Video Pins are taking Pinterest by storm, and it’s no wonder why!
These eye-catching, moving images help your content stand out in a sea of static pins and drive more engagement.
Creating short videos between 6 to 15 seconds long is the trick to going viral on Pinterest, capturing attention quickly before users scroll away.
I’ve found that making Video Pins doesn’t have to be complicated either.
You can repurpose content from Instagram or TikTok, create animated graphics, use Canva’s video tools, or even make stop motion videos with apps like Life Lapse.
What I love about Pinterest videos is their versatility. You don’t even need to worry about sound – in fact, designing your videos to work without audio is one of the best practices since many users browse silently.
Plus, with Pinterest’s emphasis on high-quality content, well-crafted Video Pins can help you grow your following and potentially get accepted into the Creator Rewards program.
Trust me, your Pinterest strategy is incomplete without embracing video content!
Key Takeaways
- Keep your Video Pins brief (6-15 seconds) to maximize viewer engagement and increase viral potential.
- Repurpose content from other platforms or use simple tools like Canva to create videos without specialized equipment.
- Design your Video Pins to work without sound and follow Pinterest’s recommended specifications for best results.
Setting the Stage for Video Pins
Video Pins are a powerful tool for catching attention and driving engagement on Pinterest. They offer a dynamic way to showcase your content and connect with your audience.
Understanding Video Pins
Video Pins are exactly what they sound like – pins that feature video content instead of static images. They autoplay as users scroll through their feeds, making them eye-catching and engaging.
Pinterest recommends videos that are quick and to the point. Think short, sweet, and packed with value! You don’t need fancy equipment either – your smartphone can work just fine.
Videos should be high-quality but don’t need to be Hollywood productions. I’ve found that authentic content often performs better than overly polished videos.
Remember that most people will watch without sound, so your video should make sense visually. Adding text overlays can help communicate your message clearly.
Why Video Pins Rock
Video Pins are absolute engagement magnets! They catch the eye in a sea of static images and keep viewers interested longer than regular pins.
I’ve seen Video Pins get up to 2-3× more engagement than static pins. They’re perfect for:
- Demonstrating how products work
- Showing before-and-after results
- Teaching a quick skill or technique
- Telling a short story
The best part? Video Pins have a longer shelf life than content on other platforms. While an Instagram story disappears after 24 hours, Pinterest videos can continue driving traffic for months!
Videos also help build trust with your audience. When people see real demonstrations or tutorials, they’re more likely to convert and take action on your calls to action (CTAs).
Crafting Your Pin Strategy
Creating a successful Pinterest video strategy isn’t just about making pretty pins. It’s about having a clear plan that guides your content creation and helps you reach your goals.
Let’s break down how to craft a strategy that actually works.
Defining Your Goals
First things first – what do you want your video pins to accomplish? Without clear goals, you’re just throwing content into the void and hoping something sticks. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Are you looking to drive traffic to your website? Increase product sales? Build brand awareness? Each goal requires a different approach.
For traffic goals, focus on creating video pins that tease valuable content on your site. If you’re selling products, showcase them in action with clear CTAs like “Shop Now.”
Don’t try to accomplish everything with one pin. I’ve found that pins with a single, clear objective perform much better than those trying to do too many things at once.
Goal examples:
- Drive traffic to blog posts
- Increase product sales
- Grow your email list
- Build brand recognition
Knowing Your Audience
Who are you making these video pins for? Understanding your audience is crucial for creating content they’ll actually stop scrolling for.
Pinterest isn’t just for crafts and recipes anymore. The platform has diverse users with different interests and needs. Look at your Pinterest analytics to see who’s already engaging with your content.
What problems can you solve for them? What questions do they have? What inspires them? These insights will guide your video content.
I’ve noticed that pins that address specific pain points or offer clear solutions get way more engagement than generic content. People come to Pinterest looking for ideas and answers!
Pay attention to comments on your pins and questions in your DMs. They’re goldmines for understanding what your audience wants to see more of.
Mapping Out the Content Plan
Now for the fun part – planning what you’ll actually create! A consistent content plan keeps you organized and helps you maintain a steady presence.
