Pinterest Debuts AI Tool for Inclusive Body Type Representation

Pinterest introduced a new AI-powered tool designed to promote body type inclusivity and representation on its platform. The technology will employ artificial intelligence to recognize diverse body types, taking into account factors like shape, size, and form.

Pinterest’s chief product officer, Sabrina Ellis, told Mashable that the body type AI tool is one of many additions to its growing “suite of inclusive AI efforts.” 

The tool, which launched today, is currently available in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For active Pinterest users, the new body type AI tool is somewhat reminiscent of Pinterest’s existing skin tone search tool that launched in 2018, which enables users to filter beauty-related pins based on their specific skin tone through “machine vision.” 

Essentially, the tool responds to search inquiries that generate specific image results that are tailored to different body types. In developing the new AI body type tool, Pinterest collaborated with creators and experts, including the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), model and size advocate Tess Holliday, and Pinterest creators Natalie Craig, Kellie Brown, and Stefany Brito. The feedback and insights the company received were utilized to enhance body representation on the platform in a way that steers clear of toxicity and trolling.

Tigress Osborn, chair of NAAFA told Mashable that these social media spaces can be “especially hard for larger people,” referencing the growing surge of online trolls. 

“Trolls are relentless — especially toward fat women who dare to wear anything other than baggy black clothing — but Pinterest has always been safer and more welcoming than many other online spaces. We hope our work with Pinterest will inspire other companies to join the movement as well,” she emphasized. 

Ellis also highlighted Pinterest’s ethos, indicating the company’s belief that “inspiration begins with inclusion,” and working to develop more inclusive experiences within the mobile app. 

Launching ‘Creator Inclusion Fund’

As part of the September 7 launch of the AI tool, Pinterest is also launching its thirteenth inclusion fund – the Creator Inclusion Fund – in continuation of its vision to amplify and support the work of historically marginalized creators. 

Diving into the Pinterest app and “all body-related searches” on the app, over half (52%) are related to plus-size fashion, according to Pinterest’s research. Over the last year, Pinterest  noted that search inquiries such as “concert looks plus size” and “plus size bridal dresses” have “increased monumentally.”

According to Pinterest’s research, more than half (52 percent) of all body-related searches on the platform pertain to plus-size fashion. Over the past year, searches such as “concert looks plus size” and “plus-size bridal dresses” have seen substantial increases.

Sabrina Ellis, Pinterest’s chief product officer, stated that the body type tool is the latest addition to the platform’s growing “suite of inclusive AI efforts.”

“At Pinterest, we believe that inspiration begins with inclusion,” Ellis explained. “That’s why we continue to develop inclusive product experiences that make it easier to find the best ideas that feel made for you.”

The tool is currently available in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans to expand to additional international markets in the future.

Does Pinterest Have a New Competitor in AI?

Last month, a former Pinterest employee launched her own AI app to directly compete with and overtake Pinterest, having already raised $5 million.  

Founded by Anna Bofa, the new mobile app, Crate, is an interesting new contender in AI and mobile app development. An exclusive report from The Information described Crate as an “AI-fueled version of Pinterest.” 

The app, for example, analyzes content from users – ranging from TikTok videos to news articles – and generates personalized recommendations about what products they should buy. It also auto-generates summaries and cover photos for folders within the app, where users can save content, called “crates.”

Editor’s note: This article was written by an nft now staff member in collaboration with OpenAI’s GPT-3.

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