What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a social media platform where people discover, save, and share ideas through images and videos. Think of it as a digital pinboard—you create boards to organize inspiration for things like home decor, fashion, or recipes. It’s a place to plan, dream, and shop, all in one.

How does Pinterest fit into social media?

Pinterest isn’t just about connecting with friends—it’s a visual search engine for inspiration. People use it to find ideas, while businesses tap into it to showcase products and drive sales. With over 522 million monthly active users in 2024, it’s a powerhouse for creativity and commerce. Unlike platforms like Instagram or X, Pinterest focuses on discovery over conversation, making it unique in the social media world.

Why Pinterest matters to you

Whether you’re a marketer, a small business owner, or just someone planning a project, Pinterest offers something useful. Individuals love it for sparking ideas—98% of users try something new they find there. Businesses, on the other hand, see it as a goldmine for reaching buyers—two-thirds of pins feature brands or products. Plus, with features like shoppable pins, it’s easier than ever to turn inspiration into action.

Key stats to know

  • 522 million monthly active users worldwide (2024)
  • 90.1 million users in the U.S. alone
  • Over 60% of global users are women
  • Average session time: 14 minutes

What’s new in 2025?

Pinterest keeps evolving. This year, they rolled out AI-powered tools to generate images and boosted shopping features—think better product tagging and smoother checkouts. These updates make it a must-watch platform for anyone in social media marketing.

How to use Pinterest like a pro

Ready to get started? Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Create standout pins: Use eye-catching images and simple titles with keywords like “easy recipes” or “DIY decor” to get noticed.
  2. Organize your boards: Group pins into themed boards—add sections for extra clarity.
  3. Tap into trends: Check Pinterest Predicts (their annual trend report) to stay ahead of what’s hot.
  4. Boost your business: Set up a business account, use product pins, and run ads—Pinterest ads can deliver 2.3x better cost-per-conversion than other platforms.

Want to see how Pinterest stacks up for your brand? With Brandwatch, you can track what people are pinning and saying about your industry. Book a demo to learn more.

Why we love Pinterest

At Brandwatch, we’re all about understanding what people care about—and Pinterest is a treasure trove of insights. It’s where trends start, ideas spread, and brands connect with real people. Whether you’re brainstorming your next campaign or redecorating your office, it’s a platform that delivers.