I'VE MADE THIS vs Not By AI
Real certification vs self-declaration badges — what's the actual difference?
The Core Difference
Not By AI is the best-known "not AI" badge service, with over 236,000 pages using their badges and coverage in BBC, Washington Post, and The Atlantic. It is an impressive distribution network. But it is fundamentally a sticker, not a certificate.
Here's how it works: creators visit notbyai.fyi, agree that their work is 90%+ human-made, and receive a badge to display. No evidence is submitted. No expert reviews the work. The badge is a declaration of intent, not a verified fact.
I'VE MADE THIS works differently. Creators submit their artwork alongside process evidence — PSD files, timelapses, RAW photos, behind-the-scenes footage. Expert reviewers examine this evidence. Only after the review is a certificate issued. The certificate has a unique ID that anyone can verify at ivemadethis.com/verify.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | I'VE MADE THIS | Not By AI |
|---|---|---|
| Verification method | Expert review of process evidence | Self-declaration (honor system) |
| Evidence required | Yes — PSD files, timelapses, RAW photos, etc. | No — creator's assertion only |
| Independent verification | Yes — unique certificate ID | No |
| Can be faked by AI users | No — process evidence required | Yes — anyone can purchase a badge |
| Certificate type | Verifiable certificate with unique ID | Badge/logo for display |
| Public gallery | Yes — certified works publicly viewable | No |
| Creator profile | Yes — with reputation score | No |
| Cost | Free | $5–12/month or $99 one-time |
When to Use Each
Use I'VE MADE THIS when:
- • You need independently verifiable proof for clients, galleries, or publishers
- • You want to build a verified creative portfolio
- • You are competing for work where AI-free origin is a requirement
- • You want a permanent certificate that anyone can check
Not By AI badge may be useful when:
- • You want a quick visual signal on a personal website or social media
- • The platform specifically recognizes Not By AI badges
- • You want supplementary signaling alongside a verified certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between I'VE MADE THIS and Not By AI?
I'VE MADE THIS uses expert human reviewers to verify process evidence before issuing a certificate. Not By AI uses a self-declaration honor system — creators simply assert their work is 90%+ human-made, no verification required. I'VE MADE THIS certificates are independently verifiable; Not By AI badges are not.
Is Not By AI a real certification?
Not By AI is a self-declaration badge service, not a certification. Creators purchase a badge and assert their own work is human-made — there is no independent review of process evidence. Anyone, including AI users, can purchase and display a Not By AI badge.
Can I use both I'VE MADE THIS and Not By AI?
Yes. You can use a Not By AI badge alongside an I'VE MADE THIS certificate. However, only the I'VE MADE THIS certificate provides third-party verified, independently checkable proof.
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