Yelp's Latest Update: AI-Powered Suggestions, Enhanced Review Features, and More!

Yelp has rolled out a series of updates across its platform, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance user experience. Key new features include a consumer guarantee, expanded review options, and password-free logins.

Yelp is leveraging AI and natural language processing to refine its search capabilities. When searching for locations, such as a tennis court, users will receive tailored suggestions and informative reviews, including details like booking availability. Additional updates introduce relevant business listings nationwide and clickable tags such as "Breakfast and Brunch."

For those uncertain about their dining choices, Yelp's new "Surprise Me" button can recommend a highly-rated restaurant nearby. Users simply need to click the button multiple times until they find a captivating option.

Yelp Guaranteed is an innovative feature designed for users seeking services like plumbing or contracting. Customers utilizing the Request a Quote service can identify businesses "Backed by Yelp Guaranteed," clearly marked on their profile pages. In the event of any issues post-hire, Yelp offers reimbursement of up to $2,500.

Currently available in select major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle, this feature is accessible through iOS, with plans for a nationwide rollout to Android and web users in the summer.

Yelp encourages users to include feedback on food, service, and ambiance in their reviews, with these categories highlighted at the top of the page. Each topic will illuminate in green with a checkmark when mentioned. Users can now also upload videos of up to 12 seconds that accompany their reviews.

The final set of updates focuses on improving the overall look and functionality of the site. Yelp Connect, a subscription service for business owners to share updates, now includes a video feature. The home and navigation pages have been redesigned for easier access to restaurant menus and ratings.

With the introduction of automatic logins, accessing Yelp will be quicker and more convenient. Users will receive a secure email during their next sign-in, allowing them to bypass password input going forward. Although these updates may seem minor individually, they collectively enhance Yelp's comprehensiveness for users.