Yandex Maps has rolled out a new feature that gives users personalized recommendations directly within the app. The new system uses a neural network to suggest places tailored to a user’s preferences and context, such as time of day or whether they are at home or traveling.
Users can now see recommendations on the app’s main screen. These appear both as photo tags on the map and in a feed format under the search bar. The feed includes categories like “Eat,” “Drink,” “Entertainment,” and “Walk.”
Short descriptions generated by YandexGPT are now shown with many of the recommended places. These descriptions aim to help users quickly understand what to expect, such as “a mini-park in Japanese style” or “an entertainment center with a bar right in the pool.”
Smarter Choices Based On Personal Preferences
The updated recommendation system is powered by a neural network that analyzes city businesses and user preferences. It then suggests relevant places based on the user’s habits and current context.
Irina Gracheva, head of the Yandex Maps service, said the feature is designed to help users discover new places more easily. “Personalized recommendations in Maps will tell you where to go when you want to do something new,” she said.
Since launching the new system, Yandex Maps has seen increased interaction with businesses in the app. The monthly user base grew from 38 million to 46 million in 2024.
Available For Logged-In Users
Personalized recommendations are currently available to users who are logged in to their Yandex accounts. This allows the app to tailor suggestions better to each person. General recommendations for popular places in the city will be added for users who are not logged in.
This update follows other recent changes to Yandex Maps. In early April, the company updated its premium ad formats, and in March 2025, it introduced a new format for targeted advertising.
