With giants like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Threads dominating the social media landscape, Pinterest often gets overlooked. Yet with 600 million active users as of 2024 and nearly one billion videos watched daily, it’s a goldmine for creators who want to reach a hungry, discovery‑driven audience.
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest brands itself as a visual discovery engine. Think of it as a digital pinboard where ideas, inspiration and actionable content live. Founded in 2010, the platform has evolved from image‑centric pins to a robust video ecosystem, and its market value now exceeds $18 billion.
Is Pinterest Still Relevant?
While it doesn’t top the charts in total active users, Pinterest consistently outperforms platforms like Reddit and Twitter. More importantly, the community culture is markedly positive. A 2020 study found that 50 % of UK users describe Pinterest as an “online oasis.” That sense of inspiration and wellness keeps users engaged and drives repeat visits.
Why Pinterest Is a Must‑Use for Video Marketers
Pinterest’s visual-first algorithm rewards engaging, high‑quality video content. Autoplay in the Explore feed, a dedicated watch tab, and the ability to save (pin) videos all boost visibility. When users save your video, Pinterest interprets it as a signal of relevance and surfaces it to even more viewers.
How to Post a Video on Pinterest
You can share videos in three primary ways:
- Share from a Hosting Platform – If your video lives on YouTube or Vimeo, click “Share” and select the Pinterest icon.
- Use the Chrome Extension – Install Pinterest’s official Chrome add‑on, navigate to the hosting site, and click the Pinterest icon.
- Create an Idea Pin – From your profile, tap the plus button and choose “Idea Pin.” Record up to 60 seconds, then enhance it with text, stickers and a soundtrack.
While these methods are straightforward, a business account unlocks advanced analytics and advertising options.
Setting Up a Pinterest Business Account
Navigate to the Pinterest Ads Manager and click “Create business account.” The signup flow will prompt you to add business details. Once completed, you’ll have three next steps: create an ad, import a catalog, or connect a Pinterest Tag. 
Promoted video ads appear in the Explore feed with a “promoted by” badge, making them unmistakably brand‑visible. For a concise walkthrough, watch the 60‑second video on Pinterest Premiere.
Pro Tips to Boost Views on Pinterest
1. Optimize Your Video
The thumbnail is your first hook. Bright colors, clear text and an action shot can double click‑through rates. 
Include keyword‑rich titles and descriptions, and add relevant hashtags. 
2. Capture Attention Instantly
Autoplay offers a golden window to engage viewers. Start with a compelling visual or a bold statement to keep them watching.
3. Prioritize Aesthetics
Pinterest users judge content by its visual quality. Consider color harmony, lighting, and framing. 
4. Add Text for Silent Viewers
According to Verizon, 83 % of viewers watch with the sound off. Overlay captions or text to convey your message regardless of audio.
5. Elevate with Sound
For those who enable sound, a crisp soundtrack or professional voice‑over can enhance credibility and emotional impact.
6. Follow the Specs
- Length: 4 s – 15 min
- File type: .mp4, .mov, .m4v
- Max size: 2 GB
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square) or 2:3 / 9:16 (vertical)
7. Leverage Educational Content
Pinterest users seek inspiration. How‑to demos, tutorials, and “life hacks” perform exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest remains a powerful, yet under‑leveraged, platform for video marketers. By understanding its unique discovery mechanics and following the optimization steps above, you can amplify engagement, expand reach, and drive tangible results.
For more insights on video strategy across social channels, visit our Social Media Videos page.
Samantha, Copy Team Manager at Wyzowl, has written over 1,000 scripts and hundreds of articles on video marketing. Her expertise ensures that every piece is data‑driven, actionable and ready to help you succeed.