How to Get More Likes on Pinterest

Chasing likes on Pinterest goes beyond simple vanity metrics, it's a direct signal to the platform's algorithm that your content is resonating with users. Getting that heart icon means you've created something inspiring, helpful, or just plain beautiful. This guide will walk you through actionable strategies for creating Pins that people genuinely want to engage with, breaking down everything from visual design to keyword optimization so you can start earning more likes today.

Understand What a "Like" Means on Pinterest

On Pinterest, a "like" (the heart button) tells the creator, "I appreciate this!" It's a lower-commitment interaction than a "Save," where a user adds your Pin to one of their boards for future reference. While saves are often seen as the ultimate goal because they signal a user's intent to act on your idea later, likes are still a powerful form of engagement.

Think of it this way: every interaction with your Pin - a click, a save, a comment, or a like - is a positive vote in the eyes of the Pinterest algorithm. More engagement tells Pinterest that your Pin is valuable, leading the platform to show it to more people. Likes are a quick, easy way for a user to give that positive feedback, contributing to your Pin's overall momentum and reach.

Create Visually Stunning Pins That Stop the Scroll

Pinterest is, first and foremost, a visual platform. Before anyone reads your title or description, your Pin's image or video has to capture their attention in a sea of other compelling visuals. If your graphics don't stand out, the best keywords in the world won't save them.

High-Quality Imagery is Non-Negotiable

Blurry, dark, or pixelated images get ignored. Your visuals need to be crisp, clear, and professional.

• Use Good Lighting: Natural light is almost always best. If you're shooting products or yourself, position your setup near a window or use a ring light to avoid harsh shadows.
• Stick to Vertical Aspect Ratios: The ideal Pinterest Pin size is a 2:3 ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels). This format takes up the most screen real estate on mobile devices, making your Pin more prominent and impactful.
• Combine Original and Stock Photos: Your own high-quality photos add authenticity, but don't be afraid to supplement them with professional stock photos from sites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Canva Pro. Just be sure to choose images that fit your brand's aesthetic.

Embrace the Power of Vertical Video

Video Pins consistently outperform static images when it comes to engagement. They're dynamic, eye-catching, and can communicate information much more quickly than a photo.

• Keep it Short & Sweet: Aim for videos between 15 and 60 seconds. Grab attention within the first three seconds before the user scrolls past.
• Add Text Overlays: A majority of users browse Pinterest with the sound off. Use text overlays to communicate your key message, add instructions, or list ingredients. This makes your video accessible and understandable without audio.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: A video Pin is perfect for showing a quick process, like applying a makeup look, styling an outfit, or putting together a simple recipe. This "how-to" format is incredibly engaging.

Use Text Overlays Effectively

A beautiful image is great, but a beautiful image with a compelling text overlay is even better. Your text should give the user a clear reason to click and learn more.

• Choose Readable Fonts: Avoid overly scripted or complex fonts that are hard to read on a small mobile screen. Opt for bold, clear sans-serif fonts.
• Create High Contrast: Your text should stand out from the background image. If the photo is busy, add a semi-transparent colored shape behind your text to make it pop.
• Write Benefit-Driven Headlines: Don't just title your Pin "Chocolate Chip Cookies." Instead, write a headline that promises a benefit, like "The Easiest One-Bowl Cookie Recipe" or "How to Make Chewy Cookies Every Time."

Brand Your Pins for Consistency

Your Pins should be instantly recognizable as yours. Consistent branding builds trust and familiarity. When users see a Pin with your brand's style, they are more likely to stop and engage if they've enjoyed your content before. Pick a set of 2-3 fonts and a color palette you use across all your Pins. Always add a small, unobtrusive logo or your website URL at the bottom of each Pin.

Write Compelling Pin Descriptions & Titles

Once your visual has hooked a user, your copy seals the deal. Pinterest is a visual search engine, which means the words you use are just as important as your images for discoverability.

Optimize Your Titles for Curiosity and Clarity

Your Pin's title should be clear and intriguing. It needs to accurately reflect the Pin's content while also making someone want to learn more. Ask a question, promise a solution, or use numbers to create a list.

