic

While AI may seem like it’s taking over your media, the right tools can help you stay one step ahead. C2PA is an open technical standard that allows publishers, creators, and consumers to transparently trace the origin and history of digital media. 

Truepic Enterprise C2PA helps businesses implement C2PA with enhanced security, technical support, and customized integrations to ensure compliance with the latest digital authenticity standards.

Unlike reactive detection methods, Truepic’s C2PA solution focuses on providing verifiable proof of an image’s authenticity from the start. 

To learn more about how Truepic can help you secure your digital content, contact our sales team for a personalized solution.