Pinterest's AI body type search aims to curate more inclusive search results
Pinterest inspo pics will start to look more like their diverse user base, with the help of the platform's latest size-inclusive AI feature.
The new preference setting allows users to make the choice of what kinds of body types they would like to see featured in their feeds when searching for fashion or similar content inspiration.
"Body type ranges are part of a broader effort to develop AI-powered technology that is additive rather than addictive," Pinterest writes. Using what the platform calls its "patent-pending innovation," the new body type technology pinpoints the shape, size, and form of bodies across billions of Pinterest photos to categorize common body types among models and subjects. It build on the site's previous additions like skin tone ranges and hair pattern search.
"Pinterest is a visual discovery platform and we want users to be able to see themselves reflected in their search results. That’s why we are leveraging AI to bring greater inclusion to our product design," said Pinterest's chief product officer Sabrina Ellis in a press release. "Body type ranges increase representation on the platform and give Pinterest users more intentional choice and control over what they see on Pinterest."
The feature was first announced in tandem with the platform's body type technology last year, a collaboration with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), body acceptance advocates like model Tess Holliday, and Pinterest creators Natalie Craig, Kellie Brown, and Stefany Brito.
The wider feature launch comes paired with size-inclusive brand features on the site's search landing page, as well, in line with Pinterest's shift toward shoppable on-site commerce. The highlights will include brands like Eloquii, Mara Hoffman, Osei Duro, and Gia / Irl.
Body type ranges are currently only available for women's fashion and wedding-related content searches in the United States. Pinterest will add body type ranges for men's fashion later this year.
How to turn on and save body type ranges
Open the Pinterest app.
Select the search icon.
Type a phrase into the search bar.
Click "body types" at the top of the search results.
Select your desired model from a range of five different body types.
If you would like to save your preference, search again with the same body type selected. Pinterest will automatically prompt you to save the body type preference for similar searches.