The semantic algorithm is an AI-powered recommendation algorithm available through Algorithm Studio that helps you create themed product recommendation experiences using natural language prompts.
Instead of manually curating recommendation collections or relying primarily on historical shopper behavior, you can describe the type of experience you want in your own words. This ensures you can still deliver relevant, personalized experiences even when behavioral or contextual data is unavailable, such as for new or anonymous visitors.
For example, you can create recommendation experiences around ideas such as:
- Back-to-school essentials for students
- Minimalist work-from-home setup
- Weekend travel packing list
- Home fitness starter kit
This is especially useful for:
- New or low-traffic products with limited behavioral data
- Seasonal or campaign-based collections
- Lifestyle-oriented merchandising
- Brand storytelling and thematic experiences
Notes:
- You must have Algorithm Studio to use this algorithm.
- You can create up to 30 semantic algorithms.
How it works
When you create a semantic algorithm, Dynamic Yield generates semantic recommendation queries based on your selected theme or prompt. The system continuously refreshes recommendation candidates and uses them to serve relevant recommendations in your recommendation strategies.
Recommendations are generated using:
- Theme prompts
- Product metadata
- Semantic relationships between products
- Availability and business rules
Create a semantic algorithm
- In Experience OS, go to Algorithm Studio › Create Algorithm.
- Select the Semantic algorithm type.
- Enter a theme description or select a suggested theme.
- Review the generated product preview. Refresh the results or adjust the theme as needed.
- Add a name and optional labels
- Save the algorithm.
The algorithm becomes available for recommendation strategies when processing completes.
Use your semantic algorithm in a strategy
- In Experience OS, go to Assets › Strategies, and create a new strategy.
- From the algorithm selector, in the Algorithm Studio section, select your semantic algorithm.
- When you're done configuring the strategy, click Save.
Best practices
- Use descriptive, specific themes instead of broad concepts
- Include style, mood, season, or use-case language when relevant
- Ensure your catalog includes rich product titles, descriptions, and attributes
- Review generated previews before saving algorithms