The company trained the algorithm on over 5 billion images featuring a variety of different people. The aim is to allow users to find images and products that fit their needs without using specific modifiers in their search queries. While the new algorithm is expected to improve the user experience, it is also seen as a way to attract advertisers and grow the user base. The company plans to expand the algorithm to more verticals and additional countries.
Key takeaways:
- Pinterest has developed an algorithm that promotes more diverse body types and skin colors in search queries, shifting attention away from thin, white, and conventionally attractive bodies.
- The new algorithm has been silently tested across various parts of Pinterest and is currently only active on pins related to fashion, makeup, and weddings. It is available to users in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The algorithm was trained on over 5 billion images featuring a variety of different people. It aims to allow users to find images and products that fit their needs without using modifiers in their search query, such as "plus size".
- Pinterest's new AI algorithm is part of the company's efforts to address racial biases in social media content recommendations, although it is not a complete solution to the problem.