Pinterest unveils AI-powered assistant to enhance shopping experience

Social media platform Pinterest has unveiled its first AI-powered visual-first assistant_ designed to transform online shopping and discovery.

The Pinterest Assistant is described as much more than a typical chatbot_ but rather an AI-powered tool designed to solve the “I_ll know it when I see it" problem that a lot of people get when shopping_ as it has been primarily built on an AI visual language model rather than the typical text model.

Utilising real-time_ complex conversational descriptors_ the Pinterest Assistant enables users to chat_ collaborate_ discover_ and shop by providing personalised and “proactive” recommendations and shoppable products on the social platform by leveraging the content and actions from its nearly 600 million monthly active users.

The move_ it states_ is an evolution to expand multimodal search_ enabling users to go beyond a simple text search and ask open-ended questions_ and allow context to flow between images_ voice and text seamlessly.

“With voice-enabled conversation_ searching on Pinterest becomes even more visual and closer to how people shop in real life_” adds the platform in a statement.

Pinterest said the new AI tool was designed to be “like a best friend suggesting the perfect new look_” and act as the users “personal collaborator_" to allow them to discover_ get inspired and shop in one place.

Bill Ready_ chief executive officer at Pinterest_ said: “People_ especially Gen Z_ say that the magic of Pinterest is that it _just gets me__ whether that_s finding the perfect outfit or knowing your distinct style.

“With Pinterest Assistant_ we_re supercharging that magic by leveraging AI to help our users discover and shop like they would with that person who knows them best.”

The AI assistant is meant to encourage a more conversational experience on the social platform_ adds Pinterest_ as the tool draws from the users' saves_ boards_ and collages_ as well as users with similar tastes_ to deliver tailored content to their specific design aesthetic.

The Pinterest Assistant is starting to roll out in beta to US users_ 18 years and over_ with a wider rollout planned in the coming weeks and months. To talk to the assistant_ users tap on the mic icon and say what they are looking for_ similar to sending a voice note to a friend. The assistant will then respond with personalised visual results.