Google Photos is getting a Pinterest-like redesign focused on discovery

Google Images, the tech giant’s image search engine, is taking on Pinterest with its latest redesign that turns the site into a dynamic, browsable gallery of images from around the web. Google is also adding a way for users to create AI photos directly in search, as it celebrates 25 years since Google Photos debuted.

Pinterest has long been known for allowing people to browse and save visual inspiration for everything from fashion to home decor. With this redesign, Google is essentially copying this playbook by turning Google Images into a place for discovery and inspiration, not just search, which could increase the time users spend on Google platforms, which helps increase ad revenue.

Additionally, Google is likely hoping that when users can’t find the image they’re looking for on Google Images or want to visualize something, they’ll stay within its ecosystem to create it rather than turning to third-party services like ChatGPT.

After navigating to the redesigned Google Photos, users will see a “For You” gallery of photos tailored to their interests and browsing history. Like Pinterest, the gallery is designed for continuous browsing, with Google saying it updates 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 style a reading nook, which they can return to later.

The redesign will be rolled out in the coming weeks to US desktop in English. The tech giant says users have to sign in to a Google account to try it out.

As for creating images directly in search, Google says the feature is intended for moments when you have a very specific idea for an image that doesn’t already exist online. Google is bringing image creation directly to AI Overviews on Search and will use its latest Nano Banana model to convert a text prompt into a personalized visual.

The feature can also help users reimagine spaces and visualize ideas, such as seeing what a room painted red might look like or what a coastal-themed bedroom could look like.

Google says that photo creation in AI Overviews will begin in the coming weeks in English for all regions that currently support photo creation in AI mode.