Pinterest is a visual search engine where the right image dimensions directly impact discoverability. Taller pins take up more real estate in the feed, and properly sized images display without awkward cropping.
Here's how to optimize every Pinterest image format for maximum saves and clicks.
Quick Reference Table
| Format | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pin | 1000 × 1500 | 2:3 | Optimal vertical format |
| Square Pin | 1000 × 1000 | 1:1 | Alternative format |
| Long Pin | 1000 × 2100 | 1:2.1 | Maximum allowed height |
| Idea Pin | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | Full-screen vertical |
| Profile Picture | 165 × 165 | 1:1 | Displays as circle |
| Board Cover | 600 × 600 | 1:1 | Board thumbnail |
Standard Pins
Standard pins are the core Pinterest format. Vertical images perform best because they occupy more space in the Pinterest feed.
Optimal Pin (1000 × 1500)
The 2:3 aspect ratio is Pinterest's recommended dimension. It's tall enough to stand out without triggering height limits.
Why 2:3 works:
- Displays fully without truncation
- Takes significant feed space
- Loads quickly on mobile
- Works across all Pinterest placements
→ Create a 1000 × 1500 pin
Square Pin (1000 × 1000)
Square pins display smaller in the feed but work well for certain content types like product photos or minimalist designs.
When to use square:
- Product photography
- Simple graphics
- Repurposed Instagram content
- Profile-style images
→ Create a 1000 × 1000 square pin
Long Pin (1000 × 2100)
Pinterest allows taller pins up to a 1:2.1 ratio. Anything taller gets cropped in the feed with a "see more" indicator.
Best for:
- Infographics
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Recipe cards
- Long-form visual content
Caution: Very long pins may annoy users if they're just stretched content. Make sure the extra height adds value.
→ Create a 1000 × 2100 long pin
Infographic Pin (1000 × 3000)
For detailed infographics that need even more height. Pinterest will truncate this in the feed but users can click to see the full image.
→ Create an infographic pin
Idea Pins
Idea Pins (formerly Story Pins) are multi-page, full-screen vertical content. They're designed for tutorials, narratives, and engaging visual stories.
Idea Pin Slides (1080 × 1920)
Each slide in an Idea Pin uses the 9:16 vertical format. You can add up to 20 slides per Idea Pin.
Slide design tips:
- Keep text within safe zones (avoid top/bottom 150px)
- Use consistent visual style across slides
- Include a hook on slide 1
- Add text overlays for accessibility
→ Create Idea Pin slides
Idea Pin Cover (1080 × 1920)
The first frame of your Idea Pin serves as the cover. Design it to stand out and clearly communicate the content.
→ Create an Idea Pin cover
Profile and Board Images
Your Pinterest profile and boards create first impressions. Optimized images look intentional and professional.
Profile Picture (165 × 165)
Upload at minimum 165 × 165 pixels. Pinterest displays this as a circle, so center your logo or photo.
For brands: Use your logo mark without text For creators: Use a clear headshot
→ Create a profile picture
Board Cover (600 × 600)
Board covers help users understand what's inside. Pinterest auto-generates covers from your pins, but custom covers look more polished.
Effective board covers:
- Clear title text
- Representative imagery
- Consistent style across boards
→ Create a board cover
Pinterest Ads
Promoted pins follow similar specs to organic content, with some additional considerations.
Standard Ad Pin (1000 × 1500)
Same as organic pins. Pinterest recommends vertical formats for ads to maximize screen presence.
→ Create a standard ad pin
Carousel Ad Cards (1000 × 1500)
Each card in a carousel ad uses the standard 2:3 ratio. Design cards that encourage swiping and tell a sequential story.
→ Create carousel ad cards
Collection Ad (1000 × 1500)
The hero image for collection ads. Supporting product images display below in a grid.
→ Create a collection ad hero
Pin Design Best Practices
Pinterest has specific design patterns that drive engagement.
Text Overlay
Pins with clear text titles get more saves. Make your pin's purpose immediately obvious.
Text guidelines:
- Large, readable font (minimum 24pt equivalent)
- High contrast against background
- Position text in upper third
- Keep text under 100 characters
Branding
Subtle branding helps users recognize and follow your content.
Branding elements:
- Small logo in corner
- Consistent color palette
- Recognizable style
- Website URL (optional)
Visual Hierarchy
Guide the viewer's eye through your pin.
Structure:
- Hook (top): Eye-catching headline or image
- Body (middle): Supporting visual content
- Call-to-action (bottom): What to do next
Technical Specifications
- Formats: JPEG, PNG (PNG for text-heavy graphics)
- Max file size: 32MB
- Minimum width: 600px (1000px recommended)
- Color space: sRGB
- Resolution: 72-150 DPI
Mobile Optimization
Over 80% of Pinterest users browse on mobile. Design for phones first.
Mobile considerations:
- Large text readable on small screens
- Simple compositions
- Clear focal point
- Quick visual comprehension
Common Mistakes
- Horizontal images: They display tiny in the feed
- Busy designs: Too many elements compete for attention
- Small text: Unreadable on mobile
- No text at all: Misses opportunity to explain the pin
- Generic stock photos: Don't stand out in the feed
- Ignoring safe zones: Text cut off by UI elements
Pinterest SEO for Images
Pinterest is a search engine. Optimize your images for discovery.
Image optimization:
- Descriptive file names (not IMG_001.jpg)
- Alt text on your website
- Relevant keywords in pin description
- Consistent pin style for brand recognition
Content Types That Perform
Different content types work best with specific dimensions:
| Content Type | Best Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Recipes | 1000 × 1500 | Step photos fit vertically |
| DIY/Crafts | 1000 × 2100 | Show full process |
| Fashion | 1000 × 1500 | Outfit in full |
| Quotes | 1000 × 1500 | Clean, readable |
| Infographics | 1000 × 3000 | Data-heavy content |
| Products | 1000 × 1000 | Clean product shots |
Summary
Pinterest rewards tall, visually compelling images. The 2:3 aspect ratio (1000 × 1500) should be your default starting point.
Key dimensions:
- Standard pin: 1000 × 1500
- Idea Pin: 1080 × 1920
- Square pin: 1000 × 1000
- Long pin: 1000 × 2100
Design with mobile users in mind, use text overlays strategically, and maintain consistent branding across your pins.
