Want your Pins to stand out in a sea of pretty pictures? I’ve spent years testing what works on Pinterest, and it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy. Here are my go-to Pinterest image tips that boost saves and clicks, starting with the one thing most people get wrong: size.
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- Always use 1000×1500 pixels (2:3 ratio) for full-size display.
- Top 600 pixels are prime real estate—put your headline there.
- Bold, short text overlay (3-5 words) boosts click-through.
- Original, high-res images outperform generic stock photos.
- Subtle branding builds recognition without cluttering the Pin.
- Test different designs to find what resonates with your audience.
Start with the Right Dimensions (2:3 Ratio)
Pinterest’s feed favors tall, vertical images. The ideal ratio is 2:3, which translates to 1000 x 1500 pixels. This size takes up more screen space, making your Pin harder to miss. I’ve seen click-through rates jump by 20% just by switching from square to vertical.
Avoid using images wider than they are tall—they get cropped and lost in the feed. Also, keep the top 600 pixels clean: that’s the part visible on mobile without scrolling. Put your headline and key visual there.
Design a Scroll-Stopping Visual Hook
Your Pin has about 1.5 seconds to grab attention. Use bold, high-contrast text overlay that’s readable at a glance. I recommend a maximum of 3-4 words in a large, clean font (like Montserrat or Lato). For example, instead of “10 Easy Weeknight Dinners for Busy Families,” try “Easy Weeknight Dinners.”
Use bright, saturated colors that pop against Pinterest’s white background. Test your design by viewing it as a thumbnail—if you can’t read the text at that size, it’s too busy. Tools like Canva have Pinterest-specific templates that make this easy.
Use High-Quality, Authentic Images
Stock photos can feel generic. Instead, use original photos of your actual product or content. If you’re a food blogger, show the finished dish with natural lighting and a few crumbs—that’s authentic. If you’re a DIYer, capture the texture of the wood or paint.
High resolution is non-negotiable: blurry images signal low quality. Use a DSLR or a modern smartphone on a tripod. Edit lightly to enhance colors, but don’t over-filter—you want people to trust what they’ll get when they click.
Include Your Branding, Subtly
Add a small logo or website URL in the corner of your Pin. This builds brand recognition over time. But keep it subtle—a tiny watermark in the bottom right corner is enough. Don’t let it distract from the main message.
I also recommend using a consistent color palette and font style across all your Pins. This creates a cohesive board that users recognize as yours. For example, if you use a coral accent on every Pin, people will start associating that color with your brand.
Optimize for Mobile Users (80% of Pinners)
Most Pinterest users browse on their phones. So design with a small screen in mind. Text should be at least 30px, and important elements should be centered. Avoid tiny details that disappear on a 4-inch screen.
Test your Pin by saving it to a secret board and viewing it on your phone. If you have to zoom to read the text, it’s too small. Also, remember that the top 600 pixels are your prime real estate—put your logo and headline there.
A/B Test Your Pin Designs
Don’t settle for your first design. Create 2-3 variations of the same Pin, changing one element at a time: the image, the text overlay, or the background color. Post them at different times and use Pinterest Analytics to see which gets more saves and clicks.
For example, I once tested a Pin with a photo of a finished meal vs. a photo of the ingredients. The ingredient photo got twice the saves because it sparked curiosity. Keep what works and iterate.
Keep Text Overlay Short and Sweet
Your Pin’s text overlay should be a hook, not a full paragraph. Aim for 3-5 words that tease the content. For a recipe, “5-Minute Dessert” works better than “Quick and Easy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe in 5 Minutes.”
Use a legible font with high contrast—white text with a dark shadow or a semi-transparent overlay. Avoid script fonts that are hard to read. Remember, your Pin’s title and description carry the full message; the overlay just entices a click.
How to Do It, Step by Step
- 1Choose a vertical 2:3 ratio
Set your canvas to 1000×1500 pixels. This ensures your Pin displays fully in the feed without cropping. - 2Add a bold text overlay
Write a 3-5 word headline that sparks curiosity. Use a large, bold font that’s readable as a thumbnail. - 3Pick a high-quality, authentic image
Use your own photos or high-res stock. Avoid clutter—keep the background simple so the subject stands out. - 4Brand it subtly
Place a small logo or URL in the bottom right corner. Keep it small so it doesn’t distract. - 5Optimize for mobile
Make text at least 30px and keep key elements in the top 600 pixels. Test by viewing on your phone. - 6Test two versions
Create two different designs and post them. Check analytics to see which gets more saves.
A Pin is a visual promise—make it clear, make it beautiful, and make it impossible to scroll past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best image size for Pinterest?
The best size is 1000 x 1500 pixels, a 2:3 ratio. This ensures your Pin displays fully in the feed without cropping.
How much text should I put on a Pinterest image?
Keep it to 3-5 words as a hook. The full story goes in your title and description.
Can I use stock photos for Pinterest?
Yes, but choose high-quality, authentic-looking stock. Original photos often perform better because they’re unique.
How do I make my Pinterest images stand out?
Use bold colors, a clear focal point, and a short, punchy text overlay. Test different designs to see what works.
Should I put my logo on every Pinterest image?
Yes, but keep it small and subtle—like a watermark in the corner. It builds brand recognition without distracting.
Elena focuses on healthy cooking and meal prep for people with limited time and budget. She shares flexible recipes and shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor.
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