Pinterest is more than just a social media platform; it’s a visual discovery engine where people search for ideas, inspiration, and solutions.
For businesses, understanding the different types of pins available can help them optimize their content strategy and boost engagement.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various pin types on Pinterest and how they can be used to elevate your marketing efforts.
What is a Pinterest Pin?
Before diving into the different types of pins on Pinterest, let’s first understand what a Pinterest Pin is.
A pin on Pinterest is essentially a post that users share to communicate ideas, inspiration, or products.
Each pin consists of an image or video and includes a link that directs viewers to an external source like a blog, product page, or YouTube channel.
Pins are at the core of Pinterest’s functionality, acting as bookmarks that can be saved to boards for easy reference.
Users can search for pins based on keywords, discover new content through their feed, and save pins they find helpful or inspiring.
For businesses and creators, pins are a powerful tool to drive traffic, grow brand awareness, and convert leads.
Now that you understand what a Pinterest pin is, let’s explore the various types of pins available on the platform.
6 Types of Pins on Pinterest
Standard Pins
Standard pins are the backbone of Pinterest. These are single static images that users come across in their feed.
They are commonly used to link back to blog posts, articles, products, or other landing pages.
Despite their simplicity, standard pins can be incredibly powerful when paired with strong visuals and compelling descriptions.
To make the most of standard pins, ensure that your image stands out and is optimized for Pinterest’s preferred dimensions (1000 x 1500 pixels).
Also, include clear and enticing descriptions along with a strong call-to-action (CTA) that encourages clicks.
Video Pins
Video pins are a highly engaging format on Pinterest. With video content becoming increasingly popular across social media, Pinterest has embraced this trend by allowing users to upload videos directly.
Video pins automatically play in users’ feeds, making them eye-catching and more likely to drive engagement.
Best practices for video pins include keeping the video short (6-15 seconds), ensuring the message is clear without sound, and using a compelling thumbnail.
Whether you’re demonstrating a product, sharing a tutorial, or telling a brand story, video pins provide a dynamic way to capture attention.
Idea Pins
Idea pins are Pinterest’s take on the story format seen on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
When Idea Pins were first introduced on Pinterest, they didn’t include the option to add external links, making them different from other pins on the platform.
Originally, they were designed to keep users engaged directly on Pinterest, perfect for showcasing processes, tutorials, or step-by-step guides.
However, Pinterest has since evolved, and now creators can include links in Idea Pins, providing a way to drive traffic while still offering a more immersive storytelling experience.
Brands and creators can use idea pins to offer value upfront, which increases the likelihood of gaining followers and building a loyal audience on the platform.
This makes them a powerful tool for delivering value to your audience while also directing them to relevant content or products.
For an example of how Idea pins can drive traffic, take a look at our case study on Play With Rocky, where video pins helped build awareness and drive YouTube growth.
Rich Pins
Rich pins pull metadata directly from your website and automatically sync changes in real time.
There are three types of rich pins: product, article, and recipe pins. Each type is designed to provide users with additional information, whether it’s pricing details for a product or the ingredients and instructions for a recipe.
Rich pins are especially beneficial for brands, as they provide extra context without the need for additional effort.
This enhanced information helps increase engagement and drive more clicks, making them an essential part of any Pinterest marketing strategy.
Product Pins
A subset of rich pins, product pins make it easier for users to shop directly from Pinterest.
When users click on a product pin, they’re directed to the seller’s website where they can complete the purchase.
This pin type is perfect for e-commerce brands looking to convert Pinterest traffic into sales.
Product pins simplify the buying process, helping users quickly move from discovery to purchase.
These pins are also a key tool for affiliate marketers who want to showcase products from third-party sellers.
Carousel Pins
Carousel pins are designed to showcase multiple images within a single post, allowing users to swipe through a series of images.
This format is perfect for telling a story, displaying different product angles, or offering a multi-step tutorial.
Each image in the carousel can have its own link, providing more opportunities for users to engage with your content.
E-commerce brands often use carousel pins to display multiple product views, while service-based businesses might use them to show before-and-after results or explain a process.
FAQs
How many pins can you have in a section on Pinterest?
On Pinterest, you can add up to 100 pins in a single section within a board. Sections help organize your pins into categories, making it easier to group related content under one board.
How many pins are you allowed on Pinterest?
Pinterest allows users to create up to 200,000 pins, including both the pins they create and those they save. This limit includes pins across all boards and sections.
What is the best type of pin?
The best type of pin depends on your goals, but generally, Idea Pins and Video Pins tend to perform well. Idea Pins are great for storytelling and engagement, while Video Pins attract attention with dynamic content.
Conclusion
Each type of pin on Pinterest serves a unique purpose, offering flexibility in how you showcase your content and engage with your audience.
Whether you’re looking to drive traffic, increase brand awareness, or sell products, the right mix of pins can elevate your Pinterest strategy.
For more on how Pinterest compares to other platforms like Instagram and which is best for your business, check out our Pinterest vs Instagram: A Comparison blog.