Start by brainstorming video pin ideas that align with your goals and audience needs. Think about different formats you can use:
- Quick tutorials
- Before/after reveals
- Product demonstrations
- Tips and hacks
Create a simple content calendar marking when you’ll post each pin. I aim for 3-5 video pins per week, but quality always beats quantity.
Batch your content creation whenever possible. I set aside one day a month to film multiple videos, which saves tons of time. You can then schedule them to post throughout the month.
Don’t forget to plan for seasonal content and trends. Pinterest users often search for ideas months before holidays or events!
Creating Killer Video Content
Let’s talk about making videos that people actually want to watch on Pinterest. Creating content that stops the scroll isn’t rocket science, but it does require some strategy and creativity.
I’ve got some practical tips that will help your Video Pins stand out.
Conceptualizing the Video
First things first – you need a solid concept. Think about what problem you’re solving for your audience. What’s their pain point? People come to Pinterest looking for ideas and solutions.
Your video should:
- Deliver a clear benefit within the first 3 seconds
- Focus on a single, specific topic (like “5-minute hairstyles” not just “hair tips”)
- Tell a visual story with a beginning, middle, and end
I’ve found that “before and after” videos work amazingly well on Pinterest. People love transformation content! Also, seasonal content tends to perform better than generic evergreen stuff. Try planning your video concepts around upcoming holidays or trends.
Shooting Tips & Tricks
You don’t need fancy equipment to create great Video Pins. My iPhone and natural light have created some of my most successful pins ever!
Lighting basics:
- Shoot near windows for natural light
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates shadows
- If filming yourself, face toward the light source
Keep your background clean and uncluttered. Pinterest is a visually-focused platform, so messy backgrounds will distract from your message.
I like to shoot in portrait mode (vertical) since that takes up more space in the Pinterest feed. And don’t worry about making your video too long – 15 seconds can be plenty for a Video Pin! Focus on quality over quantity.
Editing Like a Pro
Editing might seem intimidating, but there are so many user-friendly apps now. I use InShot and Canva for most of my Video Pins and they’re super simple.
Quick editing tips:
- Cut out any “dead air” or hesitations
- Speed up repetitive processes (nobody needs to watch you fold an entire basket of laundry in real-time)
- Add transitions between scenes for a professional feel
- Use your brand colors in borders or effects
Don’t overdo the special effects! Clean, simple edits usually perform better than videos with too many transitions or filters. Remember, you want your content to look authentic, not overly produced.
Adding Captions and Text Overlays
Here’s a secret: about 85% of Pinterest videos are watched without sound. Yep, you read that right! That’s why captions and text overlays are absolute must-haves.
Make your text:
- Large enough to read on mobile
- High contrast against the background
- On-brand with your colors and fonts
- Concise and action-oriented
I always include a text hook at the beginning that clearly states what the viewer will learn. Something like “3 Ways to Style a Graphic Tee for a Trendy Look” immediately tells people what they’ll get from watching.
For longer processes, use numbered steps as text overlays to guide viewers through. This works especially well for tutorials and DIY content. And always, always add closed captions for accessibility!
Optimizing and Uploading
Getting your video pins to stand out on Pinterest requires some technical know-how and strategic thinking. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of optimizing your pins before you hit that upload button.
The Right Dimensions
Pinterest loves vertical videos! Aim for a 2:3 aspect ratio (like 1000 x 1500 pixels) for best results. I’ve found that this format takes up more real estate on users’ feeds, giving your content more visibility.
Keep your file size under 2GB if you want things to run smoothly. Nobody wants to watch a laggy video!
For length, shorter is sweeter – 6 to 15 seconds is the sweet spot. This duration allows you to convey your message effectively while keeping viewers’ attention as they scroll through their feeds. Additionally, videos between 30 and 40 seconds can also perform well, as they provide enough time to paint a more detailed picture without losing viewer interest. After that, engagement drops dramatically.
Pinterest isn’t YouTube; people are scrolling quickly and making quick decisions.
Format-wise, MP4 files work best. They maintain good quality while keeping file sizes reasonable.
Choosing Thumbnails That Pop
Your thumbnail is like a first date – you’ve got one chance to make a good impression!
Select a high-contrast image that’s clear even at small sizes.
I always include text overlay on my thumbnails. Quick tip: use bold fonts with strong color contrast so it’s readable on mobile.
