Yelp has announced its expansion of an AI-driven feature that compiles user-generated content about restaurants, bars, and nightlife to create brief videos. Following initial testing last year, these AI-generated clips are now rolling out nationwide on the iOS app, accessible through a TikTok-inspired vertically scrolling feed.
Currently, business owners do not have the option to preview or receive notifications regarding the videos created about their establishments. Additionally, Yelp users cannot decline to have their contributions included in these AI-generated compilations. To assemble the videos, Yelp utilizes various generative AI technologies: OpenAI’s language models generate textual descriptions and narrations, while ElevenLabs provides the narrator’s voice. Simultaneously, Amazon Transcribe ensures on-screen captions are synchronized with the audio.
An example of these videos can be viewed in the demonstration video shared by Yelp. The clips feature a blend of user-uploaded images and video footage paired with an AI-generated voiceover discussing the restaurant’s culinary offerings, beverages, and overall atmosphere.
According to Craig Saldanha, Chief Product Officer at Yelp, the company aims to produce as many videos as possible, though each will only be created when there is sufficient user-generated content, such as reviews and photos, to create an engaging narrative. Each video is shown based on personalized criteria but doesn’t cater to individual user preferences. Moreover, only one AI-created video per business will be active at any given time. Users or businesses can report any inaccuracies or inappropriate content by tapping the three dots in the upper corner of the video. Yelp will also conduct regular audits of the content.
These AI-generated videos are the latest addition to Yelp’s array of AI-centered features, which include tools for summarizing reviews and applying filters on those reviews.
Update, July 30th: It has been noted that business operators are unable to preview the videos and don’t receive notifications regarding their generation.
