Add NOC to your publication
A guide for journalists, editors, and publishers who want to link NOC certificates in their work.
Write a strong description
During certification you are asked to describe the file. This description appears on the certificate that anyone can read — write it as if you were writing a detailed caption.
Include: what is shown, who is in it (if identifiable and appropriate), where and when it was captured, and any context that supports authenticity. Vague descriptions weaken the certificate. Specificity is evidence.
Good example:
“Aerial photograph of Niagara Falls at dusk, taken from a drone on 12 June 2025 at
approximately 20:15 local time. The American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are both visible.
Light mist at the base.”
That is the level of detail that makes a certificate useful.
Find your certificate link
After certifying, go to My Content. Click any item to open its certificate. Copy the URL from the browser address bar — it is permanent and can be linked from anywhere.
Where to put the link
Image caption — Append a short attribution sentence ending with the certificate URL.
Alt text — Include the certificate URL so screen-reader users and search engines see it.
CMS description or credit field — Most CMSes have a separate “description” or “credit” field, distinct from the caption and alt text. Put the URL there too.
End-of-article credit line — A single line at the bottom of the piece covering all images in the article.
How to describe NOC in your publication
Use plain language. Sample phrasings — pick one that fits your style guide:
- “Certified by NOC — view provenance: [link]”
- “Provenance certificate: [link]”
- “Origin verified by NOC. Certificate: [link]”
- “Image authenticity record: [link] (NOC)”
Keep it factual. Avoid claims like “verified authentic” or “proven genuine” — the certificate is a provenance record, not a guarantee of editorial accuracy.