How Does the Pinterest Algorithm Work?

Pinterest is a true social media giant, with 498 million active users worldwide. Cutting through the clutter isn’t easy, with billions of Pins all competing for the same attention. But it’s entirely possible with the right knowledge of how the Pinterest algorithm works. By getting the Pinterest algorithm on your side, you can hit the top spots and make a name for yourself in your niche.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to improve your Pin quality, catch the eye of the platform’s search algorithm, and make your content shine. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fast-track your journey to Pinterest fame, you’ll find the information and insights below invaluable.

What is the Pinterest Algorithm?

The Pinterest Algorithm is a smart system that organizes and decides which Pins appear in your personal feed and search results. Think of it as a helpful assistant who knows exactly what you enjoy and arranges the trending Pins and boards you see.

Every time you use Pinterest, this algorithm is at work making sure that every user’s feed & search results are filled with relevant and engaging content. For all types of Pinterest users, this means a smoother and more customized browsing experience that feels uniquely tailored to their interests. We’ll explore the workings of this algorithm in more detail as we go on.

How Does the Pinterest Algorithm Work?

Understanding how the Pinterest algorithm works is crucial and isn’t quite as difficult as you might think. It’s simply an automated system that singles out the best content on the site in order to showcase it to those who are likely to be interested in it:

For the most part, the platform’s algorithm is on the lookout for four important things when deciding which Pins and profiles to promote:

1. Domain Quality

This refers to the credibility and value of the website or page linked to your pins. Pinterest values high-quality domains, and a few steps can help enhance your domain’s standing. Switching to a business account is the first step, offering you tools and insights reserved for professional use.

Creating ‘rich pins’ – which provide more context about the Pin – also plays a role here. They can be articles, recipes, or products, offering more depth to users. Furthermore, consistently pinning top-notch content that drives user engagement and traffic to your site positively impacts your domain’s quality. It’s simple – better domain quality means better visibility on Pinterest.

2. Pin Quality

The Pinterest algorithm also scrutinizes the appeal and value of the individual Pins you post. High-quality images with clear, attractive visuals are essential, accompanied by compelling titles and accurate, keyword-rich descriptions that provide context.

It’s not just about what’s on the surface; engagement metrics like repins, clicks, and comments also play a big role. The Pinterest algorithm uses these signals to gauge how worthwhile your Pin is to the community. Invest time in creating engaging, valuable pins, and you’ll see an improvement in how widely they’re shared and seen.

3. Pinner Quality

This is a reflection of your reputation on the platform. Pinterest assesses how frequently and consistently you Pin content, your engagement level with other pins, and your overall contribution to the Pinterest community.

Actively pinning popular and relevant content, maintaining a regular pinning schedule, and engaging with other people’s Pins enhances your status as a quality pinner. High pinner quality naturally boosts your content’s visibility, helping it stand out in user feeds and search results.

4. Pin Relevance

In short, this means how well your Pins match users’ interests. The more aligned your content is with what users are searching for or interested in, the more likely it is to appear in their feeds. The algorithm considers various signals, including keywords in your Pin’s title and description, the categories and boards you Pin to, and the interests of users who engage with your pins.

Crafting content that resonates with and is relevant to a well-defined audience increases the chances your Pins will be prominently displayed and recommended to interested users.

Evolution of Pinterest Algorithm Updates

The Pinterest Algorithm is constantly evolving, undergoing frequent updates to improve the user experience by making content discovery more personalized. These updates are essential for adapting to changing user behaviors and preferences, ensuring that the platform remains engaging and relevant.

As a result, the way your content is seen and interacted with on Pinterest can shift significantly with each major update, highlighting the importance of staying informed. Here’s an overview of just a handful of major Pinterest algorithm updates over the years:

2015 – Local Search & Streamlined Suggestions

Pinterest began to personalize search results to match each user’s location and language, enhancing relevance. For example, a search for “recipe ideas” by someone in France would now display results from French sites in the local language. Additionally, the platform started to offer more accurate suggestions right after users began typing.

2016 – Save Button Went Global, Pins Ratio & Rich Pin Descriptions From Feeds Removal

To make the platform more inclusive internationally, Pinterest’s “Pin” button was renamed to “Save.” They also adjusted the display size of pins, setting a new aspect ratio limit to ensure images weren’t cropped unexpectedly. Detailed descriptions from rich Pins were removed from the main feed and made visible only in detailed view.

2017 – Hashtag Invitations, Board Sections, & Launched Lens (Beta)

This was the year Pinterest (finally) lifted its ban on hashtags, welcoming them as a new feature for users to categorize content effectively. The introduction of board sections allowed for better organization within boards by topic. They also launched the lens feature in beta, enabling users to search for Pins and ideas using their cameras.

