Pinterest Launches AI-Powered Ad Tools for Small Businesses

Pinterest has unveiled two new artificial intelligence-powered advertising tools designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The additions aim to expand the platform's revenue base by attracting more SMB advertisers while simplifying campaign management through automation.

Performance+ New Customer Acquisition

The first tool, Performance+ New Customer Acquisition (NCA), enhances Pinterest's existing AI-powered ad suite by helping businesses focus on reaching new audiences. Key features include:

• Customizable bidding: Advertisers can assign higher values to new customers through value rules, prioritizing acquisition efforts.
• Improved targeting: Businesses upload or define their existing customer base to establish parameters, allowing Pinterest's system to automatically identify users with similar traits.

According to Pinterest's internal testing, Performance+ NCA drove a 64% average increase in new-customer conversions during trials.

One-Click Shopping for Shopify Merchants

The second update introduces streamlined one-click Performance+ shopping campaigns for Shopify merchants. Highlights include:

• Pre-built templates: Ready-to-launch campaigns with best practices enabled by default.
• Direct integration: Eligible merchants can initiate campaigns from Pinterest's Ads Manager or directly within Shopify.

Pinterest emphasized the efficiency of this approach, stating that campaigns are "ready to launch in a single click."

Strategic Context

These launches follow Pinterest's lower-than-expected Q1 2026 revenue, prompting a renewed focus on international markets and SMB growth. The platform aims to demonstrate tangible value for smaller advertisers while scaling its ad business.

For SMBs, the tools offer a balance of automation and control—leveraging AI for audience expansion while maintaining budget flexibility. As Pinterest refines its ad products, these updates could prove pivotal in attracting cost-conscious merchants seeking measurable returns.

like.tg will continue monitoring adoption rates and performance metrics as these features roll out globally.