Google’s New SynthID Detector Can Check AI Images, Videos, and Audio
AI Generated
Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Rishi
Google has opened its SynthID Detector to the public. Anyone can now upload an image, video, or audio file and check whether it carries SynthID, the invisible watermark Google uses to mark AI-generated media.
The tool went live worldwide on October 7, 2026, in English only. Until now, access was limited to journalists, media professionals, and researchers. Here is what the tool does, how to use it, and where its answers stop.
What Google Announced
Pushmeet Kohli, VP of Science and Strategic Initiatives at Google DeepMind, announced the expansion in a company blog post. Google introduced an early version of the detector in May 2025, when interested users had to join a waitlist. This release replaces that waitlist with a standalone site at synthid.com.
The bigger change is coverage. The detector no longer recognizes only Google’s own AI output. It also identifies files from partners that have adopted SynthID, including OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Kakao. Apple is listed as joining soon.
How SynthID Works
SynthID is a watermarking technology from Google DeepMind, first released in 2023. It embeds an imperceptible signal directly into AI-generated images, video, and audio. People can’t see or hear it, but a detector can find it.
Google says it has watermarked more than 180 billion images and videos, along with 240,000 years of audio. Because the signal lives inside the file rather than in metadata, it is designed to survive sharing and common edits. Google also acknowledges that no watermark is completely robust.
How to Use the SynthID Detector
- Go to Synthid.com.
- Upload the image, video, or audio file you want to check.
- Read the result. If a watermark is found, the tool reports that SynthID was detected and that the media was made or edited with AI from a supported company.
For the most accurate result, upload the best-quality copy you have. Compressed or re-saved versions give the detector less to work with.
Google’s sample result for a video shows a SynthID detection along with a note that the file may have been edited further since the watermark was applied.
Which AI Tools Does It Cover?
The detector can identify media made with Google AI and with tools from OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Kakao. Apple’s tools are expected to be added later, though Google has not given a date.
The site is direct about the boundary. It is not a general AI detector, and it only recognizes content from companies that have adopted SynthID.
Other Places to Check for SynthID
The standalone site joins verification tools Google already built into its products. SynthID checks are available in Search, the Gemini app, and Chrome, which together handle more than one million requests a day.
In the Gemini app, you can upload a video of up to 100 MB and 90 seconds and ask whether it was made with Google AI. Gemini scans the audio and visual tracks separately and reports which segments contain Google AI elements. Google has also added C2PA Content Credentials checks in Gemini, which show whether a file is an unaltered original or has been modified, and by which tools.
What a Result Can and Cannot Tell You
A positive result is useful evidence. A negative result is not proof of anything. Keep these limits in mind:
- Made or edited” is one label. A photo lightly retouched with Google AI and an image generated from scratch can both return the same message.
- No watermark does not mean human-made. A file from a tool that doesn’t use SynthID will come back clean, even if AI produced it.
- Edits can weaken the signal. Google’s own FAQ advises collecting multiple data points before making a decision.
In practice, treat the detector as one check among several, alongside source tracing, reverse image search, and C2PA credentials.
Why It Matters for Marketers, Publishers, and Newsrooms
Social and content teams can now check an image or clip for a SynthID watermark before it goes into a post or campaign. Newsrooms and fact-checkers get a free first-pass tool for suspicious media. Brands get a quick way to review user-submitted or third-party assets.
The wider significance is adoption. When more AI companies embed SynthID, a single detector can cover more of the media people encounter online. That is why OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Kakao joining matters more than the launch of one more website.
What Happens Next
Apple is the only additional partner Google has named as coming soon, with no release date. The detector is currently available only in English, and Google’s announcement does not mention other languages. Watch Google’s blog and the SynthID site for updates on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SynthID Detector available to everyone?
Yes. Google opened it globally on October 7, 2026, in English.
What file types can it check?
Images, video, and audio. Google’s announcement describes these three formats for the new detector.
Can it detect any AI-generated content?
No. It only detects watermarks from Google and partner companies that use SynthID.
Does it work on images from ChatGPT?
It can detect media from OpenAI’s tools that carry SynthID, since OpenAI is a named partner. Google’s announcement does not break this down by product, so results may vary.
What should I do if no watermark is found?
Don’t treat it as proof the file is authentic. Use additional checks before deciding.
Reference Sources:
https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/models-and-research/google-deepmind/synth-id-ai-content/
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-opens-synthid-watermark-detector-to-public/592226/
https://blog.google/technology/ai/google-synthid-ai-content-detector/
Rishi Pundir is an entrepreneur and author who enjoys exploring the latest business and technology trends, news, and insights across the web. He graduated in computer science and has years of experience in digital marketing. He is also passionate about writing in-depth articles on business, emerging technologies, innovations, digital marketing, and strategies for online business growth. He is the main editor of Trending Business Tips.