2018 – Introduction to Following Tabs, Profile Covers, Monthly Reach Made Public, & Activity Tab Launch

The “Following” tab was introduced, focusing on content from followed accounts in chronological order. Pinterest also offered customizable profile covers featuring a collection of the user’s latest pins. Visibility of monthly reach statistics was made public, and an “Activity” tab showcased all Pins saved from a user’s website.

2019 – New Analytics Dashboard

Pinterest updated its analytics dashboard to a more streamlined and user-friendly interface, making it easier for creators to track their content’s performance.

2020 – Today Tab on Mobile Apps, Fresh Pins, & Controllable Distribution

A “Today” tab was added to the mobile app, drawing daily inspiration from trending Pins and curated topics. Focus on “fresh” Pins was emphasized, indicating a preference for new, up-to-date content. Pinterest aimed to diversify the type of content shown in users’ home feeds.

2022 – Idea Pins Taking up the Space

Idea Pins began to dominate the platform, resulting in traditional Pins receiving less exposure. This shift highlighted the platform’s evolving content preferences.

2023 – Diverse and Inclusive Results

This was an update geared towards providing more dynamic and diverse search results. The platform aims to improve the relevance and contextual understanding of Pins and user queries by utilizing advanced natural language processing and computer vision.

Conversion Optimization Performance Update (2024)

More recently, Pinterest significantly enhanced the effectiveness of its ads with a groundbreaking update, utilizing advanced technology such as Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Multi-Task Learning (MTL), and user sequence modeling.

These technologies work together to understand the intricate ways users interact with the platform and each other, optimizing ad performance by predicting what users are most likely to engage with next. This update means everyday users now see more relevant ads tailored to their preferences and behaviors, while creators and advertisers can enjoy higher engagement rates and more successful campaigns.

15 Simple Tricks to Beat the Pinterest Algorithm

Call it beating, hacking, or simply winning over the Pinterest algorithm; it’s something you have to do. To help push your Pins and profile in the right direction, here’s how to get noticed for all the right reasons and quickly climb the rankings in your niche:

1. Optimize Your Profile

Boosting your Pinterest presence starts with an optimized profile. Ensure all details are filled out, including a compelling and descriptive bio, complete with relevant keywords that match your target audience’s interests.

Regular updates are also vital. As for the visuals, ensure your profile image is crisp at 165 x 165 pixels, and select a dynamic cover image at an aspect ratio of 16:9. Remember, you only have 75 characters in your profile name, so make each one count!

2. Format Images Meticulously

On Pinterest, every pixel matters. Be sure to use high-resolution images and optimize them for a vertical layout – the preferred format on this platform. Descriptive captions not only let users know what your Pin is about but are also crucial for showing up in relevant search results.

In terms of sizing, regular Pins shine at a 2:3 ratio (1000 x 1500 pixels), collection Pins are best set to 16:9 (1000 x 600 pixels), and the ideal size for story Pins is 1080 x 1920 pixels. Stick with these to maximize your pins’ visibility and appeal.

3. Post Evergreen Content

“Evergreen content” means pinning engaging content that stays relevant over time, translating to consistent traffic and engagement. Posts on permanently popular topics (as opposed to passing fads) hold the most long-term value.

Whether it’s an educational how-to guide, an entertaining instructional, or simply informative insight, consider how long it will hold relevance to your target audience. Also, remember that keeping your content Short and Sweet is key, as most users have (very) short attention spans.

4. Conduct Keyword Research

Getting your Pinterest content noticed begins with keyword research. Start by using Pinterest’s own search bar: start typing a word related to your content and see what suggestions pop up. These suggestions are popular search terms you should consider using.

Also, check out the descriptions of top Pins in your area for more keyword ideas. Choose keywords that are not only relevant but also popular among your target audience. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your PIN titles, descriptions, and even file names to boost your visibility.

5. Choose Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags help the Pinterest algorithm categorize your pins, making them easier for users interested in specific topics to find. To identify appropriate hashtags, think about the main themes of your Pin and what words your target audience might use to search for that content.

Look at popular and trending Pins in your niche to see which hashtags they use. Aim for a mix of broad and niche-specific hashtags for the best results. Incorporating the right hashtags into your Pin descriptions will help your content reach the right viewers by showing the algorithm exactly who you are aiming it at.

6. Schedule and Post Consistently

Posting helps influence the Pinterest algorithm, showing that your account is active and providing valuable content. Consider creating a content calendar to plan your Pins in advance. This strategy lets you identify the best times for posting when your audience is most active and ensures you regularly contribute fresh content.

Sticking to a regular posting schedule not only helps keep your audience engaged, but also signals to the Pinterest algorithm that your content is relevant, and regularly updated. Thus, increasing your chances of appearing in user feeds and search results.

