How to Get Verified on Pinterest

That coveted red checkmark next to a Pinterest profile name isn't just for show, it's a powerful signal of authenticity and authority in a crowded visual world. If you're looking to earn that badge, you've come to the right place. This guide breaks down what Pinterest verification actually means, explores the two distinct paths to getting a checkmark, and lays out the actionable steps you can take to make your account a prime candidate for that recognized status.

What Does Pinterest Verification Actually Mean?

On social platforms, verification is the ultimate stamp of legitimacy, signaling to users that an account is the genuine presence of the public figure, creator, or brand it represents. Pinterest is no different. The red checkmark is granted to what Pinterest calls “notable" creators - think celebrities, well-known influencers, and major brands who have an established presence both on and off the platform. It helps protect them from impersonation and gives Pinners confidence that they are following an authentic account.

However, it's important to understand a key distinction that can cause a lot of confusion. There are actually two types of verification badges on Pinterest:

• The Red Checkmark: This is the traditional verification for "notable" public figures, creators, and brands. It's about influence and public recognition. There isn't a simple application form for this, it's often granted proactively by Pinterest to accounts that meet their internal criteria.
• The Blue Checkmark: This badge is specifically for members of the Verified Merchant Program (VMP). It’s about commerce and trustworthiness as a seller. This path has a clearer set of requirements and an application process, focusing entirely on e-commerce brands providing a great customer experience.

While both badges build trust, the strategies to get them are completely different. Getting a red checkmark is about building a brand, while getting a blue checkmark is about running a great shop.

The Two Roads to a Checkmark: Verified Merchant vs. Noteworthy Creator

Understanding which checkmark you’re aiming for is the first and most important step. Each path caters to a different type of account and has its own set of standards.

Path 1: The Blue Checkmark for Verified Merchants

If you're an e-commerce brand that sells products through Pinterest, the Verified Merchant Program is your most direct route to a verified badge. The blue checkmark shows users that you're a vetted seller, which can boost confidence and conversions. Pinterest designed this program to highlight businesses that provide exceptional customer experiences.

To be eligible for the Verified Merchant Program and its blue checkmark, you must:

• Have a Pinterest Business Account: This is a prerequisite for all business-related features.
• Connect Your Product Catalog: Your products must be uploaded and available on Pinterest via a catalog integration.
• Set Up Shopping Features: You need to be using Pinterest's merchant features and have an active product feed.
• Maintain Accurate Product Data: Your prices, stock levels, and product descriptions need to be up-to-date.
• Have a Clear Shipping and Return Policy: Your website must feature easily accessible and transparent pages for shipping and return policies.
• Meet the Merchant Guidelines: You must comply with Pinterest’s high standards for customer service, product quality, and overall shopping experience.

Joining the VMP not only grants you a blue checkmark on your profile and Pins, but also unlocks benefits like increased distribution for your products and access to exclusive shopping features. For businesses, this is the most practical and accessible form of verification on the platform.

Path 2: The Red Checkmark for Notable Accounts

The red checkmark is more elusive and is reserved for prominent public figures, creators, and brands. Unlike the merchant program, there's no public application form you can fill out. Pinterest's internal teams typically award this type of verification to accounts they identify as influential and authentic.

So, how do you get on their radar? It all comes down to building a powerful, undeniable presence. While Pinterest doesn’t publish a specific checklist, the accounts they verify generally share a common set of characteristics related to notability, authenticity, and activity.

5 Key Strategies to Get That Red Checkmark on Pinterest

If you're aiming for that elusive red badge of honor, your goal is to build a brand so strong and consistent that Pinterest takes notice. It's a long-term strategy, not an overnight fix. Here are five core focus areas to increase your chances.

1. Create an Active, High-Quality Presence on Pinterest

First and foremost, you need to prove you're a dedicated and valuable member of the Pinterest community. A dormant or low-effort profile simply won't cut it. This is about showing up consistently with content that resonates.

