How to Upload to Pinterest

Uploading content to Pinterest is the first step toward reaching a massive audience actively looking for ideas, products, and inspiration. This guide walks you through every method for adding Pins - from your computer or phone - so you can start driving traffic, building your brand, and connecting with a community ready to engage. We'll cover everything from single images and videos to multi-page Idea Pins.

Understanding Pinterest's Core Content Formats

Before uploading, it's helpful to know the main types of content you can share on Pinterest. Each format serves a slightly different purpose and has unique features that can help you connect with your audience.

Standard Image Pins

This is the classic Pinterest format and the backbone of the platform. A Standard Pin consists of a single static image (like a JPG or PNG) that links to an external URL, such as a blog post, product page, or landing page. These are perfect for showcasing products, infographics, recipes, or any visually compelling idea you want to drive traffic for.

Video Pins

Video Pins are short videos that play automatically in the user's feed. They're excellent for grabbing attention and are ideal for tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, product demonstrations, or storytelling. Like Standard Pins, they can link to an external URL, making them a powerful tool for driving clicks and engagement.

Idea Pins (Formerly Story Pins)

Idea Pins are a multi-page format that allows you to combine video clips, static images, and text overlays into a single, comprehensive Pin. They are designed to tell a complete story or give a full tutorial directly on Pinterest. While they don't feature a direct link like standard or video Pins, they are prioritized in the feed and are fantastic for building an audience and showcasing your knowledge.

How to Upload Pins from a Computer (Step-by-Step)

Uploading from your desktop offers the most control and is the preferred method for many creators and marketers managing their content calendars. The process is straightforward and consistent across all Pin types.

1. Navigate to the Pin Creator

First, log in to your Pinterest business account. In the top-left corner of your screen, click the Create dropdown menu and select Create Pin. This will take you to the main Pin creation interface, where all the magic happens.

2. Uploading a Standard Image Pin

This screen is your central hub for creating a new Pin. Let's break it down, field by field.

• Upload Your Image: On the left, you'll see a large grey box. You can either drag and drop your image file here or click to browse the files on your computer. Pinterest recommends a vertical 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels) for the best performance.
• Choose a Board: At the top right, there's a dropdown menu where you select the board you want to save your Pin to. This is essential for organization and helps Pinterest understand your content's context. Always Pin to the most relevant board first.
• Add Your Title: Write a clear, keyword-rich title. Think about what a user would search for to find your content. Instead of "New Recipe," try "Easy Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe for Dinner." You have up to 100 characters, so make them count.
• Write the Description: You have up to 500 characters to describe your Pin. Use this space to tell a story, explain what the Pin is about, and naturally include more relevant keywords. Use sentences and write for humans, but keep searchability in mind.
• Add Alt Text: Below the description field, you'll find "Alt text." This is a short description of what's in your image. It's vital for accessibility (for visually impaired users) and for Pinterest's visual search algorithm. Be descriptive: "A white bowl filled with orange lentil soup, topped with fresh parsley."
• Add a Destination Link: This is arguably one of the most important fields. Copy and paste the URL where you want to send users when they click your Pin. Make sure it's a direct, working link to the relevant blog post or product page.
• Publish or Schedule: You have the option to Publish at a later date. If you select this, a calendar will appear, allowing you to schedule your Pin for a future date and time. Otherwise, you can just hit the red Publish button to share it immediately.

3. Uploading a Video Pin

The process for uploading a video is nearly identical to uploading an image, with just a couple of small differences.

• Upload Your Video: In the Pin creator, drag and drop or select your video file (MP4, MOV, or M4V are all supported). Pinterest favors videos between 15 seconds and 1 minute long.
• Select Your Cover Image: After your video uploads, you'll see a filmstrip below the video preview. You can slide through the frames to select the perfect thumbnail image that will appear before the video plays. Choose a frame that is clear, engaging, and represents your video's content well.
• Complete the Fields: Just like with an image pin, fill out the Title, Description, Destination Link, and select a Board.
• Publish or Schedule: Click Publish to share it now or schedule it for later.

4. Creating an Idea Pin on Desktop

To create an Idea Pin, select Create Idea Pin from the main "Create" menu.

