Pinterest announced that it is adding a new messaging feature to the web and its iOS and Android apps. The feature would allow users chat and discuss different pins. The send-a-pin feature as first introduced 3 months ago but could not allow users send replies to pins. It was more of a sharing feature than a messaging one. In this new version, Pinterest now allows users send pins to friends and reply with pins of their own.
From messages, users can see the source of a pin by clicking it and save it directly to one of their own boards. There’s also a group messaging functionality which allows friends plan projects or trips together. Tom Watson, a Pinterest product designer explained: “Say you’re organizing a camping trip with friends — try sending Pins to the whole gang so you can figure out where to go and what meals to make, if you need a reminder of who’s bringing what, just pull up the conversation right from your notifications.”
When users receive messages on the web, a notification appears beside a circle showing the profile picture of the sender. Users can message individual profiles, entire boards, or standalone pins. With the iOS and Android apps, new messages appear in a separate window with chat avatars.
Pinterest’s messaging feature is a great addition to the guided search which helps users find the most relevant search results. With the messaging feature users can search directly from conversations and easily find what they are looking for.