AI Video Ads for Pinterest: An Untapped Advertising Channel

Pinterest has 537 million monthly active users, and most advertisers are ignoring it. While brands fight over rising CPMs on Meta and TikTok, Pinterest offers something rare in 2026: a high-intent audience with lower competition and cheaper ad inventory.

Video ads on Pinterest are particularly underused. Only 18% of Pinterest advertisers use video creatives, compared to 67% on Instagram and 82% on TikTok. This gap represents a massive opportunity for brands willing to create Pinterest-native video content. And with AI video generation, producing that content has never been faster or cheaper.

This guide covers why Pinterest deserves a place in your advertising strategy, what makes Pinterest video ads different, and how to create high-performing Pinterest video content using AI tools.

Why Pinterest Is the Most Underrated Advertising Platform

High-Intent Audience

Pinterest users are not scrolling mindlessly. They are actively planning:

• 85% of Pinterest users say they use the platform to plan new projects
• 80% of weekly users have discovered a new brand or product on Pinterest
• Pinterest users spend 80% more per month than users of other social platforms
• 45% of users have household incomes above $100K

This is fundamentally different from TikTok or Instagram, where users are being entertained. Pinterest users are searching for solutions, products, and ideas. They are further down the purchase funnel before they ever see your ad.

Lower Competition Means Lower Costs

Fewer advertisers on Pinterest means:

• Lower CPMs: Pinterest CPMs average $5 to $15, compared to $10 to $30 on Meta and $8 to $25 on TikTok
• Lower CPC: Average cost-per-click on Pinterest is $0.50 to $1.50, often half of what you would pay on Instagram
• Higher organic reach: Pins have a longer shelf life than posts on any other platform. A Pin can drive traffic for months or years.

Longer Content Lifespan

This is Pinterest's secret advantage. On TikTok, a video's life span is 24 to 72 hours. On Instagram, it is 48 hours. On Pinterest, a Pin can generate impressions and clicks for 3 to 6 months. Video Pins perform even better, often resurfacing in search results long after publishing.

This means every video ad you create for Pinterest continues working long after the campaign ends.

Pinterest Video Ad Formats Explained

Pinterest offers several video ad formats, each with specific use cases:

Standard Video Pins

The most common format. These appear in the home feed and search results.

Specs:

• Aspect ratios: 1:1 (square), 2:3 (standard Pin), or 9:16 (full-screen mobile)
• Minimum resolution: 240p
• Recommended resolution: 1080p or higher
• Duration: 4 seconds to 15 minutes (6 to 15 seconds recommended for ads)
• File size: Up to 2GB
• File types: MP4, MOV, M4V

Idea Pins (Video)

Multi-page video content similar to Stories. Up to 20 pages of video or image content.

Best for: Tutorials, step-by-step guides, product demonstrations

Video Width Max

Expanded-width video ads that span the full width of the mobile feed. These are premium placements with higher engagement.

Specs:

• Aspect ratio: 1:1 or 16:9
• Same resolution and duration specs as standard video

Shopping Video Pins

Video Pins with product tags linking directly to purchase pages. These combine video engagement with direct commerce.

Best for: E-commerce brands, product launches, seasonal promotions

Quiz and Showcase Ads

Interactive formats that combine video with engagement elements. These are newer formats with lower advertiser adoption.

What Makes a Pinterest Video Ad Effective

Pinterest video ads follow different rules than TikTok or Instagram Reels. Understanding these differences is critical.

Visual-First, Sound-Optional

Pinterest videos autoplay on mute in the feed. Your video must communicate its message entirely through visuals and text overlays. Unlike CTV or even YouTube, you cannot rely on voiceover or dialogue to deliver key information.

Practical implications:

• Lead with visually striking product shots or transformations
• Use text overlays for all key messages
• Design the thumbnail (first frame) to stop scrollers, it functions like a Pin image
• Add captions for any spoken content

Aspirational Aesthetics

Pinterest users respond to aspirational, polished content. The raw, unfiltered UGC style that dominates TikTok does not perform as well here. Pinterest video ads should feel:

• Clean and well-lit
• Styled and curated
• Inspirational rather than disruptive
• Consistent with the visual quality of surrounding organic Pins

Search-Optimized

Pinterest is a visual search engine. Video ads that align with search behavior outperform those that do not:

• Include relevant keywords in Pin titles and descriptions
• Create video content around terms people actually search for on Pinterest
• Use hashtags strategically (Pinterest hashtags function more like keywords than trends)

Longer Consideration Window

Unlike TikTok where the first 1 to 2 seconds determine everything, Pinterest users often save content for later. Your video ad should:

• Provide genuine value or inspiration (not just sell)
• Include enough information for someone to return to it later
• Have a clear, persistent CTA that works whether viewed now or in three weeks

Creating Pinterest Video Ads with AI: A Complete Workflow

Step 1: Research Pinterest Search Trends

Before creating any content, understand what your audience is searching for on Pinterest.