• Upload Your Assets: You can upload up to 20 images or video clips. Unlike single Pins, this format is designed to be a sequence of content.
• Design Your Pages: Drag and drop your uploads into the desired order. You can crop, resize, and add text overlays, background colors, and other design elements on the right-hand panel. This is where you build your story, one page at a time.
• Add the Final Details: Once your pages are designed, click "Next." Here, you'll add the Idea Pin Title, select a Board, and add relevant Tags from a list of topics. You can also add a "Details" page with ingredients, notes, or supplies to make your Pin more useful.
• Publish: Once everything is filled out, click Publish.

Uploading Pins from Your Phone (The Mobile Experience)

The Pinterest app makes it incredibly simple to upload content directly from your phone, which is perfect for creating Pins on the go.

1. Creating a Pin Inside the App

• Tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom center of your screen.
• From the menu that pops up, select Pin.
• This will open your phone's camera roll. You can select a single image or video, or multiple images/videos to create an Idea Pin.
• After selecting your media, tap Next.
• Now, you'll reach the optimization screen. Here, you'll add your Title, Destination Link (using the "Add Link" button), and a Description. You can also edit alt text under "Advanced Settings."
• Tap Next again to choose the most relevant board for your Pin.
• Once you select a board, the Pin will publish immediately.

2. Pinning from Other Websites on Mobile

One of the easiest ways to save an idea to Pinterest is by sharing it directly from another website while browsing on your phone.

• Find an image you want to Pin on a blog post or website.
• Press and hold the image until your phone's menu pops up, or find the website's share button (it often looks like a box with an arrow).
• In the share menu, find and tap the Pinterest icon.
• The Pinterest app will open, allowing you to choose a board to save the image to. The link and a default description will usually be pulled in automatically. Voila!

Best Practices for Successful Pinterest Uploads

Knowing how to upload is just the first step. To get the most out of every Pin, follow these best practices for creating content that gets discovered and clicked.

Crafting the Perfect Pin Visuals

• Use a Vertical Aspect Ratio: Pinterest is a vertical platform. Always use a 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000px wide by 1500px tall) to take up the most screen real estate and avoid being cut off in the feed.
• High-Quality Imagery and Video: Use clear, well-lit, and high-resolution photos and videos. Blurry or dark content won't stop the scroll.
• Add Text Overlays: Add text directly onto your Pin image or video that clearly explains what the Pin is about. A compelling headline can make someone click. For example, a picture of a smoothie is nice, but a picture of a smoothie with the text "Energy-Boosting Strawberry Banana Smoothie" is much more effective.
• Subtle Branding: Consistently place your logo or website URL on the bottom of your Pins. This builds brand recognition without being intrusive.

Writing Titles and Descriptions that Work

• Think Keywords: Pinterest is a search engine. Think about the words and phrases your target audience is typing into the search bar. Include these keywords in your titles, descriptions, and even on your board names.
• Write for Humans: While keywords are important, your descriptions should be natural and engaging. Ask questions, offer tips, and give the user a reason to click through to your website.
• Be Clear, Not Clever: Your Pin title should immediately communicate value. "My Favorite Morning Drink" is vague, but "How to Make a Matcha Latte at Home in 5 Minutes" tells the user exactly what they're getting.

Strategic Linking and Board Organization

• Always Include a Relevant Link: With the exception of Idea Pins, every Pin should lead somewhere. A dead-end Pin is a missed opportunity. Double-check that all your links work and go to the correct page.
• Organize Boards by Topic: Create specific boards for the different categories of content you share (e.g., "Healthy Breakfast Recipes," "Summer Dinner Ideas," "Kitchen Organization"). This helps users find more of your content and signals to Pinterest what your profile is all about.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, uploading to Pinterest is a simple process made effective by paying attention to the details. By creating high-quality vertical visuals, writing keyword-optimized Descriptions, and strategically organizing your content on relevant boards, you set yourself up for long-term success on this powerful discovery platform.

Managing a consistent Pinterest strategy alongside all your other social platforms can feel like a heavy lift. At Postbase, we designed our platform for the modern, multi-platform creator who lives in a visual world. Our clean, visual calendar helps you plan all your Pinterest content next to your Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, giving you a bird's-eye view of your entire strategy so you can stop jumping between apps and get back to creating.