Images have become an essential means of sharing information online. Gone are the days when users only used text to convey their opinions. The steady rise of user-generated images poses a challenge that traditional text-based moderation can’t handle. Such a task requires a more specialized approach, requiring professional image moderation services.
Like any form of content moderation, image moderation plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of online communities. Image moderation solutions coupled with profile moderation services offer businesses a means of protecting themselves against users utilizing images for malicious intent.
The Power of Images
Business owners should pay attention to the images shared by their users. Multiple studies found images are better at engaging the audience than text alone. According to a 2024 State of Marketing & Trends Report by an American software company, 22% of marketers prefer using images in their strategies. Meanwhile, only 15% used blog posts.
Using images can also help people retain information. Usually, people only remember 10% when they hear new information after three days.* When a photo accompanies the new information, the retained information after three days increases to 65%. In the classroom setting, a study found that using visual aids improves learning by up to 400%.
Images can become a powerful tool for influencing people. A simple photo of a cute cat can elicit happy feelings. Conversely, a graphic depicting victims of war can bring out negative emotions to viewers.
In addition to creating emotional responses, images can affect a viewer’s psychology, perception, and decision-making. Using subtle visual cues like colors or lighting can influence the viewer’s subconscious perception of the subject. An enticing product photo can stimulate consumer desire, leading to sudden purchases.
What is Image Moderation?
Although images are great for marketing strategies, they can also be detrimental if inappropriately used. The kind of images users share in their online community is beyond the control of business owners. Businesses should employ proper image moderation strategies to mitigate potential issues with inappropriate user-generated images.
Image moderation can be a standalone service or part of content moderation services. It involves filtering inappropriate images that go against the website’s or platform’s community guidelines. These images may include nudity, depiction of violence, portrayals of gruesome things, sexual content, or foul language.
The use of image content moderation is a necessity for businesses heavily relying on UGC. Also, companies with established reputations or family-oriented services can maintain credibility using effective image moderation services.
Like any form of moderation, image content moderation can either be through an in-house team or a third-party provider.
Benefits of Image Moderation Outsourcing
While businesses can benefit from the direct communication and timely execution of directives by having an internal team, image moderation outsourcing offers various advantages that trump such benefits.
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Cost-Efficiency
Outsourcing image moderation can help businesses avoid significant costs associated with building and maintaining an internal moderation team. This cost-efficient method is particularly helpful for small to medium enterprises with limited budgets.
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Access to Expertise
External moderation providers have teams of experts ready to deploy at any time. These teams have proven experience in image moderation. They undergo rigorous training to improve their moderation skills and meet evolving industry standards.
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Scalability
Many outsourcing partners offer customizable subscription plans to suit the needs of businesses. This level of customization allows easier scalability. Businesses only need to upgrade or downgrade their subscription plan based on their content volume and the need for moderation.
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24/7 Coverage
Image moderation outsourcing can help businesses keep track of user-generated images round-the-clock. Image moderation providers employ a global team operating in different time zones, ensuring businesses effective image moderation even beyond office hours.
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Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
Most outsourcing companies have proprietary image moderation software, allowing automatic image moderation through artificial intelligence (AI). Image moderation outsourcing allows businesses to use this cutting-edge technology without the overhead cost of developing and maintaining the needed technological infrastructure.
Using AI for Image Moderation
AI boasts an advanced algorithm capable of processing large volumes of images in real-time. This automated image moderation solution allows prompt action against potentially inappropriate content.
Also, AI algorithms apply the same moderation criteria to every content. This consistency in moderation removes the risk of subjective bias and interpretation errors that commonly occur in human moderation.
Although automated image moderation is more advantageous, it is not enough to replace human moderators. After all, users may incorporate some elements into the images that can bypass the AI. As such, having human moderators who can analyze subtle cues, contextual nuances, and cultural meaning in an image is still crucial for effective moderation.
Combining manual and automated image moderation maximizes the effectiveness of the process. Most moderation service providers use AI to process and filter large volumes of images. After the initial screening, human moderators validate the filtered images to ensure no false positives occurred.
Creating a Safe Online Community with Effective Image Moderation
Images can be a powerful tool for marketing and expression. However, inappropriate use of images presents a potential issue that can ruin a brand’s reputation. Effective implementation of image moderation services can avoid such a disaster.
Although AI is a reliable partner for moderation, it is still incapable of replacing human moderators. It can only detect inappropriate photos based on the criteria prompted into them. As such, human judgment is crucial in checking whether the filtered image goes against the community guidelines.
AI’s powerful data processing and human judgment form an effective defensive line against inappropriate content. Keeping the website or platform free from offensive or foul images ensures a positive online community and brand reputation.
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