Because of the high traffic of the platform, Pinterest videos are one of the most effective tools to grab attention and drive traffic to your product or page. But to succeed, you’ll need to understand how to create, upload, and optimize video content that works with Pinterest’s visual-first format and mobile audience.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key benefits of using video on Pinterest, highlight some strategic content ideas, and answer some common questions to help you create scroll-stopping pins that meet platform specs and deliver results.
- Benefits of adding videos to Pinterest
- Pinterest Video Pins: Content types and best practices
- How to upload videos on Pinterest in 6 steps
- How to easily share videos on Pinterest
- Why can’t I post a video on Pinterest? Common issues explained
- Frequently asked questions about Pinterest videos
- Elevate your Pinterest video content with Vimeo
Benefits of adding videos to Pinterest
Here’s how Pinterest Video Pins can elevate your business’s social media strategy:
- More visibility in feeds and search: Video Pins auto-play as users scroll, helping them stand out in a static sea of images. With Pinterest’s algorithm, relevant videos are often throttled to appear near the top of results.
- Better storytelling for products and ideas: Whether you’re showing how a product works or sharing a tip, videos are a memorable way to communicate with viewers.
- Higher engagement and saves: Pinterest users are planners. If your video provides value through how-tos, solutions, or inspiration, users are more likely to save it or click through.
- Stronger brand recall: Movement, music, and voiceover make your content more identifiable when paired with clear, consistent visual elements.
- Increased conversions: Brands using Video Pins for product demos and testimonials might see better performance in click-through rates and intent-driven conversions.
With Vimeo’s easy video editor, you can trim, resize, and format content to fit Pinterest’s unique specs, including video lengths. It’s ideal for creating high-performing Video Pins that look sharp and load fast.
Pinterest Video Pins: Content types and best practices
Pinterest Video Pins are great for marketing reach if you use them strategically. Here are some smart ways to leverage video on the platform:
- Product demonstrations: Don’t just tell users what your product does. Show them how it works, what makes it unique, or how it solves a problem.
- Quick tutorials or how-tos: Teach users something in 15 to 30 seconds. If it’s useful or solves a common pain point, they’ll likely remember your product.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses: Offer a peek into your process, team dynamic, or workspace. These videos reel users in by giving them access to the inside info.
- Before and after transformations: Everyone loves a glow-up. These videos are perfect for beauty, wellness, home, or design brands.
- Brand storytelling moments: Have a good product origin story? Use narrative-style content to build an emotional connection.
If you aren’t sure what to post on Pinterest, any combination of the above suggestions will showcase your brand and provide value.
Best practices for creating high-performing Pinterest videos
Creating standout Video Pins starts with the right approach and the right video editor. After that, try these quick tips to grab more attention:
- Start with a hook: The first two to three seconds are critical. Use motion, a bold caption, or a product in action to stop the scroll.
- Keep your video focused: Stick to one message per pin. Simplicity improves retention and makes the CTA clearer.
- Optimize for discovery: Add keyword-rich text overlays, titles, and descriptions. Make sure your visuals and file specs meet Pinterest guidelines.
Additionally, if you use the Pinterest App, ensure your content is mobile-optimized with a vertical 2:3 aspect ratio, clear audio, and readable subtitles.
How to upload videos on Pinterest in 6 steps
Uploading videos to Pinterest is simple with the right tools. Here’s how to post videos on Pinterest from desktop and mobile.
1. Create your video to spec
You can use an online video editor to help your video meet Pinterest’s requirements. Keep in mind that when it comes to how long Pinterest videos can be, the platform allows videos up to 15 minutes in some formats, but shorter videos tend to perform better.
- File type: MP4 or MOV
- Aspect ratio: 2:3 preferred
- Pinterest video length: 4 to 15 seconds for most pins
- Pinterest video size: The maximum file size is 2 GB (use Vimeo’s editor to compress large videos without losing quality!)
If you need inspiration for your next Video Pin, check out these Pinterest ad examples to see how standout brands use video to engage and convert. Then, bring your own vision to life with Vimeo’s editor tools, which are perfect for crafting video ads that meet Pinterest’s specs.
Upload and edit videos with Vimeo →
2. Log in to Pinterest
On a desktop, go to your profile and click “Create Pin.” On mobile, open the Pinterest app, tap the plus sign, and select “Pin.”
