Pinterest! The place where dream homes are built, dinner plans are made, and business strategies come to life. It’s no secret that Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic, but if you’re still relying on just one type of Pin format, you’re leaving so much potential on the table.
Here’s the deal: Not all Pins are created equal. The way you present your content on Pinterest matters just as much as what you’re sharing. The right mix of Pin formats can skyrocket your visibility, engagement, and even sales. So, let’s talk about the three Pin types you need to be using in your strategy: Image Pins, Video Pins, and Product Pins.
The 3 Different Types of Pin Formats
The 3 different types of pin formats on Pinterest are essential for business owners aiming to enhance their Pinterest marketing strategy. The three main pin types include standard image pins, video pins, and product pins. Each pin format on Pinterest serves a unique purpose in conveying content.
As you explore the best Pinterest pin formats, you’ll want to track analytics for each type. This will help you understand what resonates most with your audience. Whether you’re sharing a blog post or a newsletter, knowing the three types of pins will enhance your overall Pinterest account strategy.
Image Pins: The Classic That Still Converts
Standard pins, also referred to as image pins, are the backbone of Pinterest. They’re simple, timeless, and—when done right—incredibly effective. Think of them as your digital billboards: clear, eye-catching, and designed to stop scrollers in their tracks.
WHY THEY WORK:
Pinterest is a visual search engine, and image pins dominate its landscape. They’re easy to consume, highly shareable, and have a long shelf life. A well-designed image pin can drive traffic for years after you hit publish.
HOW TO NAIL THEM:
- Use the 2:3 ratio (1000×1500 pixels) vertical format for optimal visibility.
- Lead with bold text. Your title should answer a question or promise a solution (e.g., “5-Minute Morning Routine for Productivity” or “The Beginner’s Guide to SEO”).
- Keep it clean. Avoid clutter—use high-quality images, minimal text overlay, and contrasting colours.
- Keyword-rich descriptions. Include search terms your audience is using (e.g., “easy vegan recipes” or “small bathroom remodel ideas”).
Pro Tip: Repurpose blog graphics or Instagram posts into vertical pins. Tools like Canva make it easy to resize and adapt content for Pinterest’s unique format.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Image Pins are your foundation. They’re easy to create, evergreen, and drive clicks—so don’t underestimate their power.
Video Pins: The Engagement Magnet
Let’s be real: video content is everywhere right now, and Pinterest is no exception. Video Pins autoplay in the feed, making them impossible to ignore. They’re perfect for showcasing tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments, or quick how-tos that educate and inspire.
WHY THEY WORK:
Pinterest users love learning, and Video Pins are the best way to break things down step by step. Plus, they tend to get more engagement than static images.
HOW TO NAIL THEM:
- Keep it short and sweet. Aim for 6-15 seconds to maximise retention.
- Use captions. Since videos autoplay without sound, captions make sure your message gets across.
- Choose an eye-catching cover image. This helps entice viewers to watch all the way through.
- Add a call to action. What do you want viewers to do next? Visit your blog? Save for later? Make it clear!
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Video Pins stop the scroll and encourage engagement. If you want more saves, clicks, and brand awareness, start incorporating them into your strategy.
Fun Fact: Video pins can also be shared as “Idea Pins” (Pinterest’s version of Stories), which appear at the top of feeds and can include interactive elements like polls or quizzes.
Product Pins: The Secret Weapon for Selling
If you’re selling anything, Product Pins are a must. These Pins automatically pull details from your website—like pricing, availability, and descriptions—so users have all the info they need to make a purchase.
WHY THEY WORK:
People come to Pinterest to shop. In fact, 80% of weekly Pinners have purchased something they discovered on the platform. Product Pins make it seamless for users to go from inspiration to checkout.
HOW TO NAIL THEM:
- Enable Rich Pins. This ensures your product info updates automatically (no outdated pricing here!).
- Use high-quality product images. Showcase your products from multiple angles.
- Write compelling descriptions. Highlight the benefits and make it clear why they need your product.
- Link directly to the product page. The fewer clicks, the better—make buying easy.
Pinterest users are planners and shoppers—they aren’t just looking for inspiration; they’re looking for solutions. If you have something to sell, Product Pins help you meet your audience where they are and move them toward a purchase.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
If you want to turn Pinterest browsers into buyers, Product Pins should be a non-negotiable in your strategy.
Pro Tip: Pair product pins with blog posts or guides (e.g., “10 Outfits to Style with These Boots” linking to your shop). This creates a seamless path from inspiration to purchase.
Putting It All Together: A Pinterest Strategy That Works
The magic happens when you blend these formats into a cohesive strategy. Here’s how:
- Start with image pins to build a foundation of evergreen content.
- Sprinkle in video format pins to boost engagement and reach new audiences.
- Amplify with product pins to convert browsers into buyers.
Remember: Pinterest rewards consistency. Aim to publish 1-2 pins daily, rotating between formats to keep your profile fresh. Use Tailwind to schedule pins in batches and track what’s working.
Your Pinterest Breakthrough Starts Now
Pinterest isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform, and your Pinterest strategy shouldn’t be, either. By combining Image Pins, Video Pins, and Product Pins, you’re giving your content the best chance to get discovered, saved, and clicked.
And if the thought of designing multiple pins for every post or product feels overwhelming, I’ve got you covered! Grab my Pinterest Canva Templates and start creating scroll-stopping pins in minutes. They’re fully customizable, easy to use, and designed to help you grow your audience and boost your traffic without the stress.
1 Comment on 3 Pin Formats You Need to Start Using for More Clicks & Saves
I need to be better about this! I have old pins that still drive some traffic, but I’m sure I can get even more traffic with better pins. Thanks!