Pinterest Pin Size 2025: The Complete Guide to Optimal Dimensions

Last Updated: January 2025 | Read Time: 11 minutes

Pins that look perfect on desktop can fail miserably on mobile. Beautiful designs, compelling copy, on-brand colors, but the wrong dimensions.

On mobile (where most Pinterest users browse), poorly sized pins get cut off, pixelated, and become unreadable. Pinterest's algorithm detects poor user experience and reduces distribution significantly.

Using square (800x800px) instead of vertical (1000x1500px) format can cost you thousands of daily impressions.

Pinterest pin dimensions aren't optional recommendations. They're algorithmic requirements that determine whether your content gets distributed or buried.

What Is the Optimal Pinterest Pin Size for 2025?

The ideal Pinterest pin size is 1000x1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio).

Why 1000x1500px Is the Sweet Spot

Pinterest's Official Recommendation:

• Minimum width: 1000px
• Maximum width: No strict limit (but 1000px is ideal)
• Aspect ratio: 2:3 (vertical)
• File format: PNG or JPG
• Max file size: 20MB (but aim for under 10MB)

This size works because:

• ✅ Takes maximum screen real estate on mobile
• ✅ Maintains quality when Pinterest compresses
• ✅ Displays perfectly across all devices
• ✅ Preferred by Pinterest algorithm
• ✅ Industry standard (most pin templates use this)

Performance Data:

• Vertical pins (2:3) get significantly more engagement than square pins
• Pins under 600px width receive substantially less distribution
• Pins over 1:3 aspect ratio (too tall) get cropped in feed

Complete Pinterest Image Size Guide (All Pin Types)

Standard Pin Dimensions

Format: Static image pin Optimal Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels Aspect Ratio: 2:3 (vertical) File Type: JPG or PNG Max File Size: 20MB (recommended: under 5MB) Min Width: 1000px

Best Use Cases:

• Product images
• Blog post graphics
• Infographics
• Quote pins
• Tutorial images

Design Tips:

• Use high-resolution images (1000px minimum)
• Keep important text/elements in center 80%
• Leave padding around edges (Pinterest may crop slightly)
• Test how pin looks on mobile before posting

Square Pin Size (Not Recommended)

Format: Square image pin Size: 1000 x 1000 pixels Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square) Why Avoid: Takes less screen space, lower engagement

When to Use:

• Never, unless repurposing Instagram content
• Square pins get significantly less reach than vertical

Comparison:

• Vertical pin (1000x1500): Takes more of mobile screen
• Square pin (1000x1000): Takes less mobile screen space
• Result: Vertical pins get significantly more attention

Long Vertical Pin Size (Use Sparingly)

Format: Extra-tall vertical pin Size: 1000 x 2100 pixels Aspect Ratio: 1:2.1 Max recommended height: 2100px (1:2.1 ratio)

Performance Notes:

• Pins taller than 1:2.1 get cropped in feed
• User must click to see full image
• Lower engagement than 2:3 ratio
• Can work for step-by-step tutorials (multiple sections)

When to Use:

• Detailed infographics with many steps
• Long-form content that needs vertical space
• Recipe pins with many ingredients + instructions

Warning: Pinterest algorithm slightly favors 2:3 ratio. Use long pins strategically, not as default.

Pinterest Video Pin Dimensions

Format: Video pin (standalone) Recommended Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio) Alternative: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio) File Type: MP4 or MOV Max File Size: 2GB Video Length: 4 seconds - 15 minutes (optimal: 6-15 seconds) Max Frame Rate: 60 FPS

Technical Requirements:

• H.264 or H.265 codec
• Square pixels (1:1 pixel aspect ratio)
• Audio: AAC, MP3, or Vorbis codec

Design Tips:

• Add captions (85% watch without sound)
• Hook viewer in first 2 seconds
• Keep key message in center frame
• Optimize for mobile viewing

Performance: Video pins often receive significantly more impressions than static pins but require higher production effort.

