How to Post Videos on Pinterest

Posting videos on Pinterest is one of the most effective ways to capture attention, tell a story, and drive serious traffic, but figuring out the best way to do it can feel a little confusing. This guide cuts through the noise and walks you through everything, from the exact technical specs you need to step-by-step instructions for uploading on any device. We’ll also cover proven strategies for creating videos that stop the scroll and get your content saved.

Why Videos on Pinterest Are a Game-Changer

For years, people thought of Pinterest as a static platform of beautiful images, but the platform has evolved into a powerful video discovery engine. Users don't just come to Pinterest to look, they come to plan, to learn, and to do. Video fits this mindset perfectly. Unlike other platforms where videos are pure entertainment, Pinterest videos are often utility-driven, helping people solve a problem or find inspiration for their next tangible project.

Video Pins grab attention in a way a static image can't. The movement in a user’s home feed is interruptive and engaging, often leading to more saves, clicks, and overall interaction. They allow you to tell a bigger story. You can show a thirty-second recipe in action, a quick DIY project from start to finish, or a product being used in real life. This storytelling capacity builds a deeper connection with your audience and demonstrates value far more effectively than a single photo ever could.

Pinterest Video Pin Specifications: The Nitty-Gritty Details

Before you hit upload, getting your video file formatted correctly is the first step. Sticking to these specifications prevents upload errors and makes sure your video looks crisp and professional across all devices.

• File Type: The most common video formats are accepted. Stick with .MP4, .MOV, or .M4V files.
• File Size: You have a generous limit of up to 2GB.
• Video Length: You can upload videos as short as 4 seconds and as long as 15 minutes. That said, the sweet spot for engagement is typically much shorter, often between 15 and 90 seconds. Shorter, punchier videos that deliver value quickly tend to perform best.
• Aspect Ratio: Pinterest is a vertical platform. While you can upload a traditional widescreen (16:9) video, it will be displayed small in the feed. For maximum impact, use a vertical aspect ratio.
  • Recommended: A 9:16 ratio (like an Instagram Story) is ideal.
  • Also good: A 2:3 or 4:5 ratio works well and takes up significant screen real estate.
• Resolution: Aim for the best quality possible. A minimum width of 600 pixels is required, but uploading in 1080p (1080x1920 pixels) is the standard for high-quality vertical video.
• Title Text: You have up to 100 characters for your title. Use it wisely with clear, keyword-rich language.
• Description Text: You get up to 500 characters here. This is a prime spot to add more context, include relevant keywords, and use a few strategic hashtags.

How to Post a Video on Pinterest: The Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're working from your laptop or on the go with your phone, the process of uploading a video is straightforward. We'll break down each one.

Uploading a Video Pin on a Desktop Browser

The desktop interface gives you the most control and is great for scheduling your content in advance.

1. Start a New Pin: Log into your Pinterest account. At the top-left of the screen, click the Create dropdown menu and select Create Pin.
2. Upload Your Video: In the Pin builder, you’ll see an upload area on the left. You can either drag and drop your video file directly into this space or click the up-arrow icon to browse your computer and select your video. You’ll see a progress bar as the video uploads and processes.
3. Select a Cover Image: Once the video is processed, Pinterest will show stills from it. Drag the selector below the video preview to choose the most engaging frame as your cover image. This is the thumbnail people will see before the video plays, so pick a high-quality, clear shot.
4. Write Your Title: Go to the "Add your title" field. Create a compelling, keyword-focused title that accurately describes what the video is about. Think about what a user would type into the search bar to find your Pin.
5. Craft a Description: Fill in the "About" section with more detail. Use natural language and sprinkle in relevant keywords. This is a great place to add a brief call-to-action or explain the value of the video.
6. Add Alt Text: Below the description, there's a field for "Alt text." Describe what’s happening in the video to improve accessibility for visually impaired users.
7. Add a Destination Link: If your video is designed to drive traffic to your website, blog, or online store, paste the URL in the "Link" field.
8. Choose a Board: In the top-right corner, click the dropdown menu to select the most relevant board for your video. A well-organized board structure helps both users and Pinterest understand your content's context.
9. Add Relevant Tags: Below the board selection, you will find the "Tagged topics" field. Add up to 10 relevant tags that Pinterest suggests to help your Pin get discovered. Start typing a keyword, and Pinterest will populate relevant topic tags.
10. Publish or Schedule: You have two options. You can either hit the red Publish button to post the video immediately, or you can select Publish at a later date to use Pinterest's native scheduler.

