Pinterest Video & Image Dimensions 2026: Complete Size Guide

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where image and video dimensions directly impact reach, engagement, and click-through rates. Unlike other social platforms, Pinterest heavily favors vertical content, with specific aspect ratios that maximize visibility in feeds and search results. This comprehensive guide covers all Pinterest image and video specifications for standard Pins, Idea Pins, video Pins, and Pinterest ads in 2026.

Quick Reference: Pinterest Dimensions

Pin Type	Dimensions	Aspect Ratio	Format
Standard Pin (Optimal)	1000×1500 pixels	2:3	PNG, JPEG
Square Pin	1000×1000 pixels	1:1	PNG, JPEG
Long Pin (Maximum)	1000×2100 pixels	1:2.1	PNG, JPEG
Video Pin	1000×1500 pixels	2:3 or 1:1 or 9:16	MP4, MOV
Idea Pin	1080×1920 pixels	9:16	Image or Video
Profile Image	165×165 pixels	1:1	PNG, JPEG
Cover Image	800×450 pixels	16:9	PNG, JPEG

Standard Pin Image Specifications

Pinterest’s algorithm and feed layout heavily favor vertical images. The 2:3 aspect ratio (1000×1500 pixels) is the sweet spot—tall enough to stand out in feeds without being cropped, but not so long that it appears overwhelming or gets truncated.

Why 2:3 Ratio Performs Best on Pinterest

• Maximum feed visibility: Takes up more vertical space than square images
• Mobile optimization: Fits smartphone screens naturally when scrolling
• Avoids cropping: Stays within Pinterest’s display parameters
• Professional appearance: Standard photography ratio (matches 4×6 prints)
• Higher engagement: Data shows vertical Pins get 2-3x more saves than horizontal

Alternative Pin Sizes

Size	Dimensions	Best For	Notes
Square	1000×1000	Logos, simple graphics	Less feed space than vertical
Tall (2:3)	1000×1500	Most content types	Recommended standard
Extra Tall	1000×2100	Infographics, step-by-step	Maximum before cropping

Pinterest Video Pin Specifications

Video Pin Best Practices

Pinterest video Pins autoplay when scrolling, making the first few seconds critical for engagement. Unlike other platforms, Pinterest users often watch videos without sound initially, so captions and visual storytelling are essential.

Optimization tips:

• Use 2:3 vertical format (1000×1500) for maximum feed visibility
• Keep crucial content in the center—edges may be cropped on some devices
• Add text overlays or captions (assume viewers have sound off)
• Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds before they scroll past
• Create loops for continuous watching (first and last frames should connect)
• Export at high quality with H.264 codec for best compression

Pinterest Idea Pin Specifications

Idea Pins (formerly Story Pins) are Pinterest’s native multi-page format designed for mobile viewing. They appear in full-screen vertical format and support mixing images and videos across pages, making them ideal for tutorials, step-by-step guides, and narrative content.

Idea Pin vs. Standard Pin

Feature	Standard Pin	Idea Pin
Aspect Ratio	2:3 recommended	9:16 required
Pages	Single image/video	2-20 pages
Link	Yes (outbound link)	No direct link
Display	In-feed	Full-screen immersive
Best For	Driving traffic	Engagement, tutorials

Pinterest Profile and Board Images

Profile Picture

Board Cover Image

Pinterest Ads Specifications

If creating Pinterest ads (Promoted Pins), specifications differ slightly from organic content:

Technical Requirements and Best Practices

Image Quality Guidelines

• Resolution: Minimum 600 pixels wide; 1000 pixels recommended
• File format: PNG for graphics with text; JPEG for photos
• Color mode: RGB (not CMYK)
• Text overlay: Keep readable at small sizes (mobile view)
• Branding: Include subtle logo or watermark for attribution

Video Quality Guidelines

• Codec: H.264 for video, AAC for audio
• Bitrate: 3000-5000 kbps for 1080p
• Frame rate: 24-30 fps (higher fps not necessary)
• Captions: Add burned-in captions or SRT files
• Sound: Optimize for silent viewing (auto-plays muted)

Text on Pins

Pinterest allows text overlays on images, but there are best practices:

• Keep text clear and readable at thumbnail size
• Use high-contrast colors (dark text on light backgrounds or vice versa)
• Avoid covering important visual elements with text blocks
• Font size should be readable on mobile (large, bold fonts work best)
• Include keywords in overlay text for search optimization

Common Pinterest Dimension Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Horizontal Images

Horizontal (landscape) images perform poorly on Pinterest. They take up minimal vertical space in feeds and get significantly less engagement than vertical Pins.

Solution: Always use vertical images (2:3 ratio). If you only have horizontal photos, crop or add borders to convert to vertical format.

Mistake 2: Making Pins Too Long

Pins taller than 1:2.1 ratio (1000×2100 pixels) get cropped, requiring users to click “See More” to view the full image. This reduces visibility and engagement.

