Pinterest announces industry-first body type technology to increase body representation on platform

Pinterest is introducing a new body type technology to its suite of inclusive AI innovations — a first-of-its-kind technology that uses shape, size, and form to identify various body types in over 5 billion images on the platform¹. Pinterest is leveraging this body type technology, and previously launched skin tone technology, to shape how its algorithms increase representation across related feeds and search results for women’s fashion and wedding-related content. These inclusive AI efforts help make Pinterest a more positive place online — a place where everyone can see themselves reflected. 

When you don’t feel represented, it’s hard to feel inspired. Since 2018, Pinterest has set industry-leading standards on product and policies that promote a positive, diverse and inclusive experience. From creating technologies that detect and give users the tools to refine results by skin tone ranges and hair pattern to integrating skin tone ranges into Try on for Beauty for lipsticks and eyeshadows, Pinterest has been intentional in its efforts to create a positive, inclusive  and – above all – inspiring place on the Internet. 

Inspired by user behavior and the culturally critical discussion around body representation, Pinterest’s Inclusive Product Team partnered with experts inside and outside of Pinterest to develop a body type technology that uses shape, sizes, and form to identify body types in images. With this enhanced understanding of visual content through computer vision technology, Pinterest has shaped its algorithms to increase representation of both body type and skin tone across search results and related Pins. For example, if a user searches for date night outfit inspiration, they will see results inclusive of various body types and skin tone ranges.

Sabrina Ellis, Pinterest’s Chief Product Officer

“At Pinterest, we believe that inspiration begins with inclusion. That’s why we continue to develop inclusive product experiences that make it easier to find the best ideas that feel made for you. With the powerful addition of our new body type technology to our suite of inclusive AI efforts, we have improved representation of different body types on the platform by 5x across women’s fashion related searches in the US².”

Inspiring partnerships that informed the product development

Pinterest works closely with external organizations, experts, and users when creating new technology, policies, and pledges to inspire the most meaningful societal impact. Over the last year, Pinterest partnered with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), model and size advocate Tess Holliday, and Pinterest Creators Natalie Craig, Kellie Brown, and Stefany Brito to consult on the plus size community’s needs. Their feedback and insights were invaluable in shaping the product development of Pinterest’s body type technology.

Tigress Osborn, Chair of NAAFA

“At NAAFA, we’ve worked for over 50 years to protect the rights of fat people and to improve quality of life for people with bigger bodies. Through this work, we know that social media spaces can be especially hard for larger people. Trolls are relentless -- especially to 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. Working with Pinterest to ensure that larger bodies are shown in search results signals to users of all sizes that everybody and every body deserves to be included and inspired. We hope our work with Pinterest will inspire other companies to join the movement as well.”

An ecosystem of content that celebrates inclusion and diversity

Supporting an ecosystem that creates and highlights content from historically marginalized communities is just as important as introducing innovative technologies. To celebrate diversity and foster more diverse content, Pinterest is launching a Creator Inclusion Fund dedicated to North American creators in the fashion and beauty communities who share content related to different body types. This is the thirteenth installment of Pinterest’s Creator Inclusion Fund, an initiative focused on the growth and success of historically marginalized creators. Selected creators will receive expert training, resources, and financial support. Eligible participants from the US and Canada can apply using this form starting September 7, 2023 at 6 AM PT through September 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT. Independent publishers, digital magazines, and content collectives are also welcomed to apply. 

Additionally, Pinterest will be spotlighting several size inclusive brands on Pinterest’s search landing page, across Today’s Inspiration articles and in Shopping Spotlights, which are curated sections that highlight expert recommendations from influential fashion tastemakers. Users will see inspiring, shoppable content from brands like Torrid, Dia & Co, and Anthropologie. 

With more Pinterest users embracing body inclusivity and looking for fashion inspiration to suit their bodies, brands and creators have an opportunity to meet users where they are in their journey to find new ideas, discover new products, and shop for the looks that fit them the best. users are getting inspired and are increasingly searching for body representation with searches like “Mom summer outfits curvy” up 47x, “concert looks plus size” up 6x, and  “plus size bridal dresses” up 5x, year over year^3.

“The presence of authentic representation on a platform, without having to add size or shape modifiers to get what you want, has never been more important to the emotional well-being of young people globally. I am immensely grateful to have been part of Pinterest’s journey to shine a light on plus-size individuals and show everyone else that genuine change is possible"

Tess Holliday, founder, activist, and model

Pinterest’s mission is to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love. Today’s announcement on the new body type technology, Pinterest’s efforts to bring more diverse images into recommendations, and the Creator Inclusion Fund is one more important step towards building a more positive place online and inclusive future for all. 

The new body type technology and previously launched skin tone technology are improving representation across search and related Pins when searching for women’s fashion and wedding-related content. These experiences are currently live in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and will roll out to additional international markets.

Methodology

¹ Pinterest internal data, global, Q2 2023
² Pinterest internal data, US, Q2 2023, comparing pre-launch to post launch
³ Pinterest internal search data; global; July 2022 vs July 2023