Resources
OSINT resources
Guides and tools we have found useful, collected as we come across them. If something helpful is missing, don't complain: submit it.
Start here
The NobleNerds.org start.me page: our free, bookmarkable dashboard of OSINT tools.
General OSINT
Starting points for any open-source investigation.
OSINT Framework
A clickable tree of free OSINT tools, grouped by what you are trying to find.
OSINT Techniques
Tools, guides and investigation techniques collected by an OSINT practitioner.
OSINT Curious
Community blog, webcasts and how-to articles from OSINT practitioners.
Facebook removed Graph Search in 2019. These write-ups explain what replaced it at the time and are useful background on how platform searches change.
The new Facebook Graph Search, part 1
OSINT Curious, August 2019.
Historical: describes an older version of the platform
The new Facebook Graph Search, part 2
OSINT Curious, August 2019.
Historical: describes an older version of the platform
fb-search
An open-source search helper built around the 2019 changes.
Historical: describes an older version of the platform
Finding and reviewing public Instagram content.
Searching Instagram
OSINT Curious, July 2019. Some methods may no longer work as described.
Historical: describes an older version of the platform
X (Twitter)
Searching public posts and accounts on X, formerly Twitter.
Twitter OSINT Ninja
Learn All The Things, 2016. Written before the platform became X, so many tools it names have changed.
Historical: describes an older version of the platform
Snapchat
The old site linked to the public web version of Snap Map. As of October 2026 that address redirects to the Snapchat download page, so the link has been removed. Snap Map is still available inside the Snapchat app.
Research accounts (sock puppets)
Guidance on creating and managing fictional research accounts. Follow your agency’s policy and the law where you work.
Fictional accounts
OSINT Techniques guide to building research accounts.
Volunteer OSINT for good
Other organisations that put OSINT volunteers to work on real cases.
Trace Labs
Crowd-sourced OSINT capture-the-flag events that generate leads on missing-person cases.
National Child Protection Task Force
Volunteer experts who support law enforcement on cases involving missing and exploited children.
Use these responsibly. Only collect publicly available information, follow the law and your organisation's policies where you work, and respect people's privacy.