SCREENSHOTS have become a staple of online communication, circulating from viral tweets to breaking news headlines, and are often treated as instant proof.
But screenshots can be misleading or completely fake. A doctored tweet attributed to a politician, an edited bank alert, or a fabricated news headline can spread online in seconds, convincing thousands before fact-checkers even weigh in.
The FactCheckHub has debunked some of these instances listed above, which can be seen here, here, and here.
Because screenshots look authentic and are easy to share, they have become one of the simplest tools for fuelling misinformation, especially in fast-moving news cycles where people are less likely to question their accuracy.
False proof in a click
Creating a fake screenshot is a fast and easy process. Free editing apps let anyone alter names, wording, or even the number of likes and comments on a post in seconds; some fabricators go further and invent entire tweets or headlines that were never published.
Another common tactic is to change a news headline in a screen grab so it appears to come from a reputable outlet, also known as manipulated headlines, and because screenshots are static images, they carry no clickable links or metadata to prove authenticity. Those features make screenshots a perfect vehicle for misinformation: they look plausible, spread quickly, and are hard for casual users to verify at a glance.
Even unedited screenshots can distort the truth. A simple crop might remove the date, making an old post appear recent, or hide key replies that shift the meaning of a conversation.
In some cases, satirical comments have been screen – shotted and re-shared as if they were accurate statements, misleading audiences who never see the full thread. Beyond this, screenshots strip away important digital cues such as timestamps, source links, and engagement history that would normally help verify authenticity. Once those details are gone, it becomes harder for readers to judge credibility, and easier for misinformation to spread unchecked.
How to verify screenshots
Check the source
Go straight to the account or website shown in the screenshot — don’t rely on the image itself. Confirm the handle or URL exactly (look for impostor accounts with extra characters), check for verification marks where relevant, and scan the profile for history and tone: does the account regularly post that kind of content? Look for the original post on the platform (not just reposts) and note the publish date and time. If the screenshot claims to be from an organisation, check the organisation’s official site or other verified social accounts for the same story.
Search the wording
Copy the exact text (or type a short, unique phrase) and run it in quotes through a search engine and the social-platform search bar. This reveals exact matches, earlier posts, or reputable coverage that confirms or contradicts the claim. Search variations and translations that are too misquoted or paraphrase the text can hide the original context.
Do a reverse image search
Upload the screenshot to Google Lens, Google Images, TinEye, or Yandex. Look for the earliest appearance of the image, alternative captions, or higher-resolution originals. If the same image appears with different dates, captions, or locations, that’s a clue it’s being reused or misrepresented. Also, watch out for older timestamps, different captions, source credited to a stock photo site or a different event/location.
Look at the details
Inspect the screenshot closely and observe User Interface (UI) elements such as platform logos, buttons, fonts, alignment, spacing, and image quality. Poor cropping, inconsistent fonts, odd punctuation, mismatched icons, or blurred/warped areas usually indicate editing. On news screenshots, check if the headline style matches that outlet’s usual layout (font, byline placement, dateline).
Check metadata and original files
Screenshots strip metadata, but if you can access the original image or video file check the Exchangeable Image File Format. EXIF/metadata for creation date, device info, and geolocation. Use an EXIF viewer or forensic tool. If metadata is missing or clearly altered, treat the image with caution.
Many platforms and messaging apps remove EXIF data. Absence alone isn’t proof of fakery, but the presence of conflicting metadata is useful.
Corroborate with other sources
Look for independent reporting, eyewitness posts, official statements, or on-the-ground photos from multiple users. For location-based claims, try geolocation: match visible landmarks, road signs, or building features with satellite imagery or Street View. If only one account is pushing the claim and nobody else, especially local media, is reporting it, treat it as unverified.
Mind timeline and context
Screenshots can be decontextualised, an old tweet made to look recent, or a satirical post reused seriously. Verify timestamps, check the thread/replies for clarification, and see whether the screenshot omits surrounding conversation that changes meaning.
Use verification tools and experts
When available, consult reverse-search tools, archived pages such as Wayback Machine, or the archive.is and social monitoring platforms. Try reaching out to the original poster and requesting the live link or source. If you can’t verify quickly, flag the content as unverified rather than share it. Encourage readers to wait for corroboration, and report the post to the platform if it violates policies.
Republished from the FactCheckHub.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org