Check a viral photo of a person before you share it
Photos of public figures in unlikely situations spread fast. Save the image and upload it here for a quick score before you repost.
3 free scans, no sign-up. You must be 13 or older to use this service. By scanning you agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Best photos for analysis
Scores are statistical descriptions by AI and do not definitively determine whether an image was edited or generated.
What Maat Scan looks for in viral images
Generation traits
Uniform skin, idealised faces and glossy lighting are common in AI images of public figures.
Composites
A real face placed into a new scene can leave mismatched edges and lighting. The outline and texture signals look for these.
Details
Hands, text on signs and clothing, and faces in the background are frequent failure points that the impression signal takes into account.
Provenance markers
Some AI tools add a marker to the file. Maat Scan reports it when the copy you have still carries one, which is rare after sharing.
Before you repost
- Search a fact-checking site such as Snopes, Full Fact or AFP Fact Check for the image or the claim.
- Find the earliest post with a reverse image search. Many viral images first appear on accounts that post AI art.
- Read the replies and any Community Notes, which often link to the original.
- If the photo claims to show news, check whether a reputable outlet reported the same event.
What the score can't settle
- Viral images are often screenshots of screenshots. Each copy loses detail, so the score is less reliable than on an original.
- A natural score does not confirm the event happened. A real photo can be shared with a false caption.
- Maat Scan scores still photos of people. It cannot assess videos or images without a person.
Questions
Can I check an image from a social media post?
Yes. Save or screenshot the photo and upload it. Crop out the app interface if you can, and use the largest version available.
Is a low score proof the photo isn't real?
No. It shows the image has strong statistical signs of AI generation or editing. Combine it with the source checks above.
Does Maat Scan publish scores of viral photos?
The @maatscan account on X shares scores of widely discussed photos alongside what fact-checkers have reported, as a statistical reference.
Further reading
Other photo checks
Get the App
