Abstract Two case studies are presented, which highlight the potential application of seismic velocity imaging to induced seismicity investigations. Velocity images may be produced using data currently recorded with seismic monitoring arrays. Comparisons of velocity images and induced seismicity have shown that both natural and induced earthquakes cluster in regions of high seismic velocity, while low-velocity regions predominantly lack seismicity. An interpretation of seismic velocity imaging and induced seismicity can be used to interpret the state of stress throughout a rockmass and identify potential problem regions. Examples are given of using this combined seismic interpretation to validate numerical stress models.