Item 1. Business. Company Overview Since Yelp’s founding 20 years ago, our mission has remained the same — to connect consumers with great local businesses. Over that time, we have built one of the best known Internet brands in the United States.
Item 1. Business. Company Overview Since Yelp’s founding over 20 years ago, our mission has remained the same — to connect consumers with great local businesses. Over that time, we have built one of the best known Internet brands in the United States.
Business Page Products Free Business Account Businesses have the ability to create a free business account and claim a Yelp page for each of their business locations. Once a business has claimed its page, it can more easily update its listing information and has the option to purchase certain page upgrade features.
Business Page Products Free Business Account Businesses have the ability to create a free business account and claim a Yelp business page for each of their business locations. Once a business has claimed its page, it can more easily update its listing information and has the option to purchase certain page upgrade features.
We have a team of Community Managers and Community Ambassadors based across the United States and Canada whose primary goals are to support and grow communities of users in the local markets that they serve, raise brand awareness and engage with their surrounding communities through: • planning and executing fun and engaging events for the community, such as parties, outings and activities at restaurants, museums, hotels and other local places of interest; • getting to know community members and helping them get to know one another to foster an offline community experience that can be transferred online; • promoting Yelp, including guest appearances on local television and radio, and at local events such as concerts and street fairs; and • recurring weekly e-mail newsletters to share information with the community about local businesses, events and activities.
We have a team of Community Managers, Community Ambassadors and Online Community Ambassadors based across the United States and Canada whose primary goals are to support and grow communities of users in the local markets that they serve, raise brand awareness and engage with their surrounding communities through: • planning and executing fun and engaging events for the community, such as parties, outings and activities at restaurants, museums, hotels and other local places of interest; • getting to know community members and helping them get to know one another to foster an offline community experience that can be transferred online; • promoting Yelp, including guest appearances on local television and radio, and at local events such as concerts and street fairs; and • recurring e-mail newsletters to share information with the community about local businesses, events and activities.
We also apply machine learning algorithms to predict user needs and preferences based on factors such as the user’s recent activity, location, time of day and season, then tailor the user’s experience on Yelp accordingly. In our Services categories, for example, if a user recently searched for movers, we might suggest searches for businesses offering self-storage or junk removal.
We apply machine learning algorithms to predict user needs and preferences based on factors such as the user’s recent activity, location, time of day and season, then tailor the user’s experience on Yelp accordingly. In our Services categories, for example, if a user recently searched for movers, we might suggest searches for businesses offering self-storage or junk removal.
Our Self-serve platform allows businesses to purchase and manage their advertising products directly from our website or the Yelp for Business app. Businesses can purchase Yelp Ads and business page upgrades directly through our Self-serve platform. The convenience of our Self-serve platform has helped us reduce our reliance on sales and customer support headcount.
Our Self-serve platform allows businesses to purchase and manage their advertising products directly from our website or the Yelp for Business app. Businesses can purchase Yelp Ads and business page upgrades directly through our Self-serve platform. The convenience of our Self-serve platform has helped us reduce our reliance on sales and customer support headcount. Sales Partnerships .
For example, if our models predict that relevant consumer traffic will meaningfully decrease for a period of time during an ad campaign, our bidding algorithms will dynamically allocate advertiser budget around that period to avoid spending a disproportionate amount of the budget while supply is constrained.
For example, if our models predict that relevant consumer traffic will meaningfully decrease for a period of time during an ad campaign, our bidding algorithms will dynamically allocate advertiser budget around that period to avoid spending a disproportionate amount of the budget while supply is constrained. • Infrastructure .
With regard to expenses, we generally decrease our marketing expenditures in the fourth quarter before increasing them again in the first quarter of the following year. Our personnel expenses tend to increase from the fourth quarter to the first quarter due to the timing of payroll taxes and benefits, as well as our annual compensation cycle.
With regard to expenses, we generally decrease our marketing expenditures in the fourth quarter before increasing them again in the first quarter of the following year. Our personnel expenses also tend to increase from the fourth quarter to the first quarter due to the timing of payroll taxes and benefits, as well as our annual compensation cycle.
Transactions We offer features and consumer-interactive tools to facilitate transactions between consumers and the local businesses they find on Yelp. These features are primarily available through partner integrations, the largest of which — by both transaction volume and revenue — is our partnership with Grubhub, which allows consumers to place food orders for pickup and delivery through Yelp.
Transactions We offer features and consumer-interactive tools to facilitate transactions between consumers and the local businesses they find on Yelp. These features are primarily available through partner integrations, the largest of which — by both transaction volume and revenue — is our partnership with DoorDash, which allows consumers to place food orders for pickup and delivery through Yelp.
Advertising Products CPC Advertising (“Yelp Ads”) We allow businesses to promote themselves in sponsored search results on our platform, on the Yelp pages of businesses in the same or related categories, and other key places on our platform. Yelp Ads can also be delivered through syndication on the Yelp Ads Network, a large collection of third-party sites.