Uploading a Video Pin on the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

Posting from your phone works great for content you've just created on your device.

1. Create a Pin: Open the Pinterest app and tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen. From the menu that pops up, select Pin.
2. Select Your Video: The app will open your device's photo library. Select the video file you want to upload. You can browse through albums or your camera roll to find it.
3. Edit Your Video (Optional): The app has some simple editing features. You can click on the scissors icon to trim the length of your video to the perfect clip. Some versions of the app also allow adding text or music. Once you're done, tap Next.
4. Add Pin Details: Just like on desktop, you now need to fill in the Pin’s information.
   • Enter a compelling Title.
   • Write a detailed, keyword-rich Description.
   • For some business accounts, you can add a Link by tapping "Add."
5. Choose a Cover Image: Tap on "Edit cover" on the video preview to scroll through the frames and select the best thumbnail.
6. Find a Board: Tap Save at the top-right, and your list of boards will appear. Select the most relevant board for your new Video Pin.

Best Practices for Creating Videos That Thrive on Pinterest

Simply uploading a video isn't enough. You have to create content that is natively designed for the Pinterest experience. Follow these tips to maximize your video's impact.

1. Design for Sound-Off Viewing

Assume most people will be scrolling their feed in a quiet office or on public transit. The majority of users on social media watch videos with the sound off. Always design your video to be understood and consumed without audio. Use text overlays to communicate key messages, instructions, or ingredients. Use strong visual cues and storytelling that doesn’t depend on a voiceover.

2. Start with an Immediate Hook

The first 1-2 seconds are everything. You have to give users a reason to stop scrolling. Don't start with a slow-fade title screen. Start with motion and action right away. A great strategy is to show the finished product or the most exciting part of the video within the first second to hook viewers and make them want to see how you got there.

3. Tell a Cohesive Story

A good Pinterest video has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Whether it's a recipe, a product demonstration, or an inspirational transformation, guide the viewer through a narrative. For DIY or tutorial videos, this means showing all the steps clearly and concisely. For product Pins, a narrative could be showing a common problem and how your product elegantly solves it.

4. Keep Branding Simple But Consistent

Your goal is to build brand recognition without being overly aggressive. Add a small, unobtrusive logo to a corner of your video throughout its duration. This helps ensure that even people who don't click through still associate the great content they're watching with your brand.

5. Use High-Quality Visuals

Pinterest is an inherently visual platform. Grainy, poorly-lit videos won't catch anyone's eye. Make sure your video is well-lit, in focus, and visually appealing. You don't need expensive equipment - modern smartphones are more than capable - but you do need to pay attention to your shooting environment.

6. End with a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

What do you want the viewer to do after they watch your video? Tell them directly! This can be done as a text overlay in the last few seconds of the video, a voiceover (if applicable), or within the Pin's description. Examples are:

• "Tap to shop this look."
• "Get the full recipe on our blog."
• "Save this idea for later."
• "Follow us for more daily tips."

7. Write SEO-Ready Titles and Descriptions

Remember, Pinterest is a search engine. Your title and description are your primary tools for getting discovered. Think about the exact phrases your target audience would search for. Instead of a vague title like "My New Recipe," opt for a keyword-specific title like "Easy 30-Minute Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe." Use your description to expand on this with more keywords like "healthy weeknight meal," "plant-based dinner," and "one-pot recipe."

Final Thoughts

At its core, success with Pinterest video isn't about complexity, it’s about providing genuine value in a visually engaging, vertical format. By following these technical guidelines and strategic practices, you can successfully integrate video into your Pinterest marketing and connect with an active audience ready to take action on your ideas.

When you're managing content across Pinterest, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, keeping everything in one place can simplify your workflow immensely. At Postbase, we built our tool from the ground up for today’s social landscape, where short-form video is king. With our visual calendar, you can plan, schedule, and see all your video content at a glance - all from a single, intuitive platform that just works.