mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

A Brief Yet In-Depth Survey of Deep Learning-Based Image Watermarking

arXiv 2308.04603 ↗First posted 8 Aug 2023cs.MM cs.CR cs.LGcited by 3

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Abstract (arXiv)

This paper presents a comprehensive survey on deep learning-based image watermarking, a technique that entails the invisible embedding and extraction of watermarks within a cover image, aiming to offer a seamless blend of robustness and adaptability. We navigate the complex landscape of this interdisciplinary domain, linking historical foundations, current innovations, and prospective developments. Unlike existing literature, our study concentrates exclusively on image watermarking with deep learning, delivering an in-depth, yet brief analysis enriched by three fundamental contributions. First, we introduce a refined categorization, segmenting the field into Embedder-Extractor, Deep Networks as a Feature Transformation, and Hybrid Methods. This taxonomy, inspired by the varied roles of deep learning across studies, is designed to infuse clarity, offering readers technical insights and directional guidance. Second, our exploration dives into representative methodologies, encapsulating the diverse research directions and inherent challenges within each category to provide a consolidated perspective. Lastly, we venture beyond established boundaries to outline emerging frontiers, offering a detailed insight into prospective research avenues.

Key facts. Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 25 of its 69 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 8 Aug 2023.

Builds on

25 of 69 references.

References · 25

  1. 2021Swin Transformer: Hierarchical Vision Transformer using Shifted Windowscited by 12,139
  2. 2020A Simple Framework for Contrastive Learning of Visual Representationscited by 12,049
  3. 2021Emerging Properties in Self-Supervised Vision Transformerscited by 6,968
  4. 2021VICReg: Variance-Invariance-Covariance Regularization for Self-Supervised Learningcited by 1,057
  5. 2018HiDDeN: Hiding Data With Deep Networkscited by 397
  6. 2017Embedding Watermarks into Deep Neural Networkscited by 248
  7. 2021Solo-learn: A Library of Self-supervised Methods for Visual Representation Learningcited by 116
  8. 2021MBRS : Enhancing Robustness of DNN-based Watermarking by Mini-Batch of Real and Simulated JPEG Compressioncited by 110
  9. 2021Watermarking Images in Self-Supervised Latent Spacescited by 94
  10. 2020Distortion Agnostic Deep Watermarkingcited by 90
  11. 2021A survey of deep neural network watermarking techniquescited by 73
  12. 2018ReDMark: Framework for Residual Diffusion Watermarking on Deep Networkscited by 57
13 more
  1. 2021Data Hiding with Deep Learning: A Survey Unifying Digital Watermarking and Steganographycited by 24
  2. 2022De-END: Decoder-driven Watermarking Networkcited by 12
  3. 2017A Robust Blind Watermarking Using Convolutional Neural Networkcited by 11
  4. 2021A Brief Survey on Deep Learning Based Data Hidingcited by 9
  5. 2020Robust Spatial-spread Deep Neural Image Watermarkingcited by 6
  6. 2021A Compact Neural Network-based Algorithm for Robust Image Watermarkingcited by 6
  7. 2019A Robust Image Watermarking System Based on Deep Neural Networkscited by 5
  8. 2017Deep Learning-Based Dynamic Watermarking for Secure Signal Authentication in the Internet of Thingscited by 4
  9. 2022A Robust Document Image Watermarking Scheme using Deep Neural Networkcited by 4
  10. 2021A Deep Learning-based Audio-in-Image Watermarking Schemecited by 3
  11. 2021Hiding Images into Images with Real-world Robustnesscited by 3
  12. 2020DLWIoT: Deep Learning-based Watermarking for Authorized IoT Onboardingcited by 2
  13. 2018Convolutional Neural Network Architecture for Recovering Watermark Synchronizationcited by 1

Built on by

Cited by year

Citing papers per year: 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1.

3 papers.

  1. 2024SoK: On the Role and Future of AIGC Watermarking in the Era of Gen-AIcited by 14
  2. 2025Invisible Watermarks, Visible Gains: Steering Machine Unlearning with Bi-Level Watermarking Designcited by 1
  3. 2023Robust Image Watermarking based on Cross-Attention and Invariant Domain Learningcited by 0

Similar, not cited

Close in wording, no citation either way

  1. 2024Deep Learning-based Text-in-Image Watermarking
  2. 2026SpreadMark: Robust Image Watermarking via Spread-Spectrum Embedding
  3. 2025A Baseline Method for Removing Invisible Image Watermarks using Deep Image Prior
  4. 2025Deep Learning-based Dual Watermarking for Image Copyright Protection and Authentication
  5. 2025MT-Mark: Rethinking Image Watermarking via Mutual-Teacher Collaboration with Adaptive Feature Modulation
  6. 2025Pixel Seal: Adversarial-only training for invisible image and video watermarking
  7. 2026WARP: A Unified Benchmark for Invisible Image Watermarking -- Robustness and Protection Against Attacks
  8. 2025Learning Generalizable and Efficient Image Watermarking via Hierarchical Two-Stage Optimization