Visual search
What is visual search?
Visual search is the search process based on an image provided by the user. Based on this image, the search engine uses both artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning to return the search results.
In simpler terms, it is the process of finding content or a product using a photograph, instead of using keywords, which is the more conventional approach. Without going into too much technical detail, they work similarly to the facial recognition used by some social networks and photo management apps.
The result of a visual search is content that has characteristics very similar to those of the uploaded image (recognizing aspects such as: colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, etc.).
1. Types of image search
In reality, we carry out countless visual searches in our daily lives, from looking for the car keys to choosing the cutlery we’ll use, or picking the pen we’ll write with. These searches aren’t done digitally, but we are innately used to them.
Focusing on the digital environment, we can distinguish several types of searches related to image search:
- Keyword or traditional search. The user searches by entering a search term (in text format) and gets the images related to the word or keywords entered.
- Reverse search. The user simply uploads an image to the search engine, and that is enough for it to return related images. This option also makes use of the metadata of the images to display the results.
- Detailed search. In this case, the search engine is able to identify the different elements or objects, which are in the photograph provided by the user, to display similar content. It is the most complex of the three.
2. Advantages of visual search
Some of the main advantages offered by visual search are:
- Speeds up purchases. Visual search can speed up the buying process, not only by simplifying it, but also by providing visual information that removes purchase objections.
- Improves the user experience. Searching for a very specific product by entering keywords can be a tedious process, but uploading an image simplifies the task enormously and this helps to improve the degree of customer satisfaction.
- Creates cross-selling opportunities. In visual search it is very easy to show the user similar products, as well as products related to the one they are looking for. Creating a very clear sales opportunity.
- Increases conversions. By speeding up the buying process and improving the user experience, this inevitably leads to improved conversions.
3. Visual search tools
Offering visual search has become very attractive for businesses. Here are some of the platforms that use this technology in their products:
- Asos visual search.
- Bing visual search.
- eBay image search and find it on eBay.
- Google images and Lens.
- Pinterest Lens.
Related entries
Discover how Mailrelay can help you with your email marketing strategy.