7. Add Text to Your Graphics

Text helps convey your message quickly while also making your content more searchable and engaging. To ensure your text-enhanced graphics stand out, use clear fonts that are easy to read, even on smaller screens. Keep your wording concise to instantly communicate the value of your Pin.

Utilize contrasting colors to ensure your text pops against the background, making your message impossible to overlook. This will not only pull in more views but also encourage interactions – all helping to improve your standing with the Pinterest algorithm.

8. Create Video Pins

Videos generate higher engagement than static posts, sparking more interaction and driving traffic to your page or website. For an effective video pin, aim for a concise length – 6 to 15 seconds being the optimum duration.

Focus on content that offers value, whether it’s a how-to guide, a product demonstration, or an engaging story connected to your niche. Every engaging video you add to your board signals to the Pinterest algorithm that your content is worth prioritizing, helping boost your visibility and reach.

9. Utilize Rich Pins

Rich Pins automatically pulls extra details from your site. There are several types available, including article Pins for blog posts and news, product Pins for items with pricing and availability, and recipe Pins that include ingredients and cooking times.

These enriched Pins not only offer more value to your audience at a glance but also signal to the Pinterest algorithm that your content is trustworthy and informative. This extra layer of detail encourages higher engagement rates and, in turn, better visibility on the platform – all helping you catch the algorithm’s attention.

10. Verify Your Website

When you verify your website, you’re telling Pinterest and its users that you are the legitimate owner of the content being shared. The process is easy enough: navigate to the Pinterest settings to claim your site, where you’ll be given a unique HTML tag. Then, insert this tag into the code of your website, typically within the head section.

After adding the tag, return to Pinterest to verify your website URL. This simple action instantly boosts your standing with the Pinterest algorithm, enhancing your content’s visibility and strengthening your profile’s authenticity.

11. Integrate the Pinterest Save Button on Your Website

This is an easy way to boost engagement and encourage content sharing directly from your site. The ‘Save’ button allows visitors to Pin your content to their own Pinterest boards instantly, spreading your reach to a broader audience. For the best results, focus on creating highly pinnable images that capture visitors’ attention.

Think of high-quality, visually appealing photos or graphics that tell a story or convey a clear message. Alongside these images, incorporate compelling calls-to-action, guiding users to save your content for later inspiration or to share with their Pinterest followers.

12. Switch to a Business Account

Switching to a Pinterest business account unlocks a suite of features to connect with your audience and track your performance. For instance, you can add a link to your website directly on your profile, making it easy for potential customers to find you. Access to analytics is another major benefit, offering insights into how your Pins perform in terms of reach, impressions, and engagement.

These tools are invaluable for refining your content strategy, and ensuring your Pins resonate with your target audience. Utilizing a business account effectively can help grab the Pinterest algorithm’s attention, by demonstrating that your content is valuable and engaging.

13. Verified Pinterest Account

A verified badge adds a layer of credibility, signaling to users that you’re a trustworthy source. This increase in trust can quickly lead to better engagement rates and higher visibility on the platform. To be eligible, your Pinterest account needs to be at least three months old, and your business website needs to be at least one year old.

You’ll also need a complete profile with a logo and bio. You can then connect your product catalog to Pinterest and submit your application for review.

14. Prioritize Quality, Not Quantity

High-quality Pins that inspire your audience are far more likely to drive engagement than huge volumes of mediocre content. Prioritizing quality naturally encourages deeper interactions (such as saves and shares), which the Pinterest algorithm sees as signals of valuable content.

Creating thoughtfully designed Pins that offer real value to your target audience makes you more likely to stand out in your niche. In doing so, you’ll attract the algorithm’s attention and foster an engaged community around your boards.

15. Stay Active, Engaged & Updated

Last up, integrating current trends into your content strategy ensures your Pins remain relevant and engaging. Likewise, regular interaction with your followers helps to build a stronger connection and creates a sense of community around your content.

Consistent engagement and content freshness show the Pinterest algorithm that your account is a valuable source of genuinely useful information. Thus encouraging it to reward your Pins with higher visibility. Keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s new and interesting in your niche will always give you an edge.

In Summary

Each month, the Pinterest algorithm directs more than 2 billion searches. Unless you can afford to turn your back on such massive global traffic, you need to what it takes to get the algorithm on your side. Each of the tips outlined above could make a real difference to your visibility, reach, and all-round credibility.

Success on Pinterest starts with high-quality Pins, but it’s just as important to show the platform’s algorithm you’re worth promoting and recommending. Incorporate all 15 of these tips into your strategy, and you’ll soon be climbing the rankings with a real shot at Pinterest fame.