Advertising Products CPC Advertising (“Yelp Ads”) We allow businesses to promote themselves in sponsored search results on our platform, on the Yelp pages of businesses in the same or related categories, and in other key locations on our platform. Yelp Ads can also be delivered through syndication on the Yelp Ads Network, a large collection of third-party sites.
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 9% of the reviews submitted to our platform had been removed. Coordination with Law Enforcement . We regularly cooperate with law enforcement and consumer protection agencies to investigate and identify businesses and individuals who may be engaged in false advertising or other deceptive practices relating to reviews.
As of December 31, 2025, approximately 9% of the reviews submitted to our platform had been removed. Coordination with Law Enforcement . We regularly cooperate with law enforcement and consumer protection agencies to investigate and identify businesses and individuals who may be engaged in false advertising or other deceptive practices relating to reviews.
In addition to participating in virtual volunteer events in partnership with various nonprofit organizations, Yelp employees made a difference in 2024 through the Yelp Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit organization established by our Board in 2011 that directly supports consumers and local businesses in the communities in which we operate.
In addition to participating in virtual volunteer events in partnership with various nonprofit organizations, Yelp employees made a difference in 2025 through the Yelp Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit organization established by our Board in 2011 that directly supports consumers and local businesses in the communities in which we operate.
For example, to address the risk that AI tools are abused to create untrustworthy reviews, we have invested significantly in methods to better detect and mitigate AI-created reviews on our platform, which our policies prohibit, including several new detection technologies powered by AI. • Mobile Solutions .
For example, to address the risk that AI tools are abused to create untrustworthy reviews, we have invested significantly in methods to better detect and mitigate AI-created reviews on our platform, which our policies prohibit, including detection technologies powered by AI. • Mobile Solutions .
These behind-the-scenes looks at top-rated businesses often include interacting with business owners, hearing their unique stories and engaging with other locals in their community; however, as users of our service, Yelp Elites do not receive compensation for their contributions.
These behind-the-scenes looks at top-rated businesses often include interacting with business owners, hearing their unique stories and engaging with other locals in the community. As voluntary users of our service, Yelp Elites do not receive compensation for their contributions.
Consumers trust us for the more than 280 million ratings and reviews available on our platform of businesses across a broad range of categories. This consumer trust is the foundation of our business, from which we are able to empower other businesses to succeed.
Consumers trust us for the more than 300 million ratings and reviews available on our platform of businesses across a broad range of categories. This consumer trust is the foundation of our business, from which we are able to empower other businesses to succeed.
Yelp Fusion Insights (formerly Yelp Knowledge) Through partnerships with companies such as Sprinklr and Chatmeter, our Yelp Fusion Insights program offers business owners local analytics and insights through access to our historical data and other proprietary content. Our Yelp Fusion Insights partners pay us license fees for access to Yelp Fusion Insights content.
Yelp Insights API (formerly Yelp Fusion Insights) Through partnerships with companies such as Sprinklr and Chatmeter, our Yelp Insights API program offers business owners local analytics and insights through access to our historical data and other proprietary content. Our Yelp Insights API partners pay us license fees for access to Yelp Insights API content.
We offer free trial access to certain basic information through our publicly available APIs as well as paid access to broader sets of content and data for consumer-facing enterprise use. We typically enter into multi-year license agreements with paying Yelp Fusion customers, with rates determined based on the type and volume of usage.
We offer free trial access to certain basic information through our publicly available APIs as well as paid access to broader sets of content and data for consumer-facing enterprise use. We typically enter into multi-year license agreements with paying Yelp Places API customers, with rates determined based on the type and volume of usage.
We regularly remove reviews, photos and other content from our platform that we believe violate our terms of service, including, without limitation: reviews that do not reflect a first-hand consumer experience; 8 Table of Contents content that has been bought, sold or traded; AI-created reviews; and reviews that are posted by someone we believe to be affiliated with the reviewed business.
We regularly remove reviews, photos and other content from our platform that we believe violate our terms of service, including, without limitation: reviews that do not reflect a first-hand consumer experience; content that has been bought, sold or traded; AI-created reviews; and reviews that are posted by someone we believe to be affiliated with the reviewed business.
Our competitors consist of companies that help businesses — particularly businesses in our strategically important Services categories and, to a lesser extent, restaurants category — connect and engage with consumers, including: • online search engines and directories, including those incorporating AI technologies, such as Google and OpenAI, as well as traditional, offline business guides and directories; • online and offline providers of consumer ratings, reviews and referrals, such as TripAdvisor, as well as social media platforms and features where consumers are increasingly searching for and posting information about local businesses, such as TikTok and Reddit; • providers of online marketing and tools for managing and optimizing advertising campaigns, such as Google, Instagram and, increasingly, food ordering and delivery services that also offer online advertising, such as DoorDash; • providers of various forms of traditional offline advertising, including radio, direct marketing campaigns, yellow pages and newspapers; • restaurant reservation and seating tools, such as OpenTable and Resy, as well as food ordering and delivery services; and 10 Table of Contents • home and/or local services-related platforms and offerings, such as Angi and Thumbtack.
