Google Images Adopts Pinterest-Style Layout with AI Image Generation

Google has introduced an updated interface for Google Images, giving the image search gallery a visual style reminiscent of Pinterest. The company also unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered feature that lets users generate images, which can then serve as the basis for a search.

According to Google, the new format presents “a dynamic, immersive gallery of images from across the web — updated in real time and intelligently tailored to your unique interests.”

The redesigned gallery closely mirrors Pinterest’s visual style. In addition, Google has added a collections option, also similar to Pinterest, which allows users to save images into dedicated folders accessible directly from the image search screen.

As Google explained: “As you browse and save ideas to your collections, they’ll appear as tabs above the main gallery, making it easy to jump back in and continue exploring based on what inspires you.”

In essence, Google Images is drawing inspiration from Pinterest on two fronts—enhancing discovery options and refining the image search experience. This move is not entirely surprising, as Google has long borrowed concepts from Pinterest.

For instance, in 2019, Google launched Shopping Ads, a format that Pinterest had already offered. Later, Google updated its Image Search to emulate a Pinterest-style layout. In 2020, Google released a separate app called Keen, which also replicated many of Pinterest’s core functions.

Meanwhile, Pinterest recruited a former Google executive as its CEO in 2022. It appears that Pinterest’s success in building its own visual discovery engine has prompted Google to respond by integrating similar features, potentially to mitigate any threat Pinterest might pose to Google’s search engine market share.

However, this strategy may not be yielding the desired effect. Pinterest now reports 631 million monthly active users, and its role as a key tool for product discovery continues to grow. This sustained growth remains a point of concern for Google, which may be attempting to reduce Pinterest’s relevance by replicating its user interface.

Beyond the visual overhaul, Google also announced an AI-powered image generation feature within Search. This tool allows users to create an image that can then be used as a starting point for further discovery. Google stated that this new capability will enable searchers to “bring their unique ideas to life.”

“Using our latest Nano Banana model, this update transforms a simple text prompt into a high-quality, custom visual made completely from scratch, seamlessly bridging the gap between imagination and reality,” Google said.

This feature could serve as a valuable complement to Google’s discovery tools, as it introduces an element of creativity and helps users avoid the need to craft detailed text descriptions for visual concepts.

Google indicated that the updated Google Images display format will be rolled out to U.S.-based users over the coming weeks, beginning on desktop. Meanwhile, image generation within AI Overviews will be introduced over the coming weeks in English across all regions that currently support image creation in AI Mode.