Pinterest Image Tips: Create Scroll-Stopping Pins

Your Pinterest image is the first thing people see—and the only thing they'll click if it grabs them. After designing over 500 pins, I've learned that the difference between a flop and a viral pin often comes down to a few key details. Here are my concrete tips to make your Pinterest images work harder.

Vertical Format: Why 2:3 Ratio Is Non-Negotiable

Pinterest is a vertical platform. Images that are taller than they are wide take up more screen space and get more engagement. The ideal aspect ratio is 2:3—for example, 1000 x 1500 pixels. This size fills the feed without getting cropped.

Avoid square or horizontal images. They get less real estate and often look out of place. If you're repurposing a horizontal image, crop it to 2:3 or add a vertical overlay with text. I've seen pins with 2:3 ratio get up to 60% more saves than square ones in the same niche.

Also, keep file size under 10 MB and use PNG or JPEG. Pinterest compresses images, so start with a high-quality file to avoid blur.

Text Overlay: Clarity Over Cleverness

Text on your pin tells people what they'll get if they click. But too much text kills readability. Aim for 6-8 words max in a bold, sans-serif font. Use high contrast—like white text on a dark overlay or black text on a light background.

Don't use thin or script fonts that are hard to read on mobile. 85% of Pinterest users are on mobile, so if it's not instantly legible on a small screen, it's a fail. I test my pins by viewing them on my phone at arm's length.

Place text in the top third or middle of the image, not at the very bottom. The bottom often gets covered by the 'Save' button or other UI elements. And always leave some breathing room around the text—don't cram it edge to edge.

Color That Pops: Use Contrast and Branding

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine, so your image needs to stand out in a sea of pins. Use a color palette that contrasts with Pinterest's white background. Bright, saturated colors like red, orange, and teal tend to perform well. But don't just pick random colors—stick to 2-3 brand colors so people recognize your pins.

I use a tool like Coolors to generate palettes and keep them consistent. Also, consider the season: warm tones in fall, cool tones in summer. In my experience, pins with a dominant color get 2x more repins than those with muddy or low-contrast images.

Don't forget to test. What works for one account might not work for yours. Use Pinterest Analytics to see which colors drive the most clicks.

Faces and People: The Human Touch

Pins with faces get more engagement. It's a psychological fact—we're wired to notice faces. But not just any face: a close-up of a person looking at the camera or showing emotion works best. If you're not comfortable using your own face, use a stock photo of a person, but make sure it looks natural and not overly posed.

For example, a pin for a recipe with a hand holding the dish can outperform a plain food shot. The hand adds context and scale. I've seen pins with a person's face get 30% more saves than those without.

If you use stock photos, choose ones that match your brand's vibe. Avoid cheesy or generic images. Authenticity wins.

Design Tools and Templates: Work Smarter

You don't need to be a graphic designer to create great pins. Tools like Canva have thousands of Pinterest templates. But don't just use them as-is—customize them with your brand colors, fonts, and logo. I create a master template in Canva with my brand elements, then duplicate it for each new pin. This saves hours.

Another tip: use the same template for a series of pins to build recognition. For example, if you have a 5-part blog series, use the same layout with different text and images. Your audience will start to recognize your pins in the feed.

Keep a swipe file of pins you like for inspiration. When you're stuck, refer to it. But never copy—adapt.

Testing and Iterating: What Gets Measured Gets Improved

Pinterest is not a set-it-and-forget-it platform. You need to test different images, headlines, and colors. Create multiple versions of the same pin and see which performs better. Use Pinterest's A/B testing feature if you have a business account, or just track clicks and saves manually.

I test at least 3 variations per pin. Sometimes a small change—like a different background color or a bolder font—can double the click-through rate. Don't fall in love with one design; let the data decide.

Also, pay attention to the 'More like this' section. If your pin shows up there, it's a sign it's resonating. If not, tweak and try again.

SEO for Pinterest Images: Alt Text and File Names

Pinterest is a search engine, so optimize your images for search. Use descriptive file names before uploading—like 'chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe.jpg' instead of 'IMG_1234.jpg'. Pinterest reads file names to understand content.

Add alt text to each pin. This is a short description of the image for accessibility and SEO. Include your keyword naturally. For example, 'A stack of chocolate chip cookies on a white plate with a glass of milk.'

Also, write a keyword-rich description for the pin itself. Use 2-3 relevant keywords in a sentence or two. This helps your pin appear in search results. I've seen pins with optimized descriptions get 50% more impressions.

How to Do It, Step by Step

1. 1Choose the right dimensions
   Use 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 ratio) for maximum visibility. This size fills the feed and avoids cropping.
2. 2Add bold, readable text
   Keep text to 6-8 words, use high contrast, and place it in the top or middle third. Test on mobile.
3. 3Use a consistent color palette
   Stick to 2-3 brand colors that pop against Pinterest's white background. Test which colors drive clicks.
4. 4Include a human element
   Faces or hands increase engagement. Use authentic photos, not overly posed stock images.
5. 5Optimize file name and alt text
   Rename your image file with keywords before uploading, and write descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO.
6. 6Test multiple variations
   Create 3 versions of each pin with different images, headlines, or colors. Let data guide your final choice.
7. 7Use a template for consistency
   Design a master template in Canva with your brand elements, then duplicate for each pin to save time and build recognition.

Your Pinterest image is your handshake—it needs to be firm, clear, and memorable in a split second.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best size for a Pinterest image?

The ideal size is 1000 x 1500 pixels, which is a 2:3 aspect ratio. This vertical format takes up more space in the feed and performs better than square or horizontal images.

How much text should I put on a Pinterest image?

Keep it to 6-8 words maximum. Use a bold, sans-serif font with high contrast so it's readable on mobile. Too much text overwhelms viewers and reduces engagement.

Do faces on Pinterest images really increase engagement?

Yes, pins with faces or hands tend to get more saves and clicks because humans are wired to notice faces. Use authentic, natural photos rather than overly posed stock images.

How often should I test different Pinterest images?

Test at least 3 variations for each pin idea. Use Pinterest's A/B testing or track clicks and saves manually. Small changes like color or font can significantly impact performance.

Does alt text on Pinterest images help with SEO?

Yes, alt text helps Pinterest understand your image content and improves accessibility. Include relevant keywords naturally to boost search visibility.