IMG Performer vs. SEO'n'AI
SEO'n'AI does pure AI labelling well. IMG Performer does the same plus image optimization, AI alt text and a retroactive bulk scan.
In short: SEO’n’AI does pure AI labelling well – it detects and writes IPTC/C2PA. IMG Performer does the same plus image optimization (WebP/AVIF), AI alt text and a retroactive bulk scan. If you only need the label, SEO’n’AI is fine; if you have more than one problem, IMG Performer saves you two more plugins.
SEO’n’AI – AI Image check&mark is an exception among WordPress AI-labelling plugins: it automatically detects IPTC and C2PA provenance data on upload and writes it back into the file – exactly the technical disclosure Article 50 requires. If that’s the only problem you need solved, it’s a lean, free tool. The question is whether it stops there.
What SEO’n’AI does well
One click in the media library gives an AI image both a visible badge on the site and a machine-readable IPTC/C2PA note in the file. The detail view even shows the raw XMP data for anyone who wants to verify what’s in the image. The plugin is free, runs locally, and with 100+ installs and a 5.0 rating it’s actively maintained. For the pure labelling task, it’s solid work.
Where it stops
SEO’n’AI labels images one at a time – whatever you select manually in the media library or whatever automatic detection finds. There’s no bulk run that retroactively scans your entire existing media library. It doesn’t do image optimization (WebP/AVIF), and it doesn’t generate AI alt text for BFSG/accessibility compliance either. If you want to tackle all three – labelling, performance, accessibility – you’ll need at least two more plugins alongside SEO’n’AI. The visible badge can be adjusted in text, position and size and restyled via CSS, but not replaced with your own image – if you want a company label instead of the default pill, SEO’n’AI can’t do that.
How IMG Performer solves this
IMG Performer detects AI images the same way – C2PA manifests and metadata signatures on upload, with manual classification as a safety net where automatic detection finds nothing – and sets a visible badge automatically. The Pro version adds a retroactive bulk scan for your entire existing media library, WebP conversion (free) and AVIF (Pro), plus AI alt text through your own API key, with no credit cap. One installation, three obligations covered. The Pro version also lets you set your own image as the label badge.
Side by side
| SEO’n’AI | IMG Performer | |
|---|---|---|
| AI detection | C2PA / IPTC on the image | C2PA / IPTC on the image, plus manual classification |
| Visible label | yes | yes, automatic |
| Custom label image | no (text, position, size, CSS only) | yes (Pro) |
| Machine-readable label | yes (IPTC/C2PA) | yes (IPTC/C2PA) |
| Retroactive scan of existing library | no | yes (Pro) |
| Image optimization (WebP/AVIF) | no | yes (WebP free, AVIF Pro) |
| AI alt text (BFSG) | no | yes (Pro, own API key) |
| Account required | no | no |
Related: Label AI images correctly (EU AI Act Article 50) · Adding a visible AI label under images in WordPress · GDPR-compliant image optimization with AI alt text
Disclaimer
As of September 2026. Details about third-party products may change; their product pages are authoritative. This article is context, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is SEO'n'AI a bad choice?
No – for the pure labelling task it does exactly the right thing, for free. The question is whether you want to set up two more plugins afterwards for optimization and alt text.
Can I run both plugins together?
Technically yes, but it's not a good idea – both hook into the same places (badge, metadata), leading to duplicate labelling. Pick one.
What if I only need the labelling, nothing else?
Then SEO'n'AI is a legitimate, lean option. IMG Performer pays off once image optimization or BFSG alt text are also on your list – which is the case for most WordPress sites sooner or later.