The Pinterest algorithm is a powerful visual discovery system designed to recommend personalized content (Pins) to users based on their interests, behaviors, and interactions. It uses a mix of machine learning, computer vision, and user engagement data to surface relevant pins. Here’s a breakdown of how the Pinterest algorithm works in 2025 (based on recent patterns):
How the Pinterest Algorithm Works
User Signals: Pinterest tracks your activity to personalize your feed:
- Pins you save, click, or close up
- Boards you create or follow
- Searches you perform
- Time spent on a pin
- Engagement with Idea Pins, videos, or shopping pins
Pin Signals: Each pin has metadata:
- Keywords from title, description, and image text
- Image visual data (via computer vision)
- Link URL relevance
- Engagement metrics (repins, clicks, saves)
Pinterest uses this to match your interests with similar or trending pins.
Board Relevance: Boards group pins and give the algorithm more context:
- Boards with strong themes boost pin discoverability
- Well-keyworded and niche-specific boards perform better
Freshness & Trends: Pinterest favors fresh content:
- New pins (especially original, not repins)
- Current trends (seasonal, holidays, events)
- Idea Pins often get a boost in reach
5) Domain Quality: If you link pins to your website:
- Pinterest checks the domain’s trust level
- More clicks and saves = better domain authority
- Rich Pins (with metadata) perform better
6) Content Quality: High-performing pins tend to have:
- High-resolution vertical images (2:3 ratio)
- Clear branding or value
- Strong, keyword-optimized titles/descriptions
Pinterest Ranking Factors (Feed/Search):
- User engagement history
- Pin freshness
- Keyword relevance
- Visual similarity
- Domain authority
- Board context
- Ad spend (if promoted)
AI & Computer Vision: Pinterest uses AI to:
- Auto-label images and classify categories
- Identify style, object, or theme similarities
- Personalize your home feed with “More like this” suggestions
How to Optimize for Pinterest Algorithm:
- Use strong keywords in titles, descriptions, boards, and filenames
- Create fresh pins regularly (daily if possible)
- Focus on visual quality (vertical, colorful, clean design)
- Make niche-specific boards with 20+ pins each
- Use Idea Pins for more engagement
- Link to high-quality, mobile-optimized pages
