A pin is a visual bookmark that links to a webpage or image
A pin on Pinterest is a single image with a link attached. When you create a pin, you upload or select an image, write a description, and point it to a URL — usually a product page, blog post, or your own website. Other users can then save that pin to their own boards, and if they click it, they land on whatever webpage you linked to.
Pins are how Pinterest works as a platform. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where you post content directly to your profile, Pinterest is built around collecting and sharing links. A pin is the unit of that system. When you create one, you are essentially saying: "I found this image and this webpage worth saving, and here is why."
For businesses, pins are a way to drive traffic to your website. For individuals, they are a way to organize ideas — home renovation photos, recipes, outfit inspiration — and share them with others who have the same interests.
Key Takeaways
- You create a pin by uploading an image, writing a title and description, and linking it to a webpage.
- Pins work best when the image is tall (at least 1000 by 1500 pixels) and the description includes words people actually search for on Pinterest.
- You can create a pin from scratch using Pinterest's design tool, or upload an image you already have.
- Once you publish a pin, other users can save it to their boards, and each save increases the chance more people will see it.
How to create a pin using Pinterest's built-in design tool
Pinterest includes a free design tool called Pinterest Create that lets you make a pin without leaving the site. Log in to your Pinterest account, click the plus icon in the top left corner, and select "Create a pin." Choose a template — Pinterest offers hundreds organized by category (home, fashion, food, business, and so on). Pick one that matches what you want to promote.
The template opens in an editor. You can change the background color, swap out images, edit text, and adjust the layout. Most templates come with placeholder text; replace it with your own title and description. Keep the title short — 50 characters or fewer — so it does not get cut off when someone sees it in their feed. The description can be longer and should include words that describe what the pin is about, because Pinterest has a search function and people look for pins the same way they search Google.
When you are done editing, click "Save" at the top right. Pinterest asks where you want to save the pin — choose an existing board or create a new one. Then click "Save pin" and it goes live. Other users can now find it through search, category browsing, or if they follow your account.
How to create a pin from an image you already have
If you have a photo or graphic file on your computer, you can upload it directly as a pin. Click the plus icon, select "Create a pin," then choose "Upload a file." Select the image from your computer. Pinterest will ask you to add a title, description, and destination link.
The title should be clear and specific — "Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe" works better than "Yummy Dessert." The description is where you add context and searchable words. If your pin links to a blog post about cookie recipes, mention that in the description: "straightforward chocolate chip cookie recipe with brown butter and sea salt. Bake in 12 minutes." Someone searching "quick cookie recipe" or "brown butter cookies" might find your pin because of those words.
In the "Destination URL" field, paste the web address you want the pin to link to. This is usually the URL of the webpage the image came from, or a product page if you are promoting something. Click "Save pin" and it publishes to your chosen board.
What makes a pin more likely to be saved and shared
Pinterest favors pins with certain characteristics. The image should be taller than it is wide — Pinterest's ideal ratio is 1000 pixels wide by 1500 pixels tall, or close to it. Tall images take up more space in the feed and are easier to see on mobile phones, where most Pinterest users browse. If your image is square or landscape, it will still work, but tall pins get more visibility.
The image itself should be clear and straightforward to understand at a glance. Text overlaid on the image helps — a title or key phrase that tells someone what they are looking at. Busy backgrounds or small details get lost in a feed full of other pins. Solid colors, straightforward layouts, and high contrast between text and background perform better.
Your description matters for search. Use words that describe the content and words you think people might search for. If your pin is about "vegan chocolate cake," include both "vegan" and "chocolate cake" in the description, not just the title. Pinterest's algorithm looks at both the image and the text to decide who sees the pin.
How to create pins for a business or website
If you are promoting a business, product, or blog, create pins that link back to your website or product pages. Each blog post, product listing, or service page can have its own pin. You can create multiple pins for the same page — different images, different titles, different descriptions — to test what resonates with your audience.
Use your brand colors and fonts so pins are recognizable as yours. Include your logo or website name on the image if it fits. Write descriptions that include the benefit or the reason someone should click: "Learn how to refinish hardwood floors without sanding" instead of just "Hardwood floor tips."
Schedule pins in advance using Pinterest's scheduling feature. Click "Save pin," and instead of publishing when ready, select a date and time to publish. This lets you plan content weeks ahead and spread pins out over time so your account stays active without requiring daily work.
Common mistakes to avoid when creating pins
Do not link to a broken URL or a page that no longer exists. When someone clicks your pin and lands on a 404 error, Pinterest's algorithm notices and shows the pin to fewer people. Before you publish, test the link by opening it in a new tab.
Do not use the same image and description for every pin. Variety helps — different images, different angles, different wording. If you have a blog post about meal prep, create one pin showing the finished containers, another showing the ingredients, another showing the step-by-step process. Each version can link to the same post, but they will reach different people because they appeal to different searches and interests.
Do not ignore the description field. A pin with no description or a one-word description is harder for people to find through search. Spend 10 seconds writing a real description that explains what the pin is about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a pin without uploading my own image?
Yes. Pinterest's Create tool includes stock images you can use in templates, and you can search for images within the tool. You can also use images from websites you are linking to — if you are pinning a recipe from a food blog, you can use that blog's photo as your pin image, as long as you link back to the original source.
What size should my pin image be?
The ideal size is 1000 pixels wide by 1500 pixels tall. If your image is a different size, Pinterest will resize it, but tall images perform better in the feed. Minimum size is 600 by 900 pixels; anything smaller may look blurry.
Do I need to pay to create pins?
No. Creating and publishing pins is free. Pinterest's design tool is free, and you can upload as many pins as you want to your boards at no cost. Paid options exist if you want to promote pins to reach more people faster, but basic pin creation is always free.
How long does it take for a pin to show up in search results?
Pinterest usually indexes a new pin within a few hours, but it may take a day or two to appear in search results. The more saves and clicks a pin gets, the higher it ranks in search. A brand new pin with no saves will rank lower than an older pin with hundreds of saves on the same topic.
Can I edit a pin after I publish it?
Yes. Click on the pin, select the three-dot menu, and choose "Edit pin." You can change the title, description, destination URL, and which board it is saved to. Changes take effect when ready, though it may take a few hours for Pinterest's search index to update.