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How to Use Pinterest Video & Idea Pins to Boost Engagement
Learn how to use Pinterest Video Pins and Idea Pins to increase engagement and grow your brand. Discover proven strategies, design tips, and examples for using Pinterest video content effectively.
I know that currently people are looking more for TikTok or Instagram or YouTube as marketing channels to promote their video content, but you as a business owner, will surprise to see what possibilities are giving Pinterest! Pinterest has evolved far beyond static images – it’s actually now one of the most powerful visual search and discovery platforms for video content. According to my experience as a Pinterest Manager since 2017, video content now matters more than ever on this platform!
So, if your business isn’t using Video Pins or Idea Pins, you’re missing one of the best opportunities to reach new audiences, build brand awareness, and drive more engagement than ever before.
Let’s explore what makes Pinterest video content so effective – and how you can use it strategically for business / brand growth.
What Are Pinterest Video Pins and Idea Pins?
Before diving into strategy, let’s clarify the difference:
Video Pins:
These are regular Pinterest pins, but instead of a static image, they feature short video content (up to 15 minutes). They appear in users’ feeds, searches, and boards – just like any other pin. Many brands are repurposing their TikTok or YouTube short videos on Pinterest too and this works if you can do it on the right way!
💡 Goal: Drive clicks and traffic to your website or product pages.
Idea Pins (formerly Story Pins):
These are multi-page, short-form video or image posts that let you share tips, tutorials, and step-by-step ideas directly on Pinterest. Many brands are repurposing their Instagram Stories as Idea pins and this works, but again if you know how to do it exactly!
💡 Goal: Build brand awareness and in-platform engagement (not direct links, but long-term visibility). This type of content doesn’t lead directly to your site.
Both formats help you stand out in the feed and connect with users who prefer authentic, visual storytelling.
Why Pinterest Video Is So Powerful
Higher Engagement Rates – Pinterest reports that users are 3x more likely to engage with video pins than static ones. I can see the same with my clients who are using video content on Pinterest as part of their Pinterest strategies.
Longer Shelf Life – Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest videos continue performing for months as they resurface in search. Sometimes, even for years! These pins are known as “viral” pins.
Search Visibility – Pinterest’s algorithm increasingly prioritizes fresh, rich content, especially video pins that include relevant keywords and helpful information. Well optimized pins are always strong traffic booster!
Perfect for Education + Inspiration: Video and Idea Pins are ideal for tutorials, recipes, DIY, fashion, and product demos or anything that teaches or inspires. And Pinterest is number one platform when it comes to inspiration!
How to Create High-Performing Pinterest Video Pins:
- Keep It Short and Engaging
Aim for 6–15 seconds for maximum completion rates.
Hook your viewer in the first 2 seconds with movement, color, or curiosity.
Start with the main idea – keep in mind that people scroll fast and often have no time to watch the whole video!
- Focus on Vertical Format
Pinterest recommends 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 × 1920 px). Vertical videos fill the screen, making them more immersive.
- Add Text Overlays
Many users watch videos with sound off – while they are in the bus, metro, work , park and so on. Use text captions and keywords to ensure your message comes through even without audio. This is very important for the algorithm as well. By adding relevant short text overlays, you can be sure that Pinterest perfectly understands your content and will show it to the right people – and this is the final goal!
- Use Keywords in Your Title and Description
Pinterest is a visual search engine. Use short phrases like:
“DIY Home Decor Tutorial”
“Healthy Meal Prep Ideas”
“Small Business Pinterest Tips”
💡 Pro Tip: Use Pinterest Trends to find what your audience is searching for before you post. Pinterest Trends are the secret feature to see what actually people are looking for during the whole year!
- Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Like the rest platforms, CTA is very important. Encourage viewers to take action:
“Learn the full recipe on my blog.”
“Shop the look here.”
“Save this for later.”
“Curious to see more? Check out here!”
How to Use Idea Pins to Build Brand Awareness
Idea Pins are ideal for sharing educational, behind-the-scenes, or inspirational stories. But let’s be real: you want engagement, traffic and sales for your products/services.
So, here’s how to make them work for your brand:
- Teach Something Step-by-Step
Break down a process or show how to use your product/service in 3–10 slides.
