Upwork Inc. (NASDAQ: UPWK) announced the Upwork Claude Connector, an app integrated into Anthropic's Claude AI platform that allows users to search for freelance talent and create job postings without leaving the Claude interface.

Users can describe a project within Claude and receive a shortlist of candidates drawn from Upwork's marketplace of more than 18 million professionals across 130 work categories. Job posts can also be created directly through the conversation, after which users are directed to Upwork to complete the hiring process.

"AI is changing how businesses plan and kick off work. But quality outcomes still depend on human expertise," said Peter Sanborn, chief business officer at Upwork. "Putting Upwork inside Claude closes the gap between where work gets started and the talent that can bring it to life."

The integration is available to all Claude users. The announcement follows Upwork's launch of a similar app for OpenAI's ChatGPT in April 2026.

According to Upwork research cited in the press release, 74% of small and medium-sized businesses plan to increase freelancer hiring in the near term, with much of that tied to AI-related initiatives.

Once a hire is made through the connector, Upwork's AI work agent, Uma, is available to help manage the project on the Upwork platform.