🛒 New Visual Search Features
On October 3, 2024, Amazon announced five new visual search tools to enhance customer experience. One standout feature is "more like this," which allows shoppers to find similar products faster. Another feature lets users view product videos directly in the search results, so they no longer need to click through individual items to see details. These updates speed up and simplify the search process, giving users a more streamlined experience.
📷 Improved Amazon Lens Capabilities
Amazon also upgraded its image search tool, Amazon Lens, by allowing customers to add text to their searches. Users can now upload an image and refine their search by circling specific objects within the picture. This update provides more precise search results and improves product discovery, especially for hard-to-describe items. According to Amazon, these changes aim to help shoppers find the right products faster, without confusion.
📈 AI and Global Visual Search Growth
In July 2024, Amazon launched its AI-based shopping assistant, Rufus, to U.S. shoppers, providing personalized recommendations. Since then, Amazon reported a 70% year-over-year increase in global visual searches. Rufus also allows customers to check previous orders and request product updates, making it a key tool for improving the overall shopping experience. CEO Andy Jassy described this as “a significant improvement for product discovery.”
🏆 Competitors Join the Race
Amazon isn’t the only one innovating. Competitors like Google and Etsy have introduced similar tools. Google’s image search button and Etsy’s visual search tool offer customers more interactive shopping experiences. Other platforms, such as eBay, have added AI-powered features to enhance product image quality, helping sellers make their products more appealing. This trend highlights the growing importance of visual tools in online retail.
Will visual search redefine how we shop online?