Our competitors consist of companies that help businesses — particularly businesses in our strategically important Services categories and, to a lesser extent, restaurants category — connect and engage with consumers, including: • online search engines and directories, including those incorporating AI technologies, such as our primary competitor, Google, as well as traditional, offline business guides and directories; • online and offline providers of consumer ratings, reviews and referrals, such as TripAdvisor, as well as social media platforms and features where consumers are increasingly searching for and posting information about local businesses, such as TikTok, Instagram and Reddit; • providers of online marketing and tools for managing and optimizing advertising campaigns, such as Google, Instagram and, increasingly, food ordering and delivery services that also offer online advertising, such as DoorDash; • providers of various forms of traditional offline advertising, including radio, direct marketing campaigns, yellow pages and newspapers; • restaurant reservation and seating tools, such as OpenTable and Resy, as well as food ordering and delivery services; and • home and/or local services-related platforms and offerings, such as Angi and Thumbtack.
For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2024, see the section titled “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” included under Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.
For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2025, see the section titled “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” included under Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 76% of the reviews submitted to our platform were recommended by our automated software and approximately 15% were not recommended but still accessible on secondary pages.
As of December 31, 2025, approximately 76% of the reviews submitted to our platform were recommended by our automated software and approximately 15% were not recommended but still accessible on secondary pages.
The application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, and they could be interpreted and applied in ways that harm our business. They may also conflict with other rules, be interpreted and 11 Table of Contents applied inconsistently (including from country to country) and in ways that are at odds with our current policies and practices.
The application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, and they could be interpreted and applied in ways that harm our business. They may also conflict with other rules, be interpreted and applied inconsistently (including from country to country) and in ways that are at odds with our current policies and practices.
The rich, first-hand information about local businesses that our users share — in the form of reviews, ratings, photos and more — is the reason consumers come to Yelp when making their spending decisions and is therefore the foundation of our value proposition to businesses.
The rich, first-hand information about local businesses that our users 8 Table of Contents share — in the form of reviews, ratings, photos and more — is the reason consumers come to Yelp when making their spending decisions and is therefore the foundation of our value proposition to businesses.
We use large language models (“LLMs”) to better understand user intent in search queries and enhance our search capabilities, including by determining the most relevant information from reviews to display in the business highlights that appear in search results. LLMs also play an important role in analyzing user-generated content to protect consumers and business owners from malicious or harmful content.
We use LLMs to better understand user intent in search queries and enhance our search capabilities, including by determining the most relevant information from reviews to display in the business highlights that appear in search results. LLMs also play an important role in analyzing user-generated content to protect consumers and business owners from malicious or harmful content.
Regulatory frameworks related to the processing of personal information are also evolving and generally becoming increasingly stringent. In the United States, several states have introduced comprehensive data privacy, data protection and data security legislation, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Regulatory frameworks related to the processing of personal information are also evolving and generally becoming increasingly stringent. In the United States, many states have introduced comprehensive data privacy, data protection and data security legislation, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”).
We also focus on attracting early-in-career talent through university outreach and on-campus recruiting efforts, as well as through partnerships with organizations that connect our recruiting team to qualified networks of recent and upcoming college graduates.
We also focus on attracting early-in-career talent through university outreach and on-campus recruiting efforts, as well as through 13 Table of Contents partnerships with organizations that connect our recruiting team to qualified networks of recent and upcoming college graduates.
Through these activities, we believe our Community Management team helps us increase awareness of our platform and grow avid communities who are willing to contribute content to our platform. We plan to continue these community development efforts in 2025. Yelp Elite Squad Our Community Managers’ responsibilities include engaging with our most passionate users — Yelp Elite Squad members (“Yelp Elites”).
Through these activities, we believe our Community Management team helps us increase awareness of our platform and grow avid communities who are willing to contribute content to our platform. We plan to continue these community development efforts in 2026. Yelp Elite Squad Our Community team’s responsibilities include engaging with our most passionate users — Yelp Elite Squad members (“Yelp Elites”).
The competitive advantages we have established over two decades, together with our product-led business model and disciplined expense management, provide us with the opportunity for long-term profitable growth in this market. We have: • A proven engine to generate and recommend trusted content .
The competitive advantages we have established over two decades, together with our product-led business model and disciplined expense management, provide us with the opportunity for long-term profitable growth in this market. We have: • A proven engine to foster and recommend trusted, human-generated content .
There has also been discussion in Congress of a new comprehensive federal data protection and privacy law to which we likely would be subject if it is enacted.
There has also been discussion in Congress of a new comprehensive federal data protection and privacy law to which we likely 11 Table of Contents would be subject if it is enacted.
