Pinterest! The place where dream homes are built, dinner plans are made, and business strategies come to life. Itโs no secret that Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic, but if youโre still relying on just one type of Pin format, youโre leaving so much potential on the table.
Hereโs the deal: Not all Pins are created equal. The way you present your content on Pinterest matters just as much as what youโre sharing. The right mix of Pin formats can skyrocket your visibility, engagement, and even sales. So, letโs 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, youโll want to track analytics for each type. This will help you understand what resonates most with your audience. Whether youโre 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. Theyโre simple, timeless, andโwhen done rightโincredibly 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. Theyโre 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 (1000x1500 pixels) verticle format for optimal visibility.
- Lead with bold text. Your title should answer a question or promise a solution (e.g., โ5-Minute Morning Routine for Productivityโ or โThe Beginnerโs Guide to SEOโ).
- Keep it clean. Avoid clutterโuse high-quality images, minimal text overlay, and contrasting colors.
- Keyword-rich descriptions. Include search terms your audience is using (e.g., โeasy vegan recipesโ or โsmall bathroom remodel ideasโ).
Pro Tip: Repurpose blog graphics or Instagram posts into vertical pins. Tools like Canva make it easy to resize and adapt content for Pinterestโs unique format.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Image Pins are your foundation. Theyโre easy to create, evergreen, and drive clicksโso donโt underestimate their power.
Video Pins: The Engagement Magnet
Letโs be real: video content is everywhere right now, and Pinterest is no exception. Video Pins autoplay in the feed, making them impossible to ignore. Theyโre 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 maximize 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 โIdea Pinsโ (Pinterestโs 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 youโre selling anything, Product Pins are a must. These Pins automatically pull details from your websiteโlike pricing, availability, and descriptionsโso 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 betterโmake buying easy.
Pinterest users are planners and shoppersโthey arenโt just looking for inspiration; theyโre 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., โ10 Outfits to Style with These Bootsโ 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. Hereโs 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 whatโs working.
Your Pinterest Breakthrough Starts Now
Pinterest isnโt a one-size-fits-all platform, and your Pinterest strategy shouldnโt be, either. By combining Image Pins, Video Pins, and Product Pins, youโre 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, Iโve got you covered! Grab my Pinterest Canva Templates and start creating scroll-stopping pins in minutes. Theyโre fully customizable, easy to use, and designed to help you grow your audience and boost your traffic without the stress.










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!