3. Upload your video
Click the media upload icon and choose your video. If you want to save Pinterest videos to use later or re-edit, store them in Vimeo.
4. Add your title and description
Include interesting and relevant keywords, like product names, trending topics, and hashtags. For example, “How to set up a balcony herb garden” or “#braid tutorial” are both descriptive and evocative.
5. Add a destination link
Link your pin to a product page, blog post, or landing page. You can copy the link from your site and paste it directly.
6. Choose your board and publish
Select a relevant board and click “Publish.” If your video meets Pinterest’s specs, it’ll begin processing and go live shortly.
Bonus tip: Use a Pinterest Video Downloader to back up your previously uploaded pins for repurposing.
How to easily share videos on Pinterest
There are two simple ways to share video content on Pinterest directly from your website:
- Use cross-posting from Vimeo: Embed your video on Vimeo and then pin the page to Pinterest. Users can click through to view or play natively.
- Use a website URL as a pin: On desktop or mobile, click the plus icon in Pinterest and choose “Save from site.” Enter your site URL with the embedded video and select the thumbnail Pinterest pulls in.
Both methods allow sharing, saving, or downloading videos from other platforms to support your Pinterest content strategy.
Why can’t I post a video on Pinterest? Common issues explained
If you’re having trouble uploading your video, it could be due to a format or account issue. Here are some common blockers:
- Your file doesn’t meet Pinterest’s video specs: If the file size is too large, the format is incorrect, or the video is too long, Pinterest will reject it. Use Vimeo’s video editor to properly compress, trim, and reformat your content.
- You don’t have a business account: Video Pins require a Pinterest Business account. Personal accounts don’t support video uploads.
- The platform is glitching or under review: Sometimes uploads get delayed. Try again, switch browsers, or upload via the Pinterest app.
If your issue is with playback, you might wonder why you can’t watch videos on Pinterest. In most cases, it’s due to network restrictions or app settings — updating the app or browser usually resolves these issues.
Frequently asked questions about Pinterest videos
What are the ideal Pinterest video specs?
The perfect specs for Pinterest videos are a 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 pixels) for a full-screen vertical look, or a 2:3 aspect ratio (1000 x 1500 pixels). Videos should last anywhere from 4 seconds to 15 minutes, with a max file size of 2GB. The three most recommended formats are MP4, MOV, or M4V.
Can Pinterest Pins be videos?
Yes, Pinterest supports Video Pins, which are short, scroll-stopping clips that autoplay in users’ feeds. These pins are ideal for showcasing products, tutorials, or brand stories. Video Pins can be uploaded directly through a business account and are a powerful way to increase visibility and saves on the platform.
When should I use Video Pins?
Use Video Pins to highlight a product or moment that benefits from motion or a step-by-step explanation. They’re ideal for tutorials, reveals, and storytelling.
How do I upload a video to an Idea Pin?
On mobile, open the Pinterest app, tap the plus icon, and select “Idea Pin.” Then upload your video and customize it with text, music, and stickers.
How do I view in full screen on Pinterest?
On your mobile device, tap a video or “Idea Pin,” then rotate your phone. On desktop, click the full-screen icon in the corner of the pin player.
Is there a downside to Pinterest?
In general, it’s difficult to drive conversions if your content isn’t visually engaging or strategically pinned. However, like many advertising strategies, it’s a long game — continued engagement counts. Pinterest requires consistent posting and patience.
How can I filter out AI art from Pinterest?
Currently, you can't filter out AI-generated videos directly on Pinterest, but here's what the platform is doing and how you can manage what you see. Pinterest is adding AI-modified labels to images when their system identifies that they were created or altered using AI. This is based on the image metadata and classifiers that Pinterest has developed. Pinterest is also testing a new feature that lets users choose a "See Fewer" option for AI-generated Pins in certain categories. This will tell the system to show you less of this type of content.
Elevate your Pinterest video content with Vimeo
Pinterest Video Pins offer a high-impact way to reach new audiences and boost brand visibility. With the right strategy, creators and businesses can drive engagement, traffic, and conversions using short, visually striking videos.
Vimeo’s video editor tools make the process simple. Trim, compress, resize, and brand your videos so they look perfect on Pinterest. With built-in features for merging clips and customizing aspect ratios, Vimeo gives you everything you need to create standout content that works.
