How to Post a Video to Pinterest: A Comprehensive Guide for Pinfluencers

So, you’re ready to conquer the world of Pinterest with video? Excellent choice! Video Pins are a potent weapon in your content marketing arsenal, driving engagement, building brand awareness, and ultimately, converting viewers into loyal customers. Let’s dive straight into how you can post a video to Pinterest and unlock its full potential.

How to Post a Video to Pinterest: Step-by-Step

Posting a video to Pinterest is straightforward, whether you’re on desktop or mobile. Here’s a breakdown:

On Desktop:

1. Log in to your Pinterest account. This seems obvious, but always worth mentioning!
2. Click the “+” icon located at the bottom-right of your screen. This opens the creation panel.
3. Select “Create Pin”. This will take you to the Pin creation interface.
4. Click the upload icon (an upward-pointing arrow). This allows you to choose a video file from your computer.
5. Select your video. Choose the video file you want to upload. Make sure it meets Pinterest’s specifications (more on that later!).
6. Add a compelling title. Your title should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the video’s content. Use keywords to improve searchability.
7. Write a detailed description. This is your opportunity to elaborate on what the video is about. Include relevant keywords, hashtags, and a call to action (CTA). Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted description!
8. Choose a board. Select the most relevant board to save your video Pin to. Ensure your boards are well-organized for optimal discoverability.
9. Add a destination link. This is crucial! This link directs viewers to your website, product page, blog post, or wherever you want them to go after watching the video. Make sure the link is accurate and functional.
10. Publish your Pin. Once you’ve filled in all the necessary details, click “Publish” to make your video Pin live.

On Mobile (iOS and Android):

1. Open the Pinterest app.
2. Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select “Pin”.
4. Grant Pinterest access to your photos and videos if prompted.
5. Select your video from your phone’s gallery or camera roll.
6. Trim the video (optional). Pinterest allows you to trim your video directly within the app.
7. Add a title. As with the desktop version, make it engaging and keyword-rich.
8. Write a description. Provide context and include a call to action.
9. Choose a board.
10. Add a destination link.
11. Publish your Pin. Tap “Publish” to share your video Pin.

Optimizing Your Video Pins for Maximum Impact

Simply posting a video isn’t enough. You need to optimize it for Pinterest to ensure it reaches the right audience and achieves your desired results.

Understanding Pinterest Video Specifications

Before uploading, ensure your video meets Pinterest’s specifications:

• File Type: MP4 or MOV
• File Size: Maximum 2GB
• Video Length: Minimum 4 seconds, Maximum 15 minutes
• Aspect Ratio: Vertical videos (9:16) or square videos (1:1) perform best.
• Video Codec: H.264
• Audio Codec: AAC

Crafting Compelling Visuals

Pinterest is a visual platform, so your video needs to grab attention from the get-go.

• Use a strong cover image. Your cover image is the first thing people see. Make sure it’s visually appealing, high-resolution, and accurately represents the video’s content.
• Ensure your video is visually engaging. Use good lighting, clear visuals, and interesting editing techniques.
• Consider adding text overlays. Text overlays can highlight key points and encourage viewers to watch the video with the sound off.

Leverage Keywords and Hashtags

Optimizing your video’s title and description with relevant keywords and hashtags is crucial for discoverability.

• Research relevant keywords. Use Pinterest’s search bar to see what people are searching for related to your video’s topic.
• Incorporate keywords naturally into your title and description. Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally.
• Use relevant hashtags. Hashtags help categorize your video and make it easier for people to find it.

Analyze Your Performance

Keep track of your video’s performance to see what’s working and what’s not.

• Use Pinterest Analytics. Pinterest Analytics provides valuable insights into your video’s views, saves, clicks, and engagement.
• Experiment with different formats and content. Try different video lengths, styles, and topics to see what resonates best with your audience.
• Track your conversion rates. Monitor how many people are clicking through to your website or taking the desired action after watching your video.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Posting Videos to Pinterest

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide further insights into posting videos on Pinterest:

1. How do I create a Pinterest Business account?

Navigate to Pinterest’s website and choose the “Sign up as a business” option. You’ll need to provide your business details, including your name, website, and industry. A business account offers access to analytics and advertising features.

2. What’s the difference between a Standard Pin and a Video Pin?

A Standard Pin is a static image, while a Video Pin is a moving image that can capture more attention and convey information more effectively. Video Pins tend to have higher engagement rates than Standard Pins.

3. Can I edit a Video Pin after it’s been published?

Yes, you can edit certain aspects of a Video Pin after it’s been published, such as the title, description, board, and destination link. However, you can’t edit the video itself.

4. How long should my Pinterest video be?

While Pinterest allows videos up to 15 minutes long, shorter videos (between 15 seconds and 1 minute) tend to perform best. Focus on delivering your message concisely and engagingly.

5. What is the ideal aspect ratio for Pinterest videos?

Vertical videos (9:16) are generally considered the ideal aspect ratio for Pinterest, as they take up more screen space on mobile devices. Square videos (1:1) are also a good option.

6. How can I add music or sound effects to my Pinterest video?

You can add music or sound effects to your video using video editing software before uploading it to Pinterest. Make sure you have the necessary rights to use the music or sound effects.

7. Can I use a Video Pin to promote a product or service?

Absolutely! Video Pins are a great way to showcase products, demonstrate how-to tutorials, and promote special offers. Make sure your video is visually appealing and includes a clear call to action.

8. How do I create a compelling cover image for my Pinterest video?

Use a high-resolution image that accurately represents the video’s content. Consider adding text overlays or graphics to make the cover image more eye-catching.

9. How can I track the performance of my Video Pins?

Pinterest Analytics provides detailed insights into your Video Pin’s performance, including views, saves, clicks, and engagement. Use this data to optimize your future video Pins.

10. What are some tips for writing effective Pinterest descriptions?

Write a clear and concise description that accurately reflects the video’s content. Include relevant keywords and hashtags to improve discoverability. Add a call to action to encourage viewers to take the desired action.

11. How often should I post Video Pins to Pinterest?

Consistency is key. Aim to post Video Pins regularly to keep your audience engaged. The optimal frequency depends on your niche and audience, but a good starting point is 2-3 Video Pins per week.

12. What is the best time to post videos on Pinterest?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, general best practices suggest that evenings and weekends tend to be peak times for Pinterest engagement. Experiment with different posting times to see what works best for your audience.

By following these tips and answering these common questions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of posting videos to Pinterest and achieving your content marketing goals. Now get out there and start creating!