Pinterest Launches AI-Powered Assistant for Visual Search
Key Points
- Pinterest Assistant is an AI‑powered visual search tool.
- It uses a user’s saved pins and boards to personalize results.
- The assistant handles open‑ended requests like “pillows that match my living room decor.”
- Interaction begins with a mic icon for voice prompts.
- The AI compares a user’s tastes with similar users to surface tailored visuals.
- Pinterest has labeled AI‑generated content since May and added a “dial‑down” feature in October.
- Beta rollout is limited to U.S. users 18 and older.
- Wider availability is planned for the coming weeks and months.
Pinterest has introduced an AI-driven assistant that helps users find clothing, furniture, and other visual inspiration through voice prompts. The assistant draws on a user’s saved pins and boards, compares tastes with similar users, and delivers tailored visual results. Rolling out in beta to U.S. adults 18 and older, the feature aims to make shopping feel more natural while also addressing concerns about AI‑generated content on the platform.
Introducing Pinterest Assistant
Pinterest is adding a new way to discover clothing, furniture, and other visual inspiration through its app. Called Pinterest Assistant, the feature is an AI‑powered search and recommendation tool that leverages knowledge of a user’s Pinterest activity to tailor its responses.
How It Works
Rather than requiring a specific item, the assistant is designed for open‑ended requests such as “pillows that match my living room decor.” To answer, the AI looks at the items a user has saved and the boards they have created, compares that data with the pins of other users who share similar tastes, and surfaces visual results that are personalized.
Voice‑First Interaction
Pinterest emphasizes the multimodal nature of the assistant. Users start a search by tapping a mic icon in the app, which captures an audio prompt. The AI then filters and analyzes visual content to find the best match, aiming to make the process feel closer to how people shop in real life.
Addressing AI‑Generated Content
Pinterest has faced complaints that the growing amount of AI‑generated material on the platform makes it harder to find genuine items. In May, the company began labeling AI content in the app, and earlier in October it added a way for users to “dial down” the amount of AI‑generated content they see. While the new assistant is not presented as a direct solution to that issue, it may help users who are tired of sifting through AI content.
Beta Rollout and Future Availability
Pinterest Assistant is rolling out in beta today to users in the United States who are 18 and over. Wider availability is expected in the coming weeks and months.