• Post Consistently: Establish a regular posting schedule and stick to it. Whether it's daily or several times a week, a consistent flow of new content signals to the algorithm that your account is active and reliable.
• Embrace Video: Pinterest is prioritizing video content, especially short-form clips. Regularly creating high-quality Video Pins can significantly boost your reach and signal that you are a modern, engaged creator.
• Focus on Quality: Use high-resolution images and videos. Your Pins should be aesthetically pleasing and align with your brand's visual identity. Create content that is genuinely helpful, inspiring, or entertaining for your target audience.
• Optimize Everything: Write keyword-rich titles and descriptions for your Pins and boards. This not only helps users find your content but also demonstrates a professional approach to the platform.

2. Establish Your Notability *Off* of Pinterest

Pinterest wants to verify accounts that are already recognized as notable in the wider world. What you do off-platform is just as important as what you do on it.

• Link Other Verified Accounts: If you're verified on other platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, or Facebook, make sure to link to them or mention them in your bio. Verification on one platform is a powerful signal to others.
• Claim Your Website: Make sure your business account is linked to and has claimed your professional website. This is a basic but essential step in proving your legitimacy.
• Get Press Mentions: Features in reputable online magazines, news articles, podcasts, or major blogs can serve as critical third-party validation. Pinterest looks for these external signs of influence.

3. Build an Engaged Community

Verification isn't just about follower count, it's about influence. An account with 100,000 disengaged followers is less notable than an account with 20,000 highly engaged fans who comment, save, and share your content. Focus on building genuine connections.

• Find Your Niche: Become the go-to expert for a specific topic. Whether it's vegan baking, brutalist architecture, or DIY wedding planning, owning a niche makes you more memorable and influential.
• Interact with Your Audience: Respond to comments and questions on your Pins. Foster a sense of community by encouraging discussion and making your followers feel heard.
• Collaborate: Partner with other established creators in your space. This could be through collaborative boards or content partnerships. This exposes you to a new audience and reinforces your status within your niche.

4. Cultivate a Professional and Cohesive Profile

Your Pinterest profile is your digital storefront. It needs to look polished, professional, and trustworthy at a glance. Every element should reinforce your brand's authenticity.

• Your Profile Picture: Use a clear, high-quality headshot if you are a personal brand, or a clean, recognizable logo if you are a business.
• Your Bio: Your bio should clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do, and who you serve. Include relevant keywords and a call to action, such as visiting your website.
• Your Boards: Organize your content into well-named, focused boards. Give your boards custom covers that align with your brand's aesthetic to create a visually impressive and professional-looking page.

Clearing Up the Myths: What Doesn't Get You Verified

With so much mystery surrounding verification, several myths have emerged. Let's set the record straight on what won't move the needle.

• Myth: Paying for Pinterest Ads will get me verified.
  Reality: Running ads can boost your visibility and follower count, but it doesn't directly influence the verification decision. Verification is based on organic notability and authentic influence, not your ad spend.
• Myth: Hitting a specific follower number guarantees verification.
  Reality: While a significant following is helpful, there's no magic number. An account with a smaller, highly engaged community and strong off-platform notability is a much better candidate than a huge account with passive followers.
• Myth: I need to contact Pinterest support to request verification.
  Reality: For the red checkmark, there is no formal request process. Contacting support won't help. The decision is made internally based on the criteria discussed above. Focus on building your brand, not emailing support.

Final Thoughts

Getting verified on Pinterest comes down to one of two paths: becoming a trustworthy seller through the Verified Merchant Program for a blue checkmark, or building an undeniably notable brand for a red one. The latter requires demonstrating your authenticity and influence through consistent, high-quality content and establishing your authority both on and off the platform.

Building that kind of well-regarded presence demands incredible consistency, and manually managing every Pin on top of all your other social channels can be a massive drain. To help with this, we built Postbase with a clean, visual-first calendar so you can plan and schedule your content across all platforms without the chaos. Since we designed our platform specifically for today's media landscape, scheduling things like Video Pins is smooth and reliable, helping you maintain that professional visibility Pinterest looks for, without the workflow headaches of older tools.