Tools:

• Pinterest Trends (trends.pinterest.com): See trending searches by category and time period
• Pinterest search bar: Type your product category and note the autocomplete suggestions
• Pinterest Ads Manager: The keyword targeting tool shows search volume estimates

Document 10 to 15 high-volume search terms relevant to your product. These will inform your video concepts.

Step 2: Script Your Video for Silent Viewing

Using AdCreate's script generator, create scripts optimized for Pinterest's visual-first format. Key adjustments for Pinterest:

• Write the script as a visual sequence with text overlay directions, not dialogue
• Front-load the product or transformation in the first 2 seconds
• Include a "Save this Pin" CTA (encouraging saves increases distribution)
• Keep the core message deliverable in 6 to 10 seconds

AdCreate supports multiple copywriting frameworks. For Pinterest, the most effective are:

• BAB (Before, After, Bridge): Show a problem state, reveal the transformation, present your product
• 4Ps (Promise, Picture, Proof, Push): Make a promise, visualize the outcome, show evidence, prompt action

Step 3: Generate Your Video

Pinterest video ads work exceptionally well with AI generation because the platform favors polished, styled content over raw authenticity.

For product-focused ads:
Use AdCreate's image-to-video to transform product photography into dynamic video. Upload styled product photos and the AI adds camera movement, zoom effects, and transitions that feel native to Pinterest's aesthetic.

For concept and lifestyle ads:
Use AdCreate's text-to-video to generate aspirational lifestyle footage around your product. Describe the scenario and visual style, and the AI produces Pinterest-quality video content.

For educational and tutorial ads:
Use AdCreate's talking avatar feature to create presenter-led tutorial content. Idea Pins with step-by-step video instruction perform extremely well on Pinterest.

The Brick System is particularly useful for Pinterest. Assemble your video from modular components:

• Hook Brick: Visually striking opening (product transformation or aspirational scene)
• Retention Brick: Value delivery (tip, tutorial step, or product benefit)
• Trust Brick: Social proof or before/after comparison
• CTA Brick: "Save for later" or "Shop now" prompt

Step 4: Add Text Overlays and Captions

Since Pinterest videos autoplay muted, text is essential. Use AdCreate's AI caption tools to add:

• Key message text overlays (large, readable on mobile)
• Step numbers for tutorial content
• Product names and pricing
• CTA text in the final frames

Typography guidelines for Pinterest:

• Sans-serif fonts (clean and modern)
• High contrast against background (white text on dark, dark text on light)
• Minimum 24px equivalent on mobile
• No more than 8 words per text overlay

Step 5: Optimize the First Frame (Thumbnail)

The first frame of your video functions as the Pin image in search results and feeds. It must work as a standalone static image:

• Include your primary keyword in text overlay on the first frame
• Use vibrant colors that stand out in the Pinterest feed
• Show the product or outcome clearly
• Avoid cluttered compositions

Step 6: Set Up Your Pinterest Ad Campaign

Campaign objective options:

• Brand awareness: Maximize impressions
• Video views: Optimize for viewers who watch at least 2 seconds
• Consideration: Drive traffic to your website
• Conversions: Optimize for purchases or sign-ups (requires Pinterest Tag)
• Shopping: Drive product sales (requires catalog)

Targeting recommendations:

• Layer keyword targeting (based on your research) with interest targeting
• Use actalike audiences (Pinterest's version of lookalikes) based on customer lists
• Target by demographics that align with your buyer profile
• Start broad and narrow based on performance data

Budget recommendations:

• Start with $20 to $50 per day for 2 weeks
• Allow 1 to 2 weeks for Pinterest's algorithm to optimize delivery
• Do not judge performance in the first 7 days

Pinterest Video Ad Examples by Industry

E-Commerce / DTC Products

Format: 2:3 standard video Pin, 8 to 12 seconds
Content: Product in use, styled flat-lay to action shot, before/after transformation
CTA: "Shop now" with direct product link
Tip: E-commerce video ads on Pinterest outperform static Pins by 3x in click-through rate.

Home and Interior Design

Format: Idea Pin (multi-page video), 15 to 60 seconds total
Content: Room transformation, DIY tutorial, styling tips
CTA: "Save for your next project" + link to shop
Tip: Home decor is the most-searched category on Pinterest. Competition is high but so is purchase intent.

