What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a visually‑driven discovery and inspiration platform where people “pin” images or content they like into themed collections called boards. Think of it as a virtual mood‑board or catalog—rather than chatting like on Facebook or X, users browse and save ideas for fashion, recipes, travel, and more in a clean, image‑centered feed.

Why does Pinterest matter?

Pinterest isn’t just pretty pictures—it’s a powerful tool for discovering new ideas and products, and increasingly, for finding inspiration before you shop. Brands use it to make products visually searchable and shoppable—and users actually spend. As of early 2025, Pinterest counted over 553 million monthly active users, with especially strong engagement from Gen Z.

What can you do on Pinterest?

You can:

  • Create Pins: Save an image or video (from Pinterest or the web) in a post with a link.
  • Build Boards: Organise related Pins into collections (like “Recipes I’ll try” or “Living Room ideas”).
  • Explore and search: Use keywords—or image search—to find ideas. Visual search tools like Pinterest Lens suggest similar content based on a photo.

How do brands and businesses use Pinterest?

Pinterest serves as both inspiration hub and discovery engine:

  • Shop the Look and Product Pins let users click from Pins into product details or buy directly. Over 55% of users use the platform to shop, and 85% of weekly users report making a purchase based on a Pin.
  • Advertising tools like Performance+ use AI to surface Pins to the most relevant audience and optimize campaigns.

Who uses Pinterest most—and why?

Pinterest shines with Gen Z and those looking for inspiration:

  • Gen Z makes up over 40% of the user base—they love the visual-first, positive environment and often use it for planning purchases or creative projects.
  • Overall, about 51–78% of users say Pinterest feels more positive than other social networks, making it a welcoming space for product discovery and exploration.

Is Pinterest good for SEO and organic traffic?

Absolutely—with a strategy:

  • Pins and boards often rank highly in Pinterest search and Google image search too. Organic content can continue driving traffic for months if optimized with the right keywords.
  • That said, many creators report organic reach is tougher in 2025—Pinterest now favors fresh visuals and paid boosted formats like Idea Pins.

Tips for getting the most out of Pinterest

  1. Lead with visuals: High‑quality, vertical images or short Idea Pins get better engagement.
  2. Use keywords: Describe Pins and boards clearly (e.g., “easy vegan dinners”) to rank in Pinterest and Google searches.
  3. Pin consistently: Batch-create content and repost high-performing Pins to extend their lifespan.
  4. Leverage Trends: Check tools like Pinterest Predicts to tap visual trends before they go mainstream.
  5. Balance organic and paid: Boost top Pins with ads like Performance+ to drive more action when organic reach slows.

Bottom line:

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform built for inspiration and action. Whether you’re browsing recipes, planning your next project, or a brand aiming to turn ideas into conversions, Pinterest connects creativity and commerce. Use smart visuals, clear keywords, and a mix of organic reach and AI-powered tools—and you’ll be sparking ideas that stick.