# Brand-Connecting Visual Discovery Platforms Pinterest is Expanding to Cater to Businesses By Ell Smith | Published 2018-04-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visual-discovery-platforms References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2018/04/pinterest-shopping-brands-retailers-visual-discovery.html) & [business.pinterest](https://business.pinterest.com/en/blog/were-expanding-shopping-ads-to-more-businesses) [Pinterest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecommerce-discovery) is famed for inspiring both professional designers and DIY enthusiasts alike, but the brand's latest move hopes to connect users directly to retailers by serving as a "[visual discovery platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ready-to-traveling)." According to the brand, this move will not result in Pinterest pivoting to retail, instead the brand hopes to act as a bridge that better connects interested consumers to businesses they might enjoy. In a press release, the company stated that it this move has the potential "for everyday moments to turn into retail experiences." This announcement isn't the only update from the photo-heavy platform, as recently Pinterest rolled out Pinterest shopping ads, which offer companies the opportunity to "turn their product catalog into [visual, actionable ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-shopping-platform).” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Visual Discovery Platforms for Retail:** Expanding visual discovery platforms like Pinterest offer opportunities for businesses to better connect with interested consumers. - **Visual Product Ads:** Visual product ads on platforms like Pinterest offer companies the potential to turn their product catalogs into actionable ads. - **Bridge Between Consumers and Businesses:** Pinterest's move to connect consumers and businesses through visual discovery platforms has the potential to turn everyday moments into retail experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Retailers can take advantage of visual discovery platforms like Pinterest to better connect with consumers. - **Advertising:** Companies can use visual product ads on platforms like Pinterest to showcase their product catalogs in a visually appealing manner. - **E-commerce:** The expansion of visual discovery platforms like Pinterest offers opportunities for e-commerce businesses to connect with interested consumers and turn everyday moments into retail experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ecommerce Discovery Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecommerce-discovery.md) - [Inspiring Shoppable Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-tv.md) - [Multinational Streaming Service Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-the-holidays.md) - [Visual Discovery Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-autumnwinter.md) - [Inspiring Multi-Shop Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/possibility-place.md) - [Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-2.md) - [Search Data-Based Furniture Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primark-3.md) - [Body-Inclusive Image Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-type-range.md) - [Product Exploration Retailer Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instacart-discovery-tools.md)