Pinterest Idea Pin Size (Multi-Page Stories)

Format: Idea Pin (previously Story Pins) Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio) Alternative: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio) File Type: JPG, PNG, or video (MP4/MOV) Pages: 2-20 pages per Idea Pin Video Length per Page: Up to 60 seconds

Idea Pin Specifications:

• First page dimensions apply to all pages
• Mix of images and videos allowed
• Text overlays supported (built-in editor)
• Stickers and music available

Best Practices:

• Use 9:16 (vertical video format) for maximum screen coverage
• Create 5-10 pages for optimal engagement
• Mix educational content with product showcases
• Include call-to-action on final page

Note: Idea Pins don't support outbound links (Pinterest limitation). Use for brand building and engagement, not direct traffic.

Pinterest Carousel Pin Size

Format: Carousel (multiple images in one pin) Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels per image (2:3 aspect ratio) Alternative: 1:1 square (1000x1000px) for each card Number of Images: 2-5 cards File Type: JPG or PNG

Carousel Best Practices:

• Keep dimensions consistent across all cards
• First image is most important (thumbnail)
• Use carousel for product variations, before/after, step-by-step
• Swipe-through format increases engagement time

Performance: Carousels often have higher save rates than single-image pins because users can see multiple angles/options.

Pinterest Pin Size by Content Type

Blog Post Pin Size

Recommended: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) Alternative: 1000 x 2100 pixels (for long-form content)

Design Elements:

• Eye-catching headline (60-80pt font)
• Blog post title overlay
• High-quality feature image
• Your blog logo/watermark
• Clear call-to-action ("Read the full post →")

Typography Tips:

• Headline font: Bold, sans-serif, 60-80pt
• Subheadline: 30-40pt
• Minimum font size: 24pt (legible on mobile)
• High contrast (dark text on light bg or vice versa)

Product Pin Size

Recommended: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) File Format: PNG (for transparent backgrounds) or JPG

Design Elements:

• Product photo in context (lifestyle shot)
• Price (if allowed by platform)
• Benefit-focused text overlay
• Product name clearly visible
• Brand logo (subtle watermark)

Product Photography Tips:

• White or neutral background for clean look
• Show product in use for aspirational context
• Multiple angles if using carousel format
• Include scale reference (product next to common object)

Infographic Pin Size

Recommended: 1000 x 2100 pixels (1:2.1 for long-form data) Alternative: 1000 x 1500 pixels (if concise)

Design Structure:

• Header with title (top 200px)
• Body content in sections (middle)
• Footer with source/CTA (bottom 150px)

Infographic Best Practices:

• Use data visualization (charts, graphs)
• Break content into digestible sections
• Numbered lists perform well (5 Tips, 10 Ways)
• Consistent color scheme throughout
• Source citations build trust

Recipe Pin Size

Recommended: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) Alternative: Carousel with multiple photos

Design Elements:

• Finished dish photo (top half)
• Recipe title overlay
• Prep/cook time icons
• Serving size
• "Get the recipe →" CTA

Rich Pins for Recipes: Enable Rich Pins to automatically pull:

• Ingredients list
• Cook time
• Servings
• Recipe rating

Enable Rich Pins guide →

Quote Pin Size

Recommended: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) Background: Solid color, gradient, or subtle pattern

Design Elements:

• Quote text (center, large font 50-80pt)
• Attribution (author, smaller font 24-32pt)
• Minimal decorative elements
• Brand watermark (bottom corner)

Quote Pin Typography:

• Serif fonts for elegant quotes
• Sans-serif for modern, motivational quotes
• Script fonts sparingly (readability issues)
• Always high contrast for legibility

Pinterest Profile & Board Image Sizes

Profile Picture Size

Recommended: 165 x 165 pixels (minimum) Display Size: Appears as 165x165px circle Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square) File Type: JPG or PNG

Design Tips:

• Use logo or clear headshot
• Avoid text (too small to read)
• High contrast for visibility
• Test how it looks at small size

Board Cover Image Size

Recommended: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3, same as pin size) Alternative: Any pin on board can be cover (Pinterest auto-crops)

Board Cover Best Practices:

• Use branded template for consistency
• Include board topic text overlay
• High-quality, representative image
• Consistent style across all board covers

Pro Tip: Create custom board covers for professional look. Pinterest displays them at various sizes, so 1000x1500px ensures quality.

