A year ago, Pinterest’s then brand-new collage-making app, Shuffles, was going viral on TikTok as Gen Z users sought out invites in order to create their own inspirational image boards. Now, that collage-making capability is heading over to Pinterest’s main app with the launch of a new feature that lets users leverage the platform’s advanced visual technology to cut out images and build interactive collages of favorite products and other visual content they find inspiring.
The Idea Behind Collages
The idea behind this new feature is clearly lifted from Shuffles, which uses similar image cutout tech. On the app, users could build their own collages using photos from Pinterest’s own library or by snapping photos with their phone’s camera. When they found an image they like, they could cut out objects from the foreground of the photo — a feature that was also introduced with iOS 16 and now is being used to make image stickers for iMessage in iOS 17.
Collages: A New Way to Explore Products
Not only did these collages serve as inspirational mood boards, the objects in the completed work were also shoppable. Users could tap on the items and be redirected to Pinterest where they can find out if the item can be purchased on a retailer’s website. This is essentially the same product that Pinterest is now introducing in its flagship app as ‘Collages,’ dubbing it a way for Pinterest users to "move beyond Pins" and see how different products come together.
A Shift in Focus: From Inspiration to Shopping
While Shuffles wasn’t as heavily focused on shopping — TikTok users were creating "aesthetic collages" as works of art, in many cases — Pinterest’s ‘Collages’ are meant to drive users to purchase. Brands can also get involved by updating their catalogs so users can add their products to their collages.
What This Means for Shuffles
The feature is in early testing, Pinterest says, and will roll out to global users soon. It’s not clear what this means for the fate of Shuffles itself, which has since fallen from its viral hit status to now No. 121 in the Lifestyle category on the App Store. However, Pinterest says that for the time being, it will continue to use Shuffles as a testing ground and bring its best features to the platform.
Other Product and Adtech Announcements
The addition of Collages was only one of several new product and adtech announcements Pinterest made at this week’s global advertiser event, Pinterest Presents. Here, the tech company also shared updates to its products and services, including:
- Visual Search: Pinterest has expanded its visual search capabilities, allowing users to search for products using images from other websites.
- Shopping Ads: The company is introducing new shopping ad formats that allow brands to showcase their products in a more visually appealing way.
- AR Shopping: Pinterest is also launching AR shopping experiences, which allow users to try on virtual makeup and see how products would look on them.
A Growing Focus on Commerce
Pinterest has been steadily increasing its focus on commerce over the past year. In addition to introducing new product features like Collages, the company has also made significant investments in its e-commerce platform, including a new shopping cart feature that allows users to purchase products directly from the app.
The Future of Pinterest’s Commerce Strategy
As Pinterest continues to grow and evolve as a commerce-focused platform, it will be interesting to see how the company chooses to balance its focus on inspiration and discovery with its growing emphasis on shopping and e-commerce. With the introduction of Collages and other new features, it seems clear that Pinterest is committed to making its platform a go-to destination for users looking to discover and purchase products.
The Impact of Shuffles on Pinterest’s Commerce Strategy
Shuffles has been a key player in Pinterest’s commerce strategy from the beginning. By providing users with a way to create inspirational collages, the app has helped to drive engagement and increase sales for brands. With the introduction of Collages to the main app, it will be interesting to see how this feature continues to impact Pinterest’s commerce strategy.
The Role of Visual Search in Commerce
Visual search has been a key component of Pinterest’s commerce strategy from the beginning. By allowing users to search for products using images from other websites, the platform provides brands with a powerful tool for reaching customers and driving sales.
The Future of E-commerce on Pinterest
As Pinterest continues to grow and evolve as a commerce-focused platform, it will be interesting to see how the company chooses to balance its focus on inspiration and discovery with its growing emphasis on shopping and e-commerce. With the introduction of Collages and other new features, it seems clear that Pinterest is committed to making its platform a go-to destination for users looking to discover and purchase products.
The Impact of Gen Z on E-commerce
Gen Z has been a key driver of growth for Pinterest’s commerce strategy from the beginning. By providing users with a way to discover and purchase products, the platform has helped to tap into this growing demographic and drive sales for brands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pinterest’s new feature, Collages, marks an exciting step forward in the company’s ongoing efforts to make its platform a go-to destination for users looking to discover and purchase products. By leveraging its advanced visual technology and introducing new features like AR shopping and shopping ads, Pinterest is committed to making its platform a leader in commerce. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Pinterest chooses to balance its focus on inspiration and discovery with its growing emphasis on shopping and e-commerce.
Related Topics