Public-source research video guides

Choose a short workflow, watch the captioned explainer, then follow the full sourced guide.

• Choose an OSINT tool for the question

  A four-step guide to choosing public-source research tools, checking sources and keeping uncertain results separate.

• Evaluate a username search tool

  A known-account exercise for comparing username checkers without confusing profile presence with identity or name availability.

• Build a social media research workflow

  Separate public-profile discovery, mentions and media verification while retaining the original source and access context.

• Start a small OSINT practice exercise

  Use your own known account to practice public-source discovery, verification and evidence logging with free tools.

• Compare three username research workflows

  Compare documented setup and reporting choices while using the same known handles and preserving ambiguous outcomes.

• Verify a public claim before publishing

  A claim-led newsroom workflow that separates discovery, original-source checks, media context and supported conclusions.

• Check an Instagram username

  Use an exact handle and the official Instagram destination while keeping unavailable profiles and account ownership unresolved.

• Keep an Instagram public-profile evidence record

  Record visible public observations with access context and distinguish source evidence from uncertain associations.

• Review a reverse username lookup

  Treat a known username as a discovery starting point rather than a guarantee of identity, phone numbers or email addresses.

• Review a handle across social platforms

  Check exact handles across public sources, review ambiguous responses and distinguish profile presence from registration availability.

• Turn a footprint check into a cleanup plan

  Review your own public accounts, prioritize exposure you control and recheck the original sources after cleanup.

• Respond to unwanted Instagram contact

  Focus on observed behaviour, safe evidence retention, official controls and exposure you can reduce without identifying a visitor.