Food and Beverage

Format: 1:1 square video, 10 to 15 seconds
Content: Recipe quick-cut, ingredient to finished dish, taste reaction
CTA: "Save this recipe" + link to full recipe page
Tip: Recipe Pins have the longest average lifespan on Pinterest, often generating traffic for 12+ months.

Beauty and Skincare

Format: 2:3 standard video, 6 to 10 seconds
Content: Application tutorial, before/after skin transformation, product texture close-up
CTA: "Get the look" + product link
Tip: Beauty tutorials perform 3.5x better as video Pins than static images.

B2B / SaaS

Format: 1:1 square video, 15 to 30 seconds
Content: Workflow demonstration, data visualization, tip-based educational content
CTA: "Learn more" + landing page link
Tip: B2B on Pinterest is genuinely underserved. Decision-makers use Pinterest for professional inspiration.

Advanced Pinterest Video Strategies

Create Seasonal Content 45 Days Early

Pinterest users plan ahead. Search data shows that holiday-related searches begin 45 to 60 days before the event. Create and launch seasonal video ads well in advance:

• Valentine's Day: Launch by early January
• Summer: Launch by mid-April
• Back to School: Launch by early July
• Holiday/Christmas: Launch by early October

Build a Pin Funnel

Use multiple video ad formats at different stages:

1. Awareness: Aspirational lifestyle video ads targeting broad interests
2. Consideration: Tutorial or demo video ads targeting keyword searches
3. Conversion: Product-specific shopping video Pins retargeting website visitors

A/B Test Thumbnails, Not Just Videos

Because the first frame functions as a thumbnail on Pinterest, testing different first frames can dramatically impact performance. Create the same video with three different opening frames and test which generates the most saves and clicks.

AdCreate's ad template system lets you efficiently produce multiple variations with different hooks and openings for systematic testing.

Leverage Pinterest SEO for Video

Optimize every video Pin with:

• Title: Include primary keyword naturally (100 characters max)
• Description: 2 to 3 sentences with secondary keywords (500 characters max)
• Board name: Use a keyword-rich board name
• Hashtags: 2 to 5 relevant hashtags
• Alt text: Describe the video content with keywords

FAQ

Are video ads effective on Pinterest?

Yes. Video Pins generate 3x more click-throughs than static Pins, and Pinterest users are 2.6x more likely to make a purchase after viewing branded video content. The combination of high purchase intent and lower competition makes Pinterest one of the most cost-effective platforms for video advertising in 2026.

What is the best video length for Pinterest ads?

For standard video ads, 6 to 15 seconds performs best. This is long enough to communicate a value proposition but short enough to maintain attention in the feed. For Idea Pins and tutorial content, 30 to 60 seconds is effective. Pinterest supports videos up to 15 minutes, but ad performance drops significantly beyond 60 seconds.

Can I use TikTok or Instagram Reels content for Pinterest ads?

You can, but you should not use them without modification. Pinterest favors polished, aspirational aesthetics over raw UGC. The pacing is slower, text overlays are more important since sound is usually off, and the 2:3 vertical format is different from 9:16. Use the same concepts but recreate the content for Pinterest's specific requirements. AdCreate's text-to-video tools make it fast to generate platform-specific versions.

How much do Pinterest video ads cost?

Pinterest CPMs range from $5 to $15, making it one of the most affordable major advertising platforms. Cost-per-click averages $0.50 to $1.50. You can start a campaign with as little as $5 per day, though $20 to $50 per day is recommended for enough data to optimize. Factor in AI video creation through AdCreate at $23 per month for a complete, budget-friendly advertising solution.

What industries perform best with Pinterest video ads?

E-commerce, home decor, fashion, beauty, food, travel, and wedding industries see the strongest performance on Pinterest because these align with the platform's core use case of visual discovery and planning. However, B2B, finance, and education brands are finding growing success as Pinterest's audience diversifies. The key is creating content that feels helpful and inspirational rather than purely promotional.

Conclusion

Pinterest remains one of the most underutilized advertising channels for video content. The platform's high-intent audience, lower CPMs, and extended content lifespan create an environment where well-crafted video ads deliver outsized returns.

The traditional barrier to Pinterest video advertising, the need for polished, aesthetically strong creative, is exactly what AI video tools solve. AdCreate's generation features produce the aspirational, high-quality video content that Pinterest users respond to, without the cost of a production studio.

Start by researching what your audience searches for on Pinterest. Create 3 to 5 video Pins targeting those searches. Run a modest test campaign. The data will likely surprise you, and you will have discovered a channel your competitors are still overlooking.