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How to Pin to Pinterest from Instagram: A Visual Marketing Power Move

Want to supercharge your content reach and engagement? Unfortunately, you can’t directly pin from Instagram to Pinterest. Instagram doesn’t offer a native “Pin it” button or a direct integration with Pinterest for sharing content. However, savvy marketers and content creators use clever workarounds to achieve a similar result and drive traffic from Instagram to Pinterest. This usually involves using third-party apps, creating a shareable link, or directly uploading the image/video to Pinterest. Let’s dive deeper!

Bridging the Visual Divide: Workarounds for Instagram to Pinterest Success

The lack of direct integration between these two visual powerhouses might seem frustrating. However, where there’s a will (and a stunning visual), there’s a way. Here’s how you can effectively share your Instagram content on Pinterest:

1. The Manual Upload Method: Old School, But Reliable

This is the most straightforward, albeit slightly time-consuming, method.

Download the Image/Video: First, you need to download the desired photo or video from your Instagram profile. If it’s your own content, this is simple. If it’s someone else’s (with their permission, of course!), you’ll need a third-party downloader app. Be mindful of copyright and always seek permission before using other people’s content.
Craft the Perfect Pin: Head over to Pinterest and create a new Pin. Upload the downloaded image or video.
Optimize Your Pin Description: This is where the magic happens. Write a compelling description using relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for.
Link Back to Instagram (Crucially Important): The KEY to driving traffic is linking the Pin directly back to your Instagram post or profile. Copy the URL of your Instagram post and paste it into the “Website” field of your Pin.
Choose the Right Board: Select the Pinterest board that best fits the content of your Pin. Relevance is key for discoverability.

2. Leveraging Third-Party Apps: Streamlining the Process

Several third-party apps aim to simplify the Instagram-to-Pinterest workflow. While these apps come and go, and their features can change, they offer potential time savings.

Research and Choose Wisely: Look for reputable apps with positive reviews and a clear privacy policy. Some apps might require a subscription fee.
Connect Your Accounts: The app will typically require you to connect your Instagram and Pinterest accounts.
Automate (with Caution): Some apps offer automation features that allow you to automatically Pin your Instagram posts to Pinterest. Be cautious with over-automation, as it can lead to irrelevant Pins and annoy your audience. Authenticity is crucial.
Potential Drawbacks: App functionality can change, and some apps might pose security risks. Always read the terms and conditions carefully.

3. Creating a Shareable Link: A Versatile Solution

This method involves creating a direct, clickable link that leads users from your Instagram content to the Pin.

Use a Link Shortener (Bitly, TinyURL): First, get the URL of your Instagram post. Use a link shortener like Bitly or TinyURL to create a concise, trackable link.
Add the Link to Your Instagram Bio: Your Instagram bio is prime real estate for driving traffic. Place the shortened link there.
Call to Action in Your Captions: In your Instagram post captions, include a clear call to action, such as “Click the link in bio to see more!” or “Find this image on Pinterest (link in bio)”.
Direct Users to the Pin: The key is to ensure the link leads to a landing page that clearly displays the image and directs users to pin it. This could be your website or even a dedicated landing page created specifically for this purpose.

4. Tailwind for Pinterest (indirect solution): An all-in-one tool

While Tailwind isn’t a direct Instagram-to-Pinterest solution, it’s a powerhouse Pinterest scheduling tool that can indirectly help.

Focus on Pinterest Scheduling: Tailwind allows you to schedule Pins, optimize your content for search, and analyze your Pinterest performance.
Manual Upload with Enhanced Optimization: You’ll still need to manually upload images/videos and create Pins. However, Tailwind helps you optimize your descriptions, schedule them for optimal times, and reach a wider audience.
Strategic Content Curation: Tailwind provides features to discover relevant content from other sources (including your own website) that you can then Pin, subtly driving traffic back to your online presence and subtly promoting your Instagram indirectly through the association of your brands on various social media.

Maximizing Your Pinterest Impact from Instagram

No matter which method you choose, remember these best practices:

High-Quality Visuals: Pinterest is a visual platform. Use high-resolution images and engaging videos that capture attention.
Compelling Descriptions: Craft informative and keyword-rich descriptions that entice users to click and learn more.
Relevance is King: Pin your content to relevant boards and use relevant keywords.
Consistent Posting: Regularly share fresh content to keep your Pinterest profile active and engaging.
Track Your Results: Use Pinterest Analytics to monitor your performance and identify what’s working and what’s not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about pinning from Instagram to Pinterest:

1. Why can’t I directly share from Instagram to Pinterest?

Currently, there is no direct integration between Instagram and Pinterest. Both platforms have different focuses and haven’t partnered to allow seamless sharing.

2. Is it against Instagram’s terms of service to use third-party apps for pinning?

It depends on the app. Always read the app’s terms and conditions and Instagram’s terms of service to ensure compliance. Using apps that violate platform rules can lead to account suspension. Proceed with caution and choose reputable apps.

3. What is the best third-party app for pinning from Instagram?

There’s no definitive “best” app, as the landscape changes frequently. Research and read reviews to find an app that suits your needs and budget. Be aware that free apps might have limitations or contain ads.

4. Can I pin Instagram Stories to Pinterest?

Yes, but you’ll need to download the Story first and then upload it as a Pin. Remember that Instagram Stories are designed to be ephemeral, so consider if the content is still relevant before pinning it.

5. How do I find the URL of my Instagram post?

On the Instagram post, click the three dots in the top right corner. Select “Copy Link”. This will copy the URL to your clipboard.

6. What kind of content performs best on Pinterest?

DIY projects, recipes, fashion inspiration, home decor, travel tips, and motivational quotes tend to perform well on Pinterest. However, anything visually appealing and informative can find an audience.

7. How important are keywords in Pinterest descriptions?

Keywords are crucial for discoverability. Use relevant keywords that your target audience is likely to search for. Research popular keywords related to your niche using Pinterest’s search bar or keyword research tools.

8. How often should I pin from Instagram (or anywhere else) to Pinterest?

Consistency is key. Aim to pin regularly, but avoid spamming. A good starting point is to pin a few times a day, spaced out throughout the day.

9. Can I pin from Instagram Reels to Pinterest?

Yes, similar to Instagram Stories, you can download the Reel and then upload it as a video Pin to Pinterest.

10. Is it better to link to my Instagram post or my Instagram profile from a Pinterest Pin?

Linking to a specific post is generally better, as it takes users directly to the content they saw on Pinterest. Linking to your profile is acceptable if you want to encourage users to explore more of your content.

11. How can I track the traffic coming from Pinterest to my Instagram?

Use a link shortener like Bitly that offers tracking features. This allows you to see how many clicks your Pinterest links are generating.

12. Are there any tools to automate this process?

While complete automation is tricky, tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) can be configured to perform basic tasks, such as automatically saving your Instagram photos to a specific folder, making it easier to then upload them to Pinterest. However, carefully consider the level of automation and maintain a human touch for writing compelling pin descriptions and choosing relevant boards.

By implementing these strategies and consistently creating high-quality content, you can successfully bridge the gap between Instagram and Pinterest and unlock the full potential of visual marketing. Good luck!