Pinterest enhances visual search capabilities with advanced AI features

Pinterest is enhancing its visual search feature with new capabilities. The company is rolling out new functionality to improve the feature that allows users to search using an image instead of text. This includes tools to narrow and refine searches more precisely, making visual search more accessible across Pinterest’s website. The goal is to help users find things they may have difficulty describing with words, such as a vibe, style, or aesthetic.

Enhancements are being made to help users better understand why they like a certain Pin in the women’s fashion category in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. When users tap on a Pin, they will see an animated glow and words generated by Pinterest to explain why they like the Pin. This feature is powered by visual language models (VLMs), a form of generative AI.

Users will also be able to refine their fashion searches by finding alternatives to the item shown in a different color, style, or fabric. For example, users can search for a similar style with a “Y2K” aesthetic or find a blazer suitable for a formal occasion.

Pinterest is expanding its visual search feature within its app, allowing users to long-press on any Pin on their Home Feed to initiate a visual search. The update follows an announcement that Pinterest will start labeling AI-generated images and give users the option to limit the number of AI images they see, addressing concerns raised by users. Pinterest aims to position itself as a visual shopping tool that utilizes AI effectively, rather than being negatively impacted by it.