• Good: Delicious Vegan Lasagna
• Better: 5 Secrets to the Creamiest Vegan Lasagna You'll Ever Eat

Master the Art of SEO-Friendly Descriptions

The Pin description is where you help the algorithm understand what your content is about.

• Write for Humans, Optimize for Robots: Write a few conversational sentences that add context to your Pin. Then, naturally weave in relevant keywords that users might be searching for. To find these keywords, use the Pinterest search bar - start typing a topic and see what auto-suggestions pop up. Those are real searches!
• Include a Call to Action: Encourage users to engage. You can say something like, "Click through to get the full recipe and step-by-step photos!" or "Let me know your favorite tip in the comments below!"
• Use Hashtags Strategically: Pick 3-5 relevant and specific hashtags to add at the end of your description. Think of them as topic sorters. Instead of #food, try more targeted tags like #veganrecipes or #weeknightmeals.

Design for the Pinterest Audience: Think Inspiration & Action

"I'm feeling so uninspired," said no Pinterest user ever. People come to the platform to plan their lives, find solutions, and get ideas. Cater your content strategy directly to this user-intent.

Focus on Solutions, Not Just Products

Instead of just pinning a picture of a single product you sell, frame it as a solution to a problem or a key part of an inspirational scene.

• Instead of: A photo of a single throw pillow.
• Try: A Pin titled "10 Cozy Living Room Ideas for Fall" that features your pillows in a beautifully styled setting.

Use "How-To" and Tutorial Formats

Step-by-step guides, DIY instructions, and checklists are Pinterest gold. They provide immense value upfront and practically beg for a "Save" or a "Like." Break down a process into 3-5 simple visual steps on a tall Pin graphic. This format is easily digestible and makes you look like a helpful authority in your niche.

Create Fresh Pins Consistently

Pinterest heavily favors new and original content, which it calls "fresh Pins." A fresh Pin is an image or video that Pinterest has never seen before. Creating multiple Pin graphics that link to the same blog post or product is a fantastic strategy to keep promoting your older evergreen content. Simply changing the headline, background photo, or text placement is enough to make a Pin "fresh." Avoid repinning the exact same image to the same board over and over.

Strategic Pinning: Timing, Boards & Consistency

Creating great content is only half the battle. You also need a smart plan for distributing it.

Pin at the Right Time

To maximize engagement, you want to Pin when your audience is most active. While evenings and weekends are generally a strong bet for many niches, the best data comes from your own account. Check your Pinterest Analytics to see when your Pins get the most impressions and engagement, and schedule your content around those peak times.

Be Consistent With Your Pinning Schedule

Here's a major key: Pinning a few fresh Pins daily is far more effective than uploading 20 Pins once a week. Consistency signals to the algorithm that you're an active and reliable creator. Aim to publish between 3 to 10 fresh Pins every day. This keeps your content flowing into the feeds of your followers and helps you get discovered by new ones.

Organize Your Boards for Your Audience

You may love pinning recipes and workout routines, but if your account is about digital marketing, those off-topic boards will confuse your audience and dilute your brand's authority. Keep your boards tightly themed and highly relevant to your core business or content pillars. Use clear, keyword-rich titles and descriptions for each board to help both users and the algorithm understand what they're about.

Final Thoughts

Getting more likes on Pinterest ultimately comes down to a simple formula: create beautiful, solution-oriented content that is easy to find. By focusing on stunning vertical visuals, benefit-driven titles, keyword-rich descriptions, and a consistent pinning schedule, you send strong signals to both users and the algorithm that your content is worth engaging with.

We know that maintaining that daily consistency can feel like a chore, especially when you're managing multiple social platforms. That's why we've designed our entire platform around making content planning simple and visual. With our drag-and-drop calendar, you can schedule all your Pins for the week in one sitting, stay organized, and trust that everything will be published reliably. With Postbase, you can get back to creating the Pins your audience will love to like and save.