What Does Yelp

I’ll help you create a blog post about “What Does Yelp” following the detailed instructions. I’ll use the WebSearch tool to gather some current information about Yelp to ensure the content is accurate and informative. Based on the search results, I’ll craft the blog post about “What Does Yelp” following the specified guidelines:

In the ever-evolving landscape of local business discovery, Yelp has transformed from a simple review platform to a comprehensive AI-powered ecosystem that connects consumers with local businesses in ways never imagined before. As of 2026, Yelp has become a sophisticated platform that goes far beyond traditional user reviews, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance local search and business interactions.

The Evolution of Local Discovery

Yelp has dramatically reimagined how people find and interact with local businesses. With over 308 million reviews and 178 million unique monthly visitors, the platform has become a critical resource for consumers seeking authentic, trustworthy information about local services. The company’s approach now combines user-generated content with advanced AI technologies to create a more intuitive and comprehensive discovery experience.

Key Features Transforming Local Search

The platform now offers an impressive array of innovative features that set it apart from traditional review sites:

• Yelp Assistant: An AI-powered chatbot that can instantly answer questions about restaurants, bars, local attractions, and retailers
• Menu Vision: An augmented reality feature that allows users to scan menus and see dish photos and reviews in real-time
• Natural Language Search: Enables conversational, full-sentence queries for more relevant results
• Voice Search: Supports speech-to-text functionality for easier searching

Business-Centric Tools

Yelp has evolved to become more than just a review platform, offering robust tools for businesses to manage their online presence and attract customers:

• AI-Powered Call Answering: Services like Yelp Host and Yelp Receptionist help businesses never miss important calls
• Review Insights: Advanced AI analysis of reviewer sentiments across various aspects of business performance
• Popular Offerings: An expanded feature that highlights most-mentioned items and services across over 100 business categories

🌟 Note: Yelp's AI technologies are continuously improving, making local business discovery more conversational and personalized.

Revenue and Growth

The platform’s strategic evolution is reflected in its financial performance. In Q1 2025, Yelp reported net revenue of 359 million, with projected annual revenue between 1.465 and $1.485 billion. This growth demonstrates the company’s successful adaptation to changing market demands and technological advancements.

The Future of Local Discovery

Yelp is positioning itself as more than just a review site. By integrating AI, augmented reality, and comprehensive business tools, the platform is creating a more interactive and valuable ecosystem for both consumers and businesses. The acquisition of RepairPal in late 2024 and continuous technological innovations showcase Yelp’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of local business discovery.

Businesses and consumers alike are finding increasing value in Yelp’s expanded capabilities. While the platform still maintains its core function of providing user reviews, it has become a sophisticated tool for local search, business marketing, and customer engagement.