Solution: Keep pins at or under 1000×2100 pixels. For infographics, split very long content into multiple pins or use Idea Pins.

Mistake 3: Low Resolution Images

Pinterest displays images at high quality. Low-resolution pins (under 600px wide) appear pixelated and unprofessional, hurting engagement and credibility.

Solution: Always use at least 1000 pixels width. Higher resolution images display better and maintain quality when zoomed.

Mistake 4: Tiny or Unreadable Text

Text overlays that look fine on desktop become illegible on mobile devices, where most Pinterest browsing occurs.

Solution: Use large, bold fonts with high contrast. Preview pins on mobile before publishing to ensure text readability.

Mistake 5: Wrong Video Orientation

Uploading horizontal 16:9 videos to Pinterest wastes vertical space and reduces engagement compared to vertical 2:3 or 9:16 videos.

Solution: Create videos specifically in vertical format (1000×1500 or 1080×1920). If repurposing horizontal content, crop or add borders to convert to vertical.

Platform Comparison: Pinterest vs Other Social Media

Platform	Preferred Ratio	Dimensions	Orientation
Pinterest	2:3	1000×1500	Vertical
Instagram Feed	1:1 or 4:5	1080×1080 or 1080×1350	Square or Vertical
Instagram Stories	9:16	1080×1920	Vertical
Facebook	1:1 or 16:9	1080×1080 or 1200×630	Square or Horizontal
Twitter/X	16:9	1200×675	Horizontal

Pinterest is unique among major social platforms in its strong preference for vertical content. While Instagram has moved toward vertical with Stories and Reels, Pinterest has favored vertical Pins from the beginning, making it essential to create platform-specific content rather than repurposing horizontal images from other platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best image size for Pinterest?

The best image size for Pinterest is 1000×1500 pixels with a 2:3 aspect ratio. This vertical format maximizes feed visibility, displays properly across all devices, and avoids cropping. Alternative sizes like 1000×1000 (square) work but get less engagement than vertical pins.

Can I use square images on Pinterest?

Yes, Pinterest accepts square images (1:1 ratio, 1000×1000 pixels), but they perform worse than vertical images. Square pins take up less vertical space in feeds, resulting in lower engagement and saves compared to 2:3 vertical pins.

What aspect ratio does Pinterest use?

Pinterest primarily uses 2:3 aspect ratio (vertical) for standard Pins and 9:16 for Idea Pins. Pinterest accepts ratios from 1:1 (square) to 1:2.1 (extra tall), but 2:3 (1000×1500 pixels) is optimal for maximum visibility and engagement.

How long can Pinterest videos be?

Pinterest videos can be 4 seconds to 15 minutes long. However, shorter videos (15-60 seconds) typically perform better. Videos over 60 seconds work well for in-depth tutorials but may see lower completion rates than shorter content.

What happens if my Pinterest image is too tall?

Pinterest crops images taller than 1:2.1 aspect ratio (1000×2100 pixels maximum). Users must click “See More” to view the full image, which reduces engagement. Keep pins at or under this height for optimal display.

Do I need different sizes for Pinterest mobile vs desktop?

No, use the same dimensions for both. Pinterest automatically scales images for different devices. Creating at recommended dimensions (1000×1500 for pins, 1080×1920 for Idea Pins) ensures optimal display on all devices.

Can I use horizontal images on Pinterest?

While Pinterest accepts horizontal images, they perform significantly worse than vertical images. Horizontal pins take up minimal vertical space in feeds and get 2-3x fewer saves and clicks than vertical pins. Always convert to vertical format for best results.

What’s the difference between a Pin and an Idea Pin?

Standard Pins are single images/videos (2:3 ratio recommended) with outbound links. Idea Pins are multi-page vertical content (9:16 ratio required) without direct links, designed for immersive storytelling and tutorials. Use standard Pins to drive traffic; use Idea Pins for engagement.

Conclusion

Pinterest video and image dimensions center around vertical formats, with 1000×1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio) as the optimal standard Pin size and 1080×1920 pixels (9:16) for Idea Pins. Unlike other social platforms that favor horizontal or square content, Pinterest’s feed and algorithm heavily reward vertical images that maximize mobile screen space.

For maximum engagement, use 2:3 vertical Pins for standard content and 9:16 for multi-page Idea Pins. Avoid horizontal images, keep pins under 1:2.1 ratio to prevent cropping, and always optimize for mobile viewing with large text overlays and high-contrast designs. Video Pins should use vertical formats with captions, as most viewers watch without sound initially.

Creating platform-specific vertical content for Pinterest yields significantly better results than repurposing horizontal images from other social media platforms.

Calculate perfect Pinterest dimensions with our free video calculator and image calculator. Convert any content to Pinterest’s optimal 2:3 or 9:16 formats instantly.