Yelp’s latest update brings AI-powered recommendations and expanded review options

Yelp, the popular business directory and review platform, has announced a range of updates to its site and apps, including the integration of AI technology to enhance search capabilities. Other new features include a consumer guarantee, expanded review options, clickable tags, and password-free logins.

Leveraging AI and natural language models, Yelp will now suggest relevant options and provide helpful information about searched places, such as the ability to book in advance. Additionally, Yelp has introduced a “Surprise Me” button, which suggests highly-rated restaurants in a user’s area. Yelp Guaranteed, a new protection service, will offer reimbursement of up to $2,500 in the event of a problem with the service hired via Yelp’s Request A Quote.

The review section of the platform has also been updated with green checkmarks appearing next to review categories and a video upload option available for reviews. Meanwhile, Yelp Connect, a paid option for business owners to share updates, now features a video option, and the platform’s home and navigation pages have been refreshed to offer easier access to restaurant menus and ratings.

The updates also include the introduction of automatic logins, where users will receive a secure email on their next sign-in, eliminating the need to remember a password. The new features are currently available in select major cities, including San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle, with national rollout expected to extend to Android and web users in the summer. Yelp’s new features are expected to enhance user experience and provide more comprehensive information about businesses.