Avoid cluttering your thumbnail with too many elements. One focal point + simple text = winner!
Test different thumbnails with similar content to see what gets more clicks. I was shocked when my simplest thumbnail outperformed my most designed one by 300%!
Facial expressions in thumbnails tend to perform really well. Human connection matters, even in static images.
The SEO Edge: Titling and Descriptions
Keywords are your BFFs on Pinterest. Do some research to see what your audience is actually searching for before finalizing your titles.
I front-load my most important keywords in the first 1-2 sentences of my descriptions. Pinterest’s algorithm pays special attention to these early words.
Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally – Pinterest’s getting smarter about detecting this. Instead, write conversationally while naturally incorporating relevant terms.
Add 3-5 hashtags at the end of your description. Not too many though – Pinterest isn’t Instagram, and excessive hashtags look spammy.
Include a clear call-to-action in your description. Whether it’s “Swipe up for the full tutorial” or “Visit my website for more tips,” tell viewers exactly what to do next.
Promoting Your Video Pins
Once you’ve created amazing video pins, it’s time to get them in front of more eyeballs! Strategic promotion can make the difference between pins that flop and pins that go viral.
Leveraging the Power of Paid Promotion
Let’s face it – organic reach isn’t what it used to be. Pinterest Ads can give your video pins the boost they need to reach your target audience. I’ve found that adding a strong description, title, and relevant link to my promoted pins significantly increases engagement.
Choose a compelling thumbnail for your video – this is what will make people stop scrolling! Pinterest’s ad platform lets you target based on interests, demographics, and even keywords.
The best part? You don’t need a massive budget. I’ve seen great results starting with just $5 a day on my best-performing pins. Test different audience segments to see what works best for your content.
Cross-Promotion and Collaborations
Why limit your video pins to just Pinterest? I always share my pins across other platforms to maximize visibility. Instagram, TikTok, and even my email newsletter are perfect places to drive traffic to my Pinterest content.
Collaborations are another game-changer in my video marketing strategy. Partnering with other creators or brands in your niche can expose your pins to an entirely new audience.
Try creating collaborative boards where multiple pinners contribute video content. This pooled approach helps everyone involved gain more visibility.
Don’t forget to join Pinterest group boards related to your topic! These communities can significantly expand your reach if you consistently contribute valuable video content.
Engaging with Your Audience
Creating great Pinterest video pins is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you connect with your audience and build a community around your content. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Fostering Community Through Comments
Let’s be real—comments are where relationships bloom on Pinterest. I’ve found that asking questions in my video pins gets people talking. Try adding a simple prompt like “What’s your favorite way to use this product?” or “Would you try this technique?”
Polls and question prompts in Idea Pins are super effective too. They’re low-effort for viewers but high-value for engagement. Who doesn’t love sharing their opinion?
When people do comment, I always respond quickly and personally. Nothing kills a budding community faster than silence from the creator!
Pro tip: Use comments to gather ideas for future content. My best-performing video pins often come from questions my audience asked previously.
Using Analytics to Connect and Grow
Pinterest analytics aren’t just boring numbers—they’re literally telling you exactly what your audience wants. I check mine weekly (ok fine, sometimes daily… I’m a bit obsessed).
Look for patterns in your most-watched video pins. Do tutorials outperform product showcases? Do quick tips get more saves than longer demonstrations? The data doesn’t lie.
Pay special attention to:
- Watch time (longer = more engaging content)
- Saves (indicates truly valuable content)
- Click-through rates (shows what motivates action)
I use these insights to refine my content strategy. When I noticed my morning routine videos were getting 3x more engagement, I created a whole series of them.
Remember, growing on Pinterest isn’t about posting randomly. It’s about studying what works and doubling down on it!
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Pinterest is always evolving, and so should your video strategy. I’ve found that keeping an eye on what’s trending helps me create content that resonates with my audience and gets better engagement.
Trendspotting and Innovation
Want to know my secret weapon? I regularly check Pinterest’s “Trends” section to see what topics are heating up. This gives me a huge advantage when planning my video content calendar. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
I’ve noticed animated pins are gaining serious traction lately. These eye-catching motion graphics stand out in a sea of static content. Even a simple animation can boost your engagement rates dramatically. I’m not saying you need to become a Pixar animator overnight, but adding some movement to your pins could be worth the effort.