The software regularly evaluates each review and, as a result, its analysis can change over time as new data becomes available; reviews that were previously recommended may become not recommended, and reviews that were previously not recommended may be restored to recommended status. • AI, Machine Learning and Large Language Models .
The software regularly evaluates each review and, as a result, its analysis can change over time as new data becomes available; reviews that were previously recommended may become not recommended, and reviews that were previously not recommended may be restored to recommended status. • AI, Machine Learning and LLMs .
In 2011, our Board approved the contribution and issuance to the Foundation of 520,000 shares of our common stock to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in supporting community and small business growth. The Foundation held 132,000 shares as of December 31, 2024, which represented less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.
In 2011, our Board approved the contribution and issuance to the Foundation of 520,000 shares of our common stock to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in supporting community and small business growth. The Foundation held 104,500 shares as of December 31, 2025, which represented less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.
Our recommendation software refers to the proprietary automated trust and safety software systems that we have developed to analyze the relevance, reliability and utility of each review submitted to our platform.
Our recommendation software refers to the proprietary automated trust and safety software 5 Table of Contents systems that we have developed to analyze the relevance, reliability and utility of each review submitted to our platform.
The breadth and depth of our high-quality content is the result of our significant investments over two decades in both developing communities of users as well as providing a great consumer experience that enables and encourages consumers to share their everyday business experiences through reviews, photos, videos and other content.
The breadth and depth of our content is the result of our significant investments in both developing communities of users as well as providing a great consumer experience that enables and encourages consumers to share their everyday business experiences through reviews, photos, videos and other content.
These companies may use these advantages to offer products similar to ours at a lower price, develop different products or partner with our competitors to compete with our current solutions, and respond more quickly and effectively than we do to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or client requirements.
These companies may use these advantages to offer products similar to ours at a lower price, develop different products or partner with our existing or potential partners (to our exclusion) to compete with our current solutions, and respond more quickly and effectively than we do to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or client requirements.
Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such regulations and obligations could harm our business . ” Human Capital Management At Yelp, we deeply value our community of employees who sustain our culture through their dedication to our mission of connecting people with great local businesses and to living our values of authenticity, tenacity, creativity, collegiality and prioritizing consumer trust.
Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws, regulations and obligations (or that of the third parties with whom we work) could harm our business . ” Human Capital Management At Yelp, we deeply value our community of employees who sustain our culture through their dedication to our mission of connecting people with great local businesses and to living our values of authenticity, tenacity, creativity, collegiality and prioritizing consumer trust.
Our advertising products help businesses of all sizes reach a large audience, advertise their products and drive conversion of their services. Our performance in 2024 — which included record annual revenue and profitable growth — demonstrates the profitability of our broad-based local advertising platform.
Our advertising products help businesses of all sizes reach a large audience, advertise their products and drive conversion of their services, while our subscription services support businesses operationally. Our performance in 2025 — which included record annual revenue and profitable growth — demonstrates the profitability of our broad-based local advertising platform.
Our trusted content has attracted a large, high-intent consumer audience. This large audience reflects the strength of our brand as a leading resource for consumers to search for and discover great local businesses across categories as well as our availability across a wide range of platforms and devices. It also provides a compelling value proposition to advertisers.
This large audience reflects the strength of our brand as a leading resource for consumers to search for and discover great local businesses across categories as well as our availability across a wide range of platforms and devices. It also provides a compelling value proposition to advertisers.
Computer viruses, malware, phishing attacks, denial-of-service and other attacks and similar disruptions from unauthorized use of computer systems have become more prevalent in our industry, have occurred on our systems in the past and we expect them to occur periodically on our systems in the future.
Computer viruses, malware, phishing attacks, denial-of-service and other attacks, and similar 6 Table of Contents disruptions have become more prevalent in our industry, have occurred on our systems in the past and we expect them to occur periodically on our systems in the future.
Our targeting software leverages neural networks that evaluate more than 4,000 signals about the user, business and search context to make sure consumers see the right ad at the right time and drive ad clicks. 6 Table of Contents • Auction System . We use an auction system to determine the price we charge advertisers for ad clicks.
Our targeting software leverages neural networks that evaluate thousands of signals about the user, business and search context to make sure consumers see the right ad at the right time and drive ad clicks. • Auction System . We use an auction system to determine the price we charge advertisers for ad clicks.
We advertise our career opportunities on premier job boards and aggregators in addition to running targeted brand campaigns. We maintain an active voice on social media through our Life at Yelp channel, which highlights employee testimonials regarding their Yelp experiences.
We focus on attracting top talent through our employment marketing and outreach initiatives. We advertise our career opportunities on premier job boards and aggregators in addition to running targeted brand campaigns. We maintain an active voice on social media through our Life at Yelp channel, which highlights employee testimonials regarding their Yelp experiences.
For additional information, see the section titled “ Risk Factors—Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign regulations and other legal obligations related to privacy, data protection and other matters.
