TinEye

TinEye is a reverse image search engine that enables users to locate where an image appears on the web, find higher-resolution versions, or verify an image's provenance. Users can search by uploading an image, providing a URL, or dragging and dropping a file into the search interface.

TinEye builds its searchable index by processing images with computer vision techniques, including perceptual hashing and feature extraction. When a query is submitted, TinEye compares the generated image fingerprint against its index to identify exact or near-duplicate matches and related variations.

Developed by the company Idée, TinEye was launched in 2008 and has expanded to include a web interface, browser extensions, and an API for developers. The service provides free search access alongside paid tiers.

Typical uses include tracking image reuse for copyright enforcement, verifying image provenance, locating the original source of an image, and discovering altered or cropped versions. Limitations include reliance on the size of the indexed web; images not present in the index or new uploads may not yield matches, and results may vary in quality.