NOTE: As of summer 2023, Pinterest decided to merge Idea Pins and Video Pins into one format, now simply called “Pins”. I know, super innovative, right? 😉 While some accounts might still see the option to “Create an Idea Pin” in their menu, under analytics, Idea Pins have started to be categorized as Video Pins. If you’re advertising on Pinterest, you’ll still have the ability to create Idea ads.
I’ll be bold and drop a truth bomb right here at the beginning: idea pins are here, and they’re taking the stage, whether you we like it or not.
There, I said it. 😉
Recently Instagram announced that it is no longer just a photo-sharing application. If you haven’t noticed, many platforms are going in this direction, including Pinterest. They are prioritizing and promoting video content more and more.
And idea pins on Pinterest, a video-first tool now available to creators globally*, are a fantastic way to tell a compelling story.
(*a complete list of countries where Idea pins are available)
Wait, a STORY? So idea pins are basically stories?
Hang in there; we’ll come to that in a sec.
WHAT ARE IDEA PINS ON PINTEREST?
Idea pins are the latest pin format that was launched a while ago under the name “Story pins” and was available only in a few countries.
To avoid confusion (we all know another platform with “stories” 😉) and enhance their purpose, they were renamed in May 2021.
Idea pins are not meant to be used for sharing quick snaps of your (otherwise super adorable, I’m sure!) pup in your lap while you’re working or re-sharing inspirational quotes from others.
SO, WHAT TO INCLUDE IN IDEA PINS THEN?
Every compelling story has a beginning, middle, and end, and you should aim to present a brand or an idea in a unique, creative way that will incite curiosity.
You can use up to 20 slides for each idea pin, and some of the best ways to utilize this format are to:
- Create how-to guides
- Share helpful tips and hacks (relevant for your niche)
- Showcase the process
- Give ideas for a product use
Each slide should represent a segment of your story, and the last pin is a perfect place to add a CTA (call to action!)
SOMETHING ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IDEA PINS
Idea pins do not disappear after 24 hours, and their name indicates their purpose – they enable creators to share long-lasting ideas in the form of a compelling story.
With the difference between static and video pins, idea pins are not clickable (at least atm), meaning that pinners won’t be able to click through to your website. And let’s admit it, this is the main reason that many are still struggling with the idea of boarding the “idea-pin-train”.
So, are there any benefits of idea pins for creators?
Shortly – YES.
Even I was initially reluctant when I noticed that idea pins are being pushed on the top of home feeds and clients started to receive fewer clicks to their websites.
But as it is with any other platform – when a new feature is released, it’s smart to find the best way to use it, and sometimes that means you need to get creative!
With engagements and followers gaining in importance on the platform, idea pins are a perfect way to grow your followers and brand awareness and receive more exposure.
Pinterest itself adds a CTA in the form of a “Follow” button at the end of your story pin, and you can invite pinners to follow you too (on a pin idea slide and inside the “Additional information” section.
Pinterest is also more likely to show your content in the form of an idea pin not only to your existing followers but also to other pinners on the platform.
With that being said, they are a great tool to grow visibility!
Don’t know who to follow on Pinterest? You may want to read this article then!
HOW TO CREATE AN IDEA PIN ON PINTEREST
If idea pins are available in your country, you’ll be able to find them under the ‘Save’ tab when you click + button.
Before creating the first-ever idea pin, you’ll be asked to agree to the Creator’s Code.
Following the next step, you can upload up to 20 images or videos. Pinterest idea pin size should be 1080px x 1920px and videos can be between 1-60s longs.
There are several editing apps available, but as for other pin designs, I use Canva Pro for idea pins, too – I absolutely love how simple and user-friendly it is.
Another way to create an idea pin is to upload images or videos and edit them inside Pinterest Idea Pin builder – it’s possible to add music or voice cover, stickers, text, and colors and make them your own.
The last step before publishing an idea pin is to add a title (don’t forget about the keywords!), topic tags (another thing important for the distribution of your idea pin), and additional information (step-by-step instructions, recipes, or notes).
Once you hit the Publish button, your idea pin will appear at the top of the ‘Create’ tab (and start getting impressions very soon!)
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF THE PINTEREST IDEA PINS
There are a few best practices that you should follow when creating idea pins that will help them reach their true potential.
DO’S
- Use video a lot and use it early on. Even Pinterest itself suggested that idea pins with video on the first page will stand out among others.
- Create at least 5 slides so that you’ll be able to tell a compelling story.
- Use text overlays in case your video has a sound. Idea pins are played without sound by default, and being inclusive is of utmost importance.
- While Pinterest is not a social media platform, they want to connect brands and businesses with the pinners, and idea pins are meant to do that. So don’t be afraid to show the face behind the brand too!
- Don’t skip topic tagging! This will tell the algorithm what your idea pin is about.
- Use a call to action. No, not in a salesy, obvious “this-is-an-ad” kind of a way, but do invite pinners to comment, to save the pin for later, or to follow you for more ideas about this awesome topic you were talking about. Besides, engagement on your idea pin will also affect the distribution, so enhancing the conversation by asking a question will additionally help your idea pin to get better exposure.
- Check idea pin analytics! The performance of idea pins can now be checked inside Pinterest analytics and based on impressions, saves, profile clicks, and follows, you’ll be able to determine what kind of content to create.
DON’TS
- Do not create obvious “ad pins.” Aim to inspire instead.
- Avoid adding URL to your idea pin “Additional information” as Pinterest announced that would affect the distribution of the pin. Instead, as mentioned above, invite people to follow you or engage with the idea pin.
- Another thing that Pinterest doesn’t like is that you take content from the other platforms and directly upload it (makes sense, since this is almost direct advertising! 😀). So, remove any TikTok or IG logos, repurpose content and upload it to Pinterest.
- Don’t use blurry videos or images. This is a general tip for any platform – use high-quality images and videos that will make pinners want to learn more about your brand, follow you and visit your website.
Did you find this article helpful? Have you already created idea pins? Share your thoughts on it in the comments!