For additional information, see the section titled “ Risk Factors—Risks Related to Regulatory Compliance and Legal Matters—Our business is subject to complex and evolving domestic and foreign laws, regulations and other obligations related to privacy, data protection, data security and other matters.
RepairPal Network The RepairPal marketplace and partner network promote auto repair shops to consumers searching for auto repair services. Auto repair shops pay a monthly fee to be included in this certified shop network, as well as either a percentage of earnings from repair orders made by referred customers or a fixed fee per referred customer.
Auto repair shops pay a monthly fee to be included in this certified shop network, as well as either a percentage of earnings from repair orders made by referred customers or a fixed fee per referred customer.
Multi-location Ad Products We offer a range of ad products designed for multi-location advertisers, including: Showcase Ads, which showcase and feature limited-time offers, new products or promotions in relevant search results; Spotlight Ads, which highlight special offers and promotions related to seasonal or other special events on Yelp business pages in a prominent carousel directly on the Yelp app home screen; and Yelp Audiences, which extends campaign reach to our high-intent audience off platform.
We also provide Services businesses with the ability to provide competing quotes for consumers using our Request-a-Quote feature. 2 Table of Contents Multi-location Ad Products We offer a range of ad products designed for multi-location advertisers, including: Showcase Ads, which showcase and feature limited-time offers, new products or promotions in relevant search results; Spotlight Ads, which highlight special offers and promotions related to seasonal or other special events on Yelp business pages in a prominent carousel directly on the Yelp app home screen; and Yelp Audiences, which extends campaign reach to our high-intent audience off platform on third-party sites and apps.
Yelp Fusion Our Yelp Fusion program enables developers to build products that include our high-quality content and data. We partner with industry leaders like Apple, which makes our content available through Apple Maps and its virtual assistant Siri, as well as several auto manufacturers, including Audi AG and BMW, to make our content available in their in-dash experiences.
We partner with industry leaders like Apple, which makes our content available through Apple Maps and its virtual assistant Siri, as well as several auto manufacturers, including Audi AG and BMW, to make our content available in their in-dash experiences.
As in past years, advertising accounted for the vast majority of our revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024, contributing 96% of our revenue, which was fairly consistent with the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. We recognize revenue from our business listing and advertising products, including advertising sold by partners, as advertising revenue.
As in past years, advertising accounted for the vast majority of our revenue during the year ended December 31, 2025, contributing 95% of our revenue. We recognize revenue from our business listing and advertising products, including advertising sold by partners, as advertising revenue.
Yelp Elites receive a badge on their Yelp profile pages and Community Managers organize sponsored social events for them, which facilitates face-to-face interactions, builds the Yelp brand and fosters the sense of true community in which we believe so strongly.
Yelp Elites receive a badge on their Yelp profile pages and our Community team organizes sponsored social events for them, which facilitate face-to-face interactions, build the Yelp brand and foster the sense of true community in which we believe so strongly.
In 2024, we introduced a consumer alerts history section on Yelp business pages, which includes a list of each business’s previous compensated activity alerts, suspicious review activity alerts and questionable legal threats alerts. This warns users of abnormal review activity or attempts to mislead, supplementing our existing public index of alert recipients. Removal of Reviews and Other Content .
When applicable, Yelp business pages include a consumer alerts history section, which includes a list of the business’s previous compensated activity alerts, suspicious review activity alerts and questionable legal threats alerts, to warn users of abnormal review activity or attempts to mislead, supplementing our public index of alert recipients. Removal of Reviews and Other Content .
Ad budgets for our multi-location customers typically increase throughout the year, generally starting the year at their lowest and peaking in the fourth quarter, while SMB ad budgets tend to decrease in the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter advertising revenue is typically similar to the third quarter as well as to the first quarter of the subsequent year. Ad budgets for our multi-location customers typically increase throughout the year, generally starting the year at their lowest and peaking in the fourth quarter, while SMB ad budgets tend to decrease in the fourth quarter.
Corporate and Available Information We were incorporated in Delaware on September 3, 2004. Our principal executive offices are located at 350 Mission Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105, and our telephone number is (415) 908-3801. Our website is located at www.yelp.com, and our investor relations website is located at www.yelp-ir.com. We file or furnish electronically with the U.S.
Our principal executive offices are located at 350 Mission Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105, and our telephone number is (415) 908-3801. Our website is located at www.yelp.com, and our investor relations website is located at www.yelp-ir.com. 14 Table of Contents We file or furnish electronically with the U.S.
We endeavor to have a positive impact on the communities in which people use Yelp by using our platform to raise awareness, promote economic opportunity for those in need and support organizations that serve local communities.
We also improved the benefit programs for our employees in Canada by expanding voluntary benefits and life insurance coverage. Making a Difference . We endeavor to have a positive impact on the communities in which people use Yelp by using our platform to raise awareness, promote economic opportunity for those in need and support organizations that serve local communities.
