Pexels, a cost-free stock photo and video platform that was made for creators, recently made updates to its search algorithm in order to give more visibility to the LGBTQ+ community. Although the announcement comes in time for Pride Month, Pexels has stated that the updates to its search function will remain in place permanently.
The updates will provide increased visibility for all relationship-based keywords that are entered into the search bar—"to deliver more diversity across genders and sexualities, giving presence to all types of relationships." Pexels acknowledges that while other platforms have a diverse range of images available, they do not appear naturally in common search results. Rather, these platforms will first feature images of cisgender heterosexual couples, and require users to include additional keywords like "same-sex" if they wish to find them.
By updating its algorithm, Pexels aims to give more focus to communities who are often underrepresented, and empower its community of users to tell more inclusive stories.
Diversity-Focused Search Updates
Pexels Updated Its Search Algorithm to Increase LGBTQ+ Visibility
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