How we verify studios

The two-layer process

Verification happens in two stages. First, an automated crawl scores public evidence of AI adoption. Then, an editorial review adds context that automation cannot capture. Both scores are independent and visible on every studio profile.

Stage 1 - Automated verification

We crawl each studio's website, portfolio, job listings, and public profiles to look for concrete evidence of AI tool usage. This is not a keyword search - we are looking for specific signals that indicate real integration rather than surface-level mentions.

What we check

• Tool stack evidence - specific AI tools named on their website, case studies, or team pages. We check for Cursor, Claude, Midjourney, v0, Lovable, Bolt, Figma AI, and 10 other tools in our index.
• Workflow integration - evidence that AI is embedded in how they deliver work, not just mentioned on a blog post. Job listings requiring AI tool experience, case studies describing AI-assisted processes, and documented workflows all count.
• Portfolio analysis - where possible, we use vision models to assess whether portfolio work shows signs of AI generation or AI-assisted design, cross-referenced against claimed capabilities.
• Recency and depth - a single blog post from 2023 mentioning ChatGPT scores lower than a detailed 2026 case study showing Cursor in a production pipeline. We weight recent, specific evidence over vague historical mentions.

The automated crawl produces a score out of 100. Studios scoring above our threshold earn the AI Verified badge. The score updates when we re-crawl, typically every 30 to 60 days.

Stage 2 - Editorial review

Automation catches tool mentions. It does not catch quality, taste, or whether a studio is actually good at what they do. The editorial review adds a human assessment of the studio's work, positioning, and client fit.

This review is separate from the AI verification score. A studio can be verified for AI adoption but not yet editorially reviewed. The quality score (when present) reflects an independent assessment of their portfolio, client work, and market positioning.

What verification does not mean

• It does not mean a studio is good. It means they genuinely use AI tools in production. Quality is a separate dimension.
• It does not mean they paid to be listed. Verification is independent of any commercial relationship. Featured and Pro listings affect placement, not verification status.
• It is not permanent. If a studio stops using AI tools or their evidence becomes outdated, verification is removed on the next crawl cycle.

Studios can claim and improve their listing

If your studio is listed and you want to update your profile, add case studies, or provide additional evidence of AI adoption, claim your listing. Claimed studios can edit their description, services, and tool stack directly.