Companies in the Internet, technology and media industries own large numbers of patents and other intellectual property rights, and may request license agreements or threaten to enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of such rights.
In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in the United States or other countries in which we operate. 9 Table of Contents Companies in the Internet, technology and media industries own large numbers of patents and other intellectual property rights, and may request license agreements or threaten to enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of such rights.
In 2023, we started publishing an index that regularly lists the latest compensated activity and suspicious review activity alerts we have placed on Yelp business pages, making it easier for regulators to identify businesses that may have participated in suspicious or deceptive review activity. Legal Action .
We regularly provide the Federal Trade Commission and other regulators with leads on deceptive reviews and conduct. We also publish an index that lists the latest compensated activity and suspicious review activity alerts we have placed on Yelp business pages, making it easier for regulators to identify businesses that may have participated in suspicious or deceptive review activity.
We have long focused on building a team of innovators and problem solvers who can bring their whole professional selves to work, which we believe positions our employees to relate to and solve the needs of consumers and businesses. 12 Table of Contents As of December 31, 2024, we had 5,116 * employees globally across the following teams: * Includes employees on leave as of December 31, 2024.
We have long focused on building a team of innovators and problem solvers who can bring their whole professional selves to work, which we believe positions our employees to relate to and solve the needs of consumers and businesses.
Although they do not factor into a business’s overall star rating, we provide access to reviews that are not recommended to provide transparency regarding reviewed businesses and reviewers as well as the efficacy of our recommendation software. 7 Table of Contents Community .
Although they do not factor into a business’s overall star rating, we provide access to reviews that are not recommended to provide transparency regarding reviewed businesses and reviewers as well as the efficacy of our recommendation software. Community . Yelp has always been a community-driven review platform, and we encourage authentic content from the start of the user experience.
Our terms of service prohibit the buying and selling of reviews, as well as writing fake reviews. We regularly issue demands to third parties engaging in these and other deceptive activities that they cease such activities in relation to our platform.
Legal Action . Our terms of service prohibit the buying and selling of reviews, writing fake reviews, review gating and other review suppression tactics that disproportionately promote positive reviews, while diverting criticisms to private channels. We regularly issue demands to third parties engaging in these and other deceptive activities that they cease such activities in relation to our platform.
For example, to mitigate potential concerns regarding the accuracy of our AI-powered summaries, we populate the summaries with quotes from actual reviews. Similarly, although we believe incorporating AI features into our platform provides benefits for consumers and businesses, we also understand that the use of AI is not desirable in all contexts.
Similarly, although we believe incorporating AI features into our platform provides benefits for consumers and businesses, we also understand that the use of AI is not desirable in all contexts.
Their voices helped make Yelp what it is 9 Table of Contents today, and we started the Yelp Elite Squad to recognize these passionate individuals, signal our trust in them and their contributions, and encourage similar beneficial activities in our communities.
Their voices helped make Yelp what it is today, and we started the Yelp Elite Squad to recognize these passionate individuals, signal our trust in them and their contributions, and encourage similar beneficial activities in our communities. Beyond having well-written reviews and high-quality photos, Yelp Elite Squad members are active evangelists for their Yelp communities.
These tools include online reservations, a waitlist management solution that allows consumers to check wait times and join waitlists remotely as well as through hostless kiosks, and seating and server rotation management tools.
Yelp Guest Manager Yelp Guest Manager is a subscription-based suite of front-of-house management tools for restaurants, nightlife and certain other venues. These tools include online reservations, a waitlist management solution that allows consumers to check wait times and join waitlists remotely as well as through hostless kiosks, and seating and server rotation management tools.
Government Regulation As a company conducting business on the Internet, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, including laws regarding privacy, data protection, data security, user-generated content and consumer protection, among others. For example: • Privacy, Data Protection and Data Security .
Certain competitors could also use strong or dominant positions in one or more markets to gain competitive advantage against us in markets in which we operate. 10 Table of Contents Government Regulation As a company conducting business on the Internet, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, including laws regarding privacy, data protection, data security, user-generated content and consumer protection, among others.
The bidding algorithms used in our auction system are designed to prioritize spending advertiser budgets efficiently and maximize ad clicks to optimize the value we deliver to advertisers, while our proprietary ad delivery technology is designed to determine the most relevant ads for consumers to drive fulfillment. 1 Table of Contents Our Growth and Margin Strategy We believe that the investments we made in our strategic initiatives have led our business to new highs in recent years, and see further opportunities to build upon this success and deliver even greater value to both consumers and advertisers over the long term.
Our Growth and Margin Strategy We believe that the investments we made in our strategic initiatives have led our business to new highs in recent years, and see further opportunities to build upon this success and deliver even greater value to both consumers and advertisers over the 1 Table of Contents long term.
We are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and guidelines that regulate the way we distinguish paid search results and other types of advertising from unpaid search results. We operate in a rapidly evolving industry, and many laws and regulations that impact our business are being proposed, still evolving or being tested in courts.
