Simple Pin Podcast: Simple Ways to Boost Your Business Using Pinterest
Episode Summary: "Latest AI to Pinterest"
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Kate Ahl

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl delves into the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it intersects with Pinterest. Recognizing the growing discourse around AI's impact on the platform—from the influx of AI-generated content, often termed "AI slop," to Pinterest's strategies for mitigating these challenges—Kate aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current AI updates and their implications for users and businesses alike.

Understanding Pinterest's AI Updates

Kate begins by addressing both newcomers and seasoned Pinterest users. For those unfamiliar with the AI-Pinterest dialogue, she recommends a free four-part video series titled "Pinterest 101," available at simplepinmedia.com/start, to build a foundational understanding before diving into the complexities of AI integration.

Key AI Enhancements Introduced by Pinterest:

1. Gen AI Labels

   • Description: When users view an image closely, an "AI modified" label appears at the bottom left corner.
   • Functionality: Pinterest analyzes image metadata and utilizes classifiers to detect generative AI content, even without overt indicators.
   • Quote:

     "[...] when Pinterest believes that this was generated or modified with AI, they will put a label on this." ([12:45])

2. Gen AI Labels Appeals Process

   • Purpose: Allows users to contest AI labels if they believe their content was mislabeled.
   • Access: Detailed information and the appeals system are available through the podcast's description and blog post at simplepinmedia.com/430.

3. See Fewer AI Pins Option

   • Functionality: An upcoming feature that lets users limit the visibility of AI-generated content in categories susceptible to AI modifications, such as beauty and art.
   • Anticipation: Set to launch soon, this experimental feature aims to enhance user experience by reducing exposure to impractical or fantastical AI-generated images.
   • Quote:

     "I think that'll be so great for users who want authentic content." ([28:30])

4. Pinterest Canvas Data Training Opt-Out

   • Details: Users can opt out of allowing Pinterest to use their uploaded content for AI training purposes.
   • Automatic Opt-Out: Individuals under 18 are automatically excluded from data training collections.
   • Privacy Implications: Aligns with broader industry practices, similar to policies on platforms like Meta and Facebook.
   • Quote:

     "You just go into your settings and opt out. Let's jump to labeling AI." ([22:10])

Community Feedback and Reactions

Kate emphasizes the importance of listener and reader feedback, highlighting common concerns and positive responses from the Pinterest community.

• Concerns:

  • AI Slop Overrun: Users are frustrated with the influx of low-quality, AI-generated pins that clutter the platform.

    "Pinterest is being overrun by AI. It is awful." ([05:20])

  • Authenticity and Trust: Artists and creators worry about their copyrighted work being used for AI training without consent.

    "They are concerned about their copyrighted work being used to train AI without consent." ([18:50])

• Positive Responses:

  • AI Content Labeling: Appreciated by users who seek clarity between human-created and AI-generated content.

    "I really appreciate it because [...] I want to know that somebody got out the shovel, they sweated their face off." ([25:15])

  • See Fewer AI Pins Option: Anticipated as a valuable tool for maintaining authentic and achievable content standards.

    "Having this option to filter out those AI images [...] will be so helpful." ([28:00])

Pinterest's Strategic Positioning of AI

Drawing insights from Pinterest's Q1 2025 earnings call, Kate outlines how the company perceives and leverages AI as a strategic asset.

• Core Competitive Advantage:

  "Pinterest positions AI as a core competitive advantage that has delivered their best product market fit in years." ([34:20])

• Personalized User Experience:
  AI enhances user engagement by personalizing content and providing advertisers with trend insights.

• Investment in Multi-Modal AI Models:
  Pinterest claims their proprietary models are "30% more effective at identifying relative content than the leading alternatives."

  "They are heavily investing in a multi modal [...] 30% more effective." ([35:45])

• Ad Performance Enhancements:
  Introduction of Performance Plus, an AI-driven tool that significantly improves ad performance and user targeting.

  "AI is driving significant improvements in ad performance." ([37:10])

• Internal Productivity Gains:
  Over 25% of Pinterest's new code is now AI-generated, marking a 10% increase since early 2025.

  "Internally, AI has dramatically increased productivity with over 25% of their new code now AI generated." ([38:55])

• Establishing as a Shopping Destination:
  AI has been pivotal in attracting Gen Z users, leading to record engagement levels.

  "Pinterest emphasizes that AI helped them establish them as a shopping destination." ([40:05])

Host’s Reflections and Advice

Kate offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities AI presents for Pinterest users and businesses.

• Empathy for Creators:
  She recognizes the anxiety among creators regarding AI's role in content replication and authenticity.

  "Creators are similar to artists. We are creating something from ourselves, from scratch." ([31:00])

• Encouragement to Adapt:
  Kate encourages users to stay curious, educate their audiences about distinguishing AI from human-generated content, and utilize new Pinterest features to maintain authenticity.

  "Get curious, ask questions, what, lean in." ([42:30])

• Future Updates:
  Promises another AI-focused update in the fall, emphasizing the rapid pace of change in the AI-Pinterest ecosystem.

  "I'm sure I will have another update on AI in the fall because things move quite fast." ([43:20])

• Resources for Ongoing Learning:
  Recommends subscribing to the "Pinterest Made Simple" newsletter for weekly updates and insights.

  "Simply scroll down below in the description, find the one that says newsletter and sign up for that." ([44:10])

Conclusion

Kate concludes the episode by reiterating Pinterest's commitment to enhancing the Pinner experience through strategic AI integrations while empathizing with the community's concerns. She underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with user authenticity and encourages continuous learning and adaptation among Pinterest users and businesses.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pinterest is actively integrating AI to enhance user experience and ad performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
2. New features like Gen AI Labels and See Fewer AI Pins aim to distinguish between human and AI-generated content, fostering a more authentic environment.
3. User feedback is crucial, with Pinterest implementing mechanisms like appeals processes and opt-out settings to address community concerns.
4. Continuous adaptation and education are essential for creators and businesses to navigate the evolving AI landscape on Pinterest effectively.

For more detailed insights and updates, subscribe to the Pinterest Made Simple newsletter and stay connected with Kate Ahl on the Simple Pin Podcast.