Google Images, the tech giant’s image search engine, is taking on Pinterest with its latest redesign that turns the site into a dynamic, browseable collection of images from around the web. Google is also adding a way for users to create AI images directly in Search as it celebrates 25 years since the debut of Google Images.
Pinterest has long been known for allowing people to browse and store visual inspiration for everything from fashion to home decor. With this redesign, Google is essentially copying that playbook by turning Google Images into a place of discovery and inspiration, not just search, which could increase the amount of time users spend on Google platforms, helping drive ad revenue.
Additionally, Google is likely hoping that when users can’t find the image they’re looking for in Google Images, or when they want to visualize something, they’ll stick with its ecosystem to create it instead of turning to third-party services like ChatGPT.
After navigating through the redesigned Google Images, users will see a gallery of “For You” images tailored to their interests and browsing history. Like Pinterest, the gallery is designed for continuous browsing, which Google says is updated in real time with new images.
As users browse, they can save ideas to their “collections,” which will appear as tabs above the main photo gallery. For example, users can create collections for things like vacation outfit ideas, travel inspiration, and ways to design a reading nook that they can come back to later.
The redesign will be released in the coming weeks on desktop in the US in English. Users must be signed in to a Google Account to try it, the tech giant says.
As for creating images directly in Search, Google says the feature is intended for times when you have a very specific idea for an image that doesn’t already exist online. Google is bringing image generation directly to AI Overviews in Search, and will use its latest Nano Banana model to turn a text message into a custom visualization.
The feature can also help users iterate spaces and visualize ideas, such as seeing what a room painted red might look like or what a coastal-themed dorm might look like.
Image generation in AI Overviews will begin rolling out in the coming weeks in English for all regions that currently support AI image generation, Google says.
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