Pinterest video pins can truly transform your marketing game! I’ve seen brands go from barely getting noticed to becoming trending topics with the right video strategy.
Remember, it’s all about those first few seconds. Grab attention fast, make your message clear, and don’t rely on audio—most Pinners scroll in silence!
Keep your videos short and sweet. Nobody has time for a documentary when they’re browsing Pinterest. Get to the point and make every frame count!
I’ve found that telling a story works wonders. People connect with narratives, not just product features. Show how your product fits into someone’s life rather than just what it does.
Don’t forget a strong call-to-action! Tell viewers exactly what you want them to do after watching. Whether it’s “Buy Now,” “Get Started,” or “Download Free”—make it crystal clear.
Consistency is key in video marketing. Create a recognizable style that Pinners will associate with your brand. This builds trust and familiarity over time.
Start creating video pins today—they’re not as complicated as they seem! With these practices in mind, you’ll be creating engaging content that converts browsers into buyers before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pinterest Video Pins can be confusing at first, but I’ve got answers to your burning questions. Let’s tackle the most common head-scratchers about creating awesome video content that actually performs on the platform.
What are the top strategies for creating engaging Video Pins on Pinterest?
The secret sauce to engaging Video Pins starts with grabbing attention in the first 3 seconds. People scroll fast, so hit them with your best visual right away!
Keep your videos short and sweet – 15 seconds to 1 minute works best. Anything longer and you’ll lose viewers before your main point lands.
Add text overlays that explain what’s happening even when the sound is off. Most Pinterest users browse without audio, so your message needs to work silently.
Tell a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end. Even short videos need structure to feel complete and satisfying to viewers.
How can you ensure your Pinterest Video Pins are optimized for high quality?
Shoot in good lighting – natural light is your best friend for clean, professional-looking footage. Bad lighting screams “amateur” faster than anything else.
Use the recommended Pinterest specs: 1:1 (square) or 2:3 (vertical) ratio with 1080 x 1080px or 1080 x 1620px resolution. This ensures your videos look crisp.
Steady footage matters! Use a tripod or stabilizer when possible. Shaky videos are hard to watch and make viewers bail quickly.
Edit tightly to remove dead space or rambling sections. Every second should serve a purpose in your Video Pin.
What’s the real deal with safe zones for Video Pins, and why should I care?
Safe zones aren’t just designer talk – they’re crucial because Pinterest crops videos differently across devices. Keep important text and visuals in the center 2/3 of your frame.
The outer edges of your video might get clipped on mobile, where most Pinterest browsing happens. Text too close to the edge might disappear completely.
I learned this the hard way when my call-to-action got cut off on half my pins! Now I always leave generous margins around important elements.
Any insider tips on how Video Pins can go viral and boost your Pinterest street cred?
Consistency trumps viral one-offs every time. Post 2-3 Video Pins weekly rather than 10 all at once then disappearing for a month.
Jump on seasonal trends early – like posting Christmas content in September when people start planning. The algorithm rewards timely content.
Use rich keywords in your titles and descriptions that match what people actually search for. Don’t get clever with obscure phrases nobody types.
Engage with comments on your pins. The algorithm notices when you’re active and rewards that with better distribution.
What should you never forget when it comes to Pinterest video ad specifications?
Never forget to check your file size! Pinterest accepts videos up to 2GB, but smaller files typically upload and process faster.
Make sure your video is in MP4 format – it’s Pinterest’s preferred format and causes fewer upload headaches.
Always include a destination URL that works. Nothing’s worse than creating a fantastic video that leads to a broken link.
Remember that Pinterest allows videos up to 15 minutes long, but shorter is almost always better for engagement.
How can you pin content from a website to Pinterest without breaking a sweat?
Install the Pinterest browser button for one-click saving from any website. It’s the fastest way to pin stuff you find online.
When pinning from websites, check that the image it pulls is high-quality. You can choose which image to pin if the site has multiple options.
Add your own description rather than using the auto-generated one. Personal context makes your pins more discoverable and useful.
Save pins to specific, well-organized boards. This helps both you and Pinterest understand what the content is about.
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