Examples:
“3 Easy Ways to Style a Scarf”
“How to Make Matcha at Home”
“Marketing Strategy Tips That Actually Work”
- Make It Personal
Show your face, voice, or brand personality. Idea Pins that feel human and relatable perform better than overly polished ads.
- Use Music, Stickers, and Tag Features
Pinterest lets you add music, product tags, and text animations – use them to make your content more engaging and interactive.
- Add Keywords and Tags
Pinterest indexes Idea Pins too! That is why it is all about the SEO! Use your keywords naturally in the title, overlay text, and description to improve discoverability.
Bonus: Combine Video & Static Pins for a Winning Strategy
For best results, use a mix of formats:
Static Pins: To drive consistent traffic over time.
Video Pins: To grab attention and encourage clicks.
Idea Pins: To increase brand reach and saves.
According to my experience as a Pinterest Manager: each plays a different role, but together, they create a powerful Pinterest marketing ecosystem.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Uploading square or horizontal videos – they don’t perform well.
🚫 Using blurry thumbnails or unclear text overlays.
🚫 Forgetting to optimize titles and descriptions.
🚫 Most important: Expecting instant results – unlike TikTok or Instagram, Pinterest videos often take a few weeks to gain traction.
Final Thoughts
Video content is the future of Pinterest marketing – and it’s already here.
According to my personal experience, businesses using Video Pins and Idea Pins strategically are seeing higher engagement, stronger brand awareness, and better conversions.
By creating helpful, keyword-optimized, visually engaging videos, you’ll connect with your audience in a way that static images simply can’t.
Need help with pins creation -> contact me here for bundle of custom made 20 editable Canva design pins (based on your content) to make sure you will always have the right visuals for Pinterest! It is one time service which will cost you only 50 $, contact me here and ask about mini service for 20 editable static Canva pins based on your content (products, blog posts or services on your site). You will be able to post these directly and use them to build next batch of pins for your Pinterest marketing!
Ready to Elevate Your Pinterest Marketing and build long-term growth?
If you’re a blogger, eCommerce store, or small business owner ready to master Pinterest strategy, I can help!
As a Pinterest Marketing Manager since 2017, I specialize in creating custom Pinterest strategies that drive engagement and traffic year-round!
👉 Let’s build your Pinterest strategy together, while you focus on your business growth! Contact me here!
My service is completed and full Pinterest monthly management (organic strategy) – there is no need for you to do anything. Here is another case study to read more on how I increased 3 times the monthly traffic for a blogger in 12 months (and of course affiliate sales) for a client (Pinterest case study 1): socialmarketingnest.com/my-pinterest-marketing-tips-and-pinterest-traffic-case-study/
I personally care for each of my client’s accounts and because my time is limited, I can’t take every project, just one or two per month. My focus are bloggers and small businesses in almost any niche. Price starts at only 300 $ per month.
Here are a few ways I can support you with Pinterest marketing help:
- Building Personalized Pinterest strategy, updated for 2026 as a one-time project (implemented by you);
- Monthly Pinterest Management on a long-term for more than 6 months (done for you monthly Pinterest management service – this is my main service).
- One-time Pinterest account set up, optimization or Pinterest audit clean up (done for you one time service);
- Custom Pinterest Canva Templates creation based on your content with a problem-solution model;
- Pinterest one-time consultation with tips for growth in 2025-2026 for your blog – in a pdf file with easy to implement steps by you;
To see more about me and my work with other bloggers, you can check my testimonials here. Feel free to contact me for all things Pinterest help here!
Here is my LinkedIn for a quick connection and help:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmarketingnest/
I will be happy to support and help you in your Pinterest journey in 2025-2026!
About the author:
Stiliyana Stoycheva – Pinterest Manager, Strategist and Consultant located in Varna, Bulgaria
Helping entrepreneurs worldwide with their internet marketing strategy, specializing in Pinterest marketing for bloggers. She has solid experience behind her with hundreds of clients from all over the world, helping them with highly successful and result oriented Pinterest management services. She has studied the Pinterest platform in detail for the last 8 years and has tested various strategies for maximum performance.
To understand more about me and SocialMarketingNest team, read our FAQ here.
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