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Pexels shows photos of families with straight couples, same sex couples, and interracial couples when you search for the term ‘family’
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Pexels’
algorithm update gives LGBTQ+ couples equal presence, another step in
strengthening its overall quest to improve representation for
marginalized communities
Pexels,
the multimedia library dedicated to sharing diverse, free stock
photos and videos, announced that it has made a major update to its
algorithm to increase visibility of content that celebrates the
LGBTQ+ community. This announcement follows Pexels’ previous
partnership with Nappy
in March of 2018 to highlight photos representative of diverse
cultures and races. A company that values inclusivity at its core,
Pexels has been on a mission to improve its search results to provide
more well-rounded offerings since it launched in 2014 and was later
acquired by Canva
in 2018. Now, in light of Pride month, Pexels is permanently
adjusting its algorithm for all relationship-based search keywords to
deliver more diversity across genders and sexualities, giving
presence to all types of relationships.
Searching for the term ‘couple’ on Pexels returns images
representing all races,
genders
and identities
Pexels
sets itself apart from its competitors with its artful, high-quality
and curated library that offers over two million photos and videos
for free. Additionally, Pexels’ library is the first truly
inclusive collection focused on diversity across cultures,
ethnicities and genders. While other stock photo sites do have images
to reflect diversity, these do not naturally surface in the search
results.
To
find these photos, users must use search terms that clearly indicate
whether they want a photo of a straight or a same-sex couple. Pexels’
algorithm update is focused on inclusivity and prioritizing LGBTQ+
imagery, democratizing all images, not requiring a user to delineate
between same sex or other descriptors. Search terms like ‘couple’
or ‘holding hands,’ that typically only return images of
heterosexual couples, now yield photos representing all races,
genders and identities, increasing visibility and encouraging
mainstream use. In a space that is crowded with cisgender,
heteronormative, and white-washed content, Pexels continues be a
pioneer in supporting underrepresented communities. The company hopes
to empower its own community to tell better stories and inspire other
stock photo sites to do the same.
“As
one of the premier free photo and video libraries, we understand the
power a photo or video can have,” said Monica
Silvestre, Head of Community at Pexels. “Media
has the power to make or break ideologies, challenge the status quo
and humanize experiences. Images fuel stories and create movements,
and it’s our responsibility as a global platform to act as a force
for good; a force that helps power progress. This is why we’re
improving our learning algorithm. The next time someone searches for
“couple” or “love” they will find refreshing content that
reflects life as it really is around us—straight couples, same sex
couples, interracial couples, non-binary folks and more.”
In
addition to the algorithm update, Pexels has amped up its efforts to
partner with creators and companies that prioritize images and videos
that challenge relationship norms and offer LGBTQ+ perspectives. The
team will continue to adjust how its algorithm learns, making it
intentionally calculate equal representation in order to offer its
users choices they might not have previously considered. Pexels also
employs a team of curators to specifically view, tag and boost
submitted images to ensure the highest level of diversity and
equality across the platform. Pexels encourages all photographers and
creators to upload their LGBTQ+ photography to the platform.
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