Pinterest AI content controls are being launched in a major move by the image-sharing platform to combat the growing flood of low-value, AI-generated imagery overwhelming user feeds. On Wednesday, Pinterest confirmed its plan to clearly label AI-generated and AI-modified content, while also giving users more control over how much generative content appears in their feed.
These updates come after months of mounting frustration from users, who have noticed a steep rise in so-called “AI slop” — visually rich but soulless content generated by artificial intelligence, drowning out the human-created visuals that once defined Pinterest’s charm.
New Labels to Identify AI-Modified Pins
As part of its efforts to address this concern, Pinterest will now tag AI-influenced Pins with a clear “AI modified” label. The label will appear in the bottom-left corner of image closeups, helping users easily distinguish AI-made visuals from authentic photography or artwork.
The company revealed it will use both embedded image metadata and its own internal AI classifiers to detect altered content — even in cases where AI use is not explicitly marked by the creator. However, creators will be able to dispute mislabeling through a formal appeal process.
Giving Users Control Over AI Exposure
In a further enhancement to user experience, Pinterest plans to roll out a new feature allowing people to see less generative AI content in select categories like beauty and art, two areas particularly saturated with AI visuals. This “see fewer” option will eventually expand to additional topics as the system evolves.
The setting will be accessible via the three-dot menu at the bottom right of each Pin. Once clicked, this sends a signal to Pinterest’s algorithms to reduce the appearance of similar AI content in the user’s recommendations.
Although Pinterest has not specified a launch date, it emphasized that the new controls are “coming soon.”
User Backlash and Platform Integrity at Risk
Long-time Pinterest users have expressed concern that unchecked AI content is diluting the authenticity of the platform. Threads across Reddit are filled with complaints about the rise of indistinct, low-quality images dominating boards that once inspired DIY projects, home décor ideas, fashion ensembles, and recipe planning.
This erosion of user trust has even led some to suggest that Pinterest is “dead” — no longer the creative sanctuary it once was. Media coverage has echoed these sentiments, warning of a possible decline if Pinterest fails to regain control of its visual ecosystem.
Pinterest Aims for Balanced AI Use, Not Elimination
Despite the backlash, Pinterest maintains that generative AI isn’t inherently bad — it just needs to be implemented responsibly. CTO Matt Madrigal emphasized in a blog statement that the platform’s goal is to integrate AI in a way that preserves and enhances user inspiration.
“As people encounter AI-generated content on Pinterest, we are empowering our users to make more informed choices about the content they see,” said Madrigal. “Gen AI content on Pinterest should enhance users’ ability to discover and act on their inspiration, and we are intentionally approaching this new landscape in a thoughtful way that benefits everyone on Pinterest.”
Pinterest’s proactive launch of AI content controls may be the first meaningful step toward restoring user trust — and rebalancing the platform between innovation and authenticity.
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