Google is introducing a new function to its mobile application that may rival Pinterest as the go-to platform for visual inspiration: a dedicated images section. On Wednesday, the company revealed it will add a new “Images” button at the bottom of its Search app for both iOS and Android, allowing users to view pictures tailored to their personal interests.
According to Google, these images will refresh every day, providing users with a convenient way to organize creative ideas or seek visual inspiration for activities such as trip planning, party hosting, home decorating, or exploring the latest fashion trends.
Naturally, these types of uses are also among the main reasons people visit Pinterest and similar social platforms like Instagram.
Within Google’s new tab, users can explore images, search for other visuals, and save their favorites to personal collections.
By launching this feature, Google appears to be aiming to boost engagement with its app, especially as AI-driven companies increasingly compete in the search and advertising space.
Perhaps even more significantly, this update provides Google with another area within its widely used Search app to display advertisements. The company has already been seen experimenting with an ad carousel in the mobile image tab, so it would not be unexpected for ads to become a regular part of this new section.
This is not Google’s first attempt at offering a dedicated tool for saving images and bookmarks from search results. In 2018, the company rolled out its Collections feature, later enhancing it with AI to recommend additional items for users to save. However, that tool was not limited to images; it also encouraged saving websites, products, and map locations.
Google has announced that the new images tab will be available in the Search app for iOS and Android users in the U.S. over the coming weeks. There is no word yet on when the feature will expand to other countries.