We are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and guidelines that regulate the way we distinguish paid search results and other types of advertising from unpaid search results. • AI .
Based on historical trends, our revenue in a particular year is typically lowest in the first quarter of that year and increases sequentially through the third quarter. Fourth quarter revenue is typically similar to the third quarter as well as to the first quarter of the subsequent year.
Seasonality and Cyclicality Our business is affected by seasonal fluctuations in Internet usage and advertising spending, as well as cyclicality in economic activity. Seasonality . Based on historical trends, our advertising revenue in a particular year is typically lowest in the first quarter of that year and increases sequentially through the third quarter.
We provide scalable services across platforms and devices using a combination of proprietary, open source and third-party technology solutions and products: • Anticipating Consumer Needs . We analyze the large volumes of data collected from our platform and apply our proprietary indexing and ranking techniques to provide our users with contextual, relevant and up-to-date information.
We analyze the large volumes of data collected from our platform and apply our proprietary indexing and ranking techniques to provide our users with contextual, relevant and up-to-date information.
While our plans to continue operating on a distributed basis may mitigate this challenge by expanding the pool of candidates from which we draw, we may continue to face significant competition for talent. We focus on attracting top talent through our employment marketing and outreach initiatives.
Qualified individuals are in high demand and we expect to continue to face significant competition from other companies in hiring and retaining such personnel. While our plans to continue operating on a distributed basis may mitigate this challenge by expanding the pool of candidates from which we draw, we may continue to face significant competition for talent.
We also plan to expand the use of AI in our business operations to drive efficiencies, reflecting our commitment to driving leverage in the business through our product-led strategy. 2 Table of Contents Our Products and Services Advertising We offer a range of free and paid advertising products to businesses of all sizes, including the products listed below, which provide the ability to deliver targeted advertising to our large and high-intent audience.
Our Products and Services Advertising We offer a range of free and paid advertising products to businesses of all sizes, including the products listed below, which provide the ability to deliver targeted advertising to our large and high-intent audience.
In 2024, our performance marketing and continued improvements to the business owner experience drove another year of record Self-serve customer acquisition. Sales Partnerships . We also generate revenue through the resale of our advertising products by certain agencies and partners, such as Thryv, as well as monetization of remnant advertising inventory through third-party ad networks.
We also generate revenue through the resale of our advertising products by certain agencies and partners, such as Thryv, as well as monetization of remnant advertising inventory through third-party ad networks.
Our Yelp Advertising Partner Program allows partner agencies to independently sell and manage ad campaigns on behalf of their SMB clients, providing increased centralization and flexibility.
Our Yelp Advertising Partner Program allows partner agencies to independently sell and manage ad campaigns on behalf of their small and medium-sized business (“SMB”) clients, providing increased centralization and flexibility. The products covered by these arrangements include Yelp Ads as well as all of our business profile products.
The badge indicates that we have verified the business’s trade license and confirmed it was in good standing as of a certain date, allowing businesses to distinguish themselves as licensed and helping consumers make confident decisions when selecting businesses for their projects. 3 Table of Contents Business Highlights Businesses in eligible categories can pay to highlight up to six attributes that make their business unique, such as “Family Owned” or “Pet Friendly.” Portfolio Portfolio allows businesses to showcase their work or services to prospective customers through a collection of projects.
The badge indicates that we have verified the business’s trade license and confirmed it was in good standing as of a certain date, allowing businesses to distinguish themselves as licensed and helping consumers make confident decisions when selecting businesses for their projects.
In addition to taking direct corrective action — such as recategorizing businesses to appropriately reflect their services or closing user accounts, as in the example above — if we identify or confirm any attempts to mislead consumers or similar issues through our investigations, we typically pursue one or more of the courses of action described below (each of which we may also employ on a stand-alone basis).
In 2025, business page rejections increased 29% from 2024, driven by improved moderation processes that more effectively identify and reject suspicious submissions in high-risk emergency services business categories, such as locksmiths, garage door repairs, roadside assistance and plumbing, where vulnerable consumers in need of assistance may be especially susceptible to scams. 7 Table of Contents In addition to taking direct corrective action — such as recategorizing businesses to appropriately reflect their services, closing user accounts or rejecting new business page submissions, as in the example above — if we identify or confirm any attempts to mislead consumers or similar issues through our investigations, we typically pursue one or more of the courses of action described below (each of which we may also employ on a stand-alone basis).
Yelp Guaranteed Yelp Guaranteed is a satisfaction guarantee program that provides limited coverage to consumers who hire a Yelp Guaranteed business through Request-a-Quote in the event something goes wrong with their projects. It is currently available for eligible businesses in select Services categories that have Request-a-Quote enabled and are using Yelp Ads.
Nearby Jobs Nearby Jobs provides businesses with the ability to see a dynamic feed of job quote requests in their area of business. Yelp Guaranteed Yelp Guaranteed is a satisfaction guarantee program that provides limited coverage to consumers who hire a Yelp Guaranteed business through Request-a-Quote in the event something goes wrong with their projects.
