Pinterest launches Visual Search Ads across its ad markets

Pinterest announced Visual Search Ads on September 17, giving advertisers a new tool to reach users who are evaluating purchases. The format allows brands to bid for prominent placements in search results and Pin closeups, sending users directly to merchant websites. A beta rollout is scheduled in the coming weeks for eligible advertisers across all markets where the company sells advertising.

The company reports that users make more than 80 billion searches each month, with over half carrying commercial intent. Visual Search Ads are designed to shorten the route from product discovery to purchase. The format works alongside the Performance+ suite, which applies artificial intelligence to campaign management, and pairs with separately announced self-service A/B testing tools.

The ad launch follows broader business growth in the second quarter of 2026. Quarterly revenue rose 18% to $1.18 billion, while global monthly active users increased 11% to 640 million. Global average revenue per user climbed 7% to $1.86.

Pinterest did not disclose conversion rates, advertiser returns, or direct revenue figures for the format. The rollout faces the risk that brands might reallocate existing platform budgets rather than increasing total spending, while commercial searches reflect shopper research rather than guaranteed sales.