Pinterest is no longer just a platform for static images and inspiration boards. Today, video pins are one of the fastest-growing content types on Pinterest, and businesses are using them to boost visibility, generate leads, and increase sales.
If you’re a blogger, affiliate marketer, or online store owner, simply knowing how to upload videos to Pinterest is only part of the puzzle. To truly get results, you need to understand how to structure your video pins, what kind of content performs well, and how to use them strategically to generate income.
This guide will show you both: a step-by-step tutorial on uploading Pinterest video pins, followed by proven tips for creating video content that converts viewers into customers.
Do You Need a Pinterest Business Account to Post Videos?
All Pinterest users can upload videos, but if your goal is to make money on Pinterest, a business account is essential. Here’s why:
- Access to Analytics – With a business account, you can track impressions, clicks, saves, and conversions on your video pins.
- Product Tagging – Online store owners (e.g., Shopify sellers) can upload product videos and tag items, making it easy for users to shop directly from the pin.
- Affiliate-Friendly Features – Affiliate marketers can link video pins to blog posts or directly to affiliate offers (if allowed by the affiliate program).
- Free to Use – Signing up for a Pinterest business account costs nothing, and it unlocks features designed to help you grow and monetize.
So while you can post video pins from a personal account, upgrading to a business account gives you a serious advantage if you plan to earn revenue.
How to Post Videos on Pinterest: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Here’s the exact process to upload and publish a video pin.
1. Record or Prepare Your Video
You can either record a video directly inside the Pinterest app or upload one you’ve already created. While Pinterest allows videos up to 15 minutes, shorter clips generally perform better. Aim for under 60 seconds, since short-form video is what users are most used to consuming (thanks to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts).
Pinterest Video Specifications:
- File types: .mp4, .mov, or .m4v
- File size: Up to 2 GB
- Length: 4 seconds to 15 minutes
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square), 2:3, 4:5, or 9:16 (vertical)
For ads, Pinterest recommends 6–15 seconds for the highest engagement.
2. Log Into Your Business Account
On desktop or mobile, sign in to your Pinterest Business account. Personal accounts allow video uploads only in the form of Idea Pins, whereas business accounts provide full flexibility plus added features like scheduling and linking.
3. Select “Create Pin”
- On desktop: click the dropdown under the Pinterest logo and choose “Create Pin” (for one video) or “Create Idea Pin” (to stitch multiple video clips/images together).
- On mobile: tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Pin” or “Idea Pin.”
Idea Pins give you more creative options, including stickers, product tags, and brand collaborator features.
4. Upload Your Video
Drag and drop your file, or select it from your device. Pinterest will process it before you can edit the details.
5. Choose a Cover Image
Select a still frame from your video, or upload a custom thumbnail. A clear, branded cover image can make a big difference in getting clicks, especially since autoplay is not always enabled.
6. Add Pin Details
This is where Pinterest SEO comes into play:
- Title – Use keyword-rich phrases that match user intent. Keep it under 30–35 characters for best visibility.
- Description – Incorporate your main keyword naturally within the first 50–60 characters. Add value by explaining what the viewer will learn or gain.
- Link – Direct traffic to your blog post, product page, or affiliate link (if permitted).
- Alt Text – Briefly describe what’s happening in the video for accessibility.
7. Publish or Schedule
Choose a board that aligns with your video content. You can publish immediately or schedule up to 30 days in advance using Pinterest’s native scheduler (up to 10 scheduled pins at a time).
For bulk scheduling and automation, consider third-party tools like Tailwind, which allow you to plan months’ worth of content.
What Types of Videos Perform Best on Pinterest?
With more than 465 million monthly users, Pinterest is a platform where people come specifically to discover and shop. Video pins that combine entertainment with usefulness tend to perform best.
High-Performing Video Types:
- Short, snappy clips (under 60 seconds) with fast cuts and engaging hooks.
- Tutorials – Step-by-step how-to content (e.g., recipes, DIY projects, beauty routines).
- Product showcases – Demonstrations highlighting features and benefits.
- User-generated content (UGC) – Testimonials or reviews from real customers.
Tips for Creating Pinterest Videos That Sell
Posting videos is one thing—getting sales from them requires strategy. Here are five proven tips:
1. Add Captions or Text Overlays
Most users watch videos on mute. Use captions or bold text overlays to make sure your message gets across without sound. Tools like Submagic or CapCut can automatically generate captions for your videos.
2. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage customers to share short testimonials or product reviews. Posting UGC videos builds trust and boosts conversions because they show real people benefiting from your products.
3. Teach Through Tutorials
Educational content performs especially well on Pinterest. If your product solves a problem, create a tutorial showing the solution. For example:
- Food bloggers can share recipe walkthroughs.
- Fashion bloggers can post “how to style” clips.
- SaaS or digital product sellers can create demo tutorials.
4. Promote Top-Performing Videos With Ads
Pinterest video ads expand your reach. Before investing, test organically to see which videos resonate, then promote your best performers with a small ad budget. Pinterest even offers a free Pinterest Academy course on running ads effectively.
5. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Always guide viewers on what to do next:
- “Click the link to shop this product.”
- “Follow for more tips.”
- “Use code SAVE10 for 10% off.”
CTAs increase engagement and drive viewers toward conversions.
Conclusion
Knowing how to post videos on Pinterest is only the first step. The real power lies in using Pinterest video pins strategically—with SEO, strong visuals, and clear calls to action—to drive both traffic and sales.
Whether you’re an affiliate marketer, course creator, or product seller, Pinterest videos can help you reach a massive audience that’s actively searching for inspiration and solutions.
Start with short, engaging clips, optimize your pins with keywords, and experiment with tutorials or UGC content. With consistency, Pinterest can become one of your most profitable marketing channels.