For example, we provide easy ways for our communities of users and business owners to report content that they believe violates our guidelines and suggest updates to business information. We also provide multiple ways for business owners to respond to reviews. Human Content Moderation.
In addition to encouraging reliable content and fair play from the outset, our communities serve as additional layers of oversight. For example, we provide easy ways for our communities of users and business owners to report content that they believe violates our guidelines and suggest updates to business information.
In 2024, the Foundation again matched Yelp employee donations made to a wide range of charitable organizations, including those focused on the causes that mattered most to our employees: education; human services; international affairs and national security; health; and arts, culture and humanities.
In 2025, the Foundation again matched Yelp employee donations made to a wide range of charitable organizations, including those focused on the causes that mattered most to our employees: education; human services; food; health; and animal-related causes. Talent Attraction and Retention Our success depends on our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate, and retain highly qualified and skilled employees.
As a result, in 2025 we plan to invest in the areas set forth below, each of which we believe represents its own long-term opportunity and which together we believe will drive long-term sustainable and profitable growth. Revenue Growth • Lead in Services. We aim to create a best-in-class Services experience for consumers and service professionals in 2025.
As a result, in 2026, we plan to invest in the areas set forth below, each of which we believe represents its own long-term opportunity and which together we believe will position us to drive long-term growth. Initiatives to Drive Durable Long-term Growth • Reconceive Yelp around actions and answers.
Distributed Work We believe that operating on a distributed basis is in the best interests of both Yelp and our employees. We have operated successfully as a remote workforce since March 2020 and committed to a fully remote working model in 2022 based on strong employee support for our distributed operations.
We have operated 12 Table of Contents successfully as a remote workforce since March 2020 and committed to a fully remote working model in 2022 based on strong employee support for our distributed operations. The vast majority of our team works remotely on a full-time basis, which has allowed us to significantly reduce our office footprint and workplace operating costs.
Our platform provides the type of reliable and useful review content that helps consumers make informed spending decisions and confidently transact with local businesses.
Our platform provides the type of reliable and useful review content that helps consumers make informed spending decisions and confidently transact with local businesses. This collection of high-quality, human-generated content is also the type of proprietary data that is essential to AI search providers, thereby providing a valuable monetizable asset.
Through our professional development program, employees can partner with their managers to create career development plans and receive an annual development reimbursement to invest in their growth.
Through our professional development program, employees can partner with their managers to create career development plans and receive an annual development reimbursement to invest in their growth. We also offer customized coaching resources to provide individual support and develop critical skills, as well as regular, ongoing training in compliance and workplace conduct matters to all employees.
We plan to continue expanding our suite of full-funnel ad products tailored to these advertisers and attribution solutions to drive revenue growth in our Multi-location sales channel in 2025. Customer Success Our customer success teams support existing advertisers through account management and retention initiatives as well as engage advertisers with the goal of increasing their overall spend.
Customer Success Our customer success teams support existing advertisers through account management and retention initiatives as well as engage advertisers with the goal of increasing their overall spend.
These products are backed by a scaled and extensible advertising technology platform. To establish the price of an individual ad click, we run an auction for each advertising placement, which resulted in an average of nearly 18 million auctions per day in 2024.
Our portfolio of products and attribution capabilities leverage first-party data to provide advertising solutions across categories and each stage of the consumer funnel, both on and off platform. These products are backed by a scaled and extensible advertising technology platform. To establish the price of an individual ad click, we run an auction for each advertising placement.
In addition to its size, our audience has high purchase intent and is generally affluent — as of December 2024, we estimate that over 50% of our audience has annual household income of more than $100,000. • A broad-based local advertising platform and sophisticated advertising technology .
In addition to its size, we believe our audience has high purchase intent and is generally affluent. • A broad-based local advertising platform and sophisticated advertising technology . Our large consumer audience supports a broad-based advertising model with products designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
Logo Logo provides businesses with the ability to display their logos in high-visibility locations, including prominently at the top of Yelp business pages and in search results. Nearby Jobs Nearby Jobs provides businesses with the ability to see a dynamic feed of job quote requests in their area of business.
Logo Logo provides businesses with the ability to display their logos in high-visibility locations, including prominently at the top of Yelp business pages and in search results. 3 Table of Contents Other We generate other revenue through subscription services, licensing payments for access to Yelp data, transactions and other non-advertising arrangements.
The products covered by these arrangements include Yelp Ads as well as all of our business profile products. 5 Table of Contents Technology We rely on a set of core technologies that enable us to be a trusted local resource for consumers and a partner in success to businesses of all sizes.
Technology We rely on a set of core technologies that enable us to be a trusted local resource for consumers and a partner in success to businesses of all sizes. We provide scalable services across platforms and devices using a combination of proprietary, open source and third-party technology solutions and products: • Anticipating Consumer Needs .