Why Pinterest Pin Size Matters for Performance

Algorithm Impact

Pinterest's algorithm evaluates:

• Image quality and resolution
• Aspect ratio (prefers 2:3)
• Load time (file size)
• User engagement (clicks, saves)

How Size Affects Ranking:

Pins with Correct Dimensions (1000x1500px):

• ✅ Full distribution in home feed
• ✅ Featured in search results
• ✅ Recommended in "More like this"
• ✅ Mobile-optimized display

Pins with Wrong Dimensions:

• ❌ Cropped or distorted display
• ❌ Reduced algorithm distribution
• ❌ Lower click-through rates
• ❌ Poor mobile experience

Mobile Experience (85% of Pinterest Users)

Pinterest Mobile Screen Real Estate:

Vertical Pin (1000x1500, 2:3):

• Occupies 60-70% of screen height
• Text overlay clearly readable
• User attention captured
• Higher save and click rates

Square Pin (1000x1000, 1:1):

• Occupies 35-40% of screen height
• Scrolls past quickly
• Less impactful
• 40-50% lower engagement

Horizontal Pin (1500x1000, 3:2):

• Displayed tiny (to fit width)
• Text unreadable
• Essentially invisible
• Rarely used on Pinterest

Takeaway: 85% of users browse on mobile. Optimize for mobile-first.

User Engagement Metrics

A/B Test Data (Same Content, Different Sizes):

Conclusion: 1000x1500px (2:3) consistently outperforms all other sizes.

Pinterest Pin Design Best Practices

Text Overlay Guidelines

Readability Requirements:

• Minimum font size: 24pt (for body text)
• Headline font size: 60-80pt
• Text placement: Keep within center 80% of image
• Line length: Max 50-60 characters per line
• Contrast ratio: Minimum 4.5:1 (text vs. background)

Text Overlay Do's:

• ✅ Use bold, sans-serif fonts for headlines
• ✅ Add subtle drop shadow for readability
• ✅ Place text on solid or semi-transparent overlay
• ✅ Break long headlines into 2-3 lines
• ✅ Left-align text for easier reading

Text Overlay Don'ts:

• ❌ Don't cover entire pin with text (looks spammy)
• ❌ Don't use more than 3 fonts per pin
• ❌ Don't use cursive/script for body text (hard to read)
• ❌ Don't place text on busy backgrounds without overlay
• ❌ Don't make font size smaller than 24pt

Color & Contrast

High-Performing Color Combinations:

• Dark blue + white text
• Black + white text (classic high contrast)
• Soft pastels + dark text
• Bold primary colors + white text
• Earth tones + cream text

Colors That Underperform:

• All neon (harsh, unprofessional)
• Low contrast combinations (gray on gray)
• Too many colors (looks chaotic)
• Clashing color schemes

Brand Color Strategy:

• Use 2-3 brand colors consistently
• Add 1-2 accent colors for variety
• Maintain recognizable color palette
• Test different combinations for performance

Image Quality Requirements

Resolution Standards:

• Minimum: 1000px width (Pinterest requirement)
• Recommended: 1000x1500px at 72-150 DPI
• File format: JPG (photos), PNG (graphics with transparency)
• Compression: Balance quality vs. file size (aim for under 5MB)

Image Quality Checklist:

• Sharp focus (no blur)
• Good lighting (not too dark)
• Proper white balance
• No pixelation or artifacts
• Professional composition

Where to Find High-Quality Images:

• Your own photography
• Unsplash, Pexels (free stock photos)
• Canva Pro (premium stock library)
• Adobe Stock, Shutterstock (paid)

How to Create Pinterest Pins (Step-by-Step)

Method 1: Using Canva (Easiest)

Step 1: Select Pinterest Pin Template

1. Go to Canva.com
2. Search "Pinterest Pin" in templates
3. Select a template you like
4. Dimensions auto-set to 1000x1500px

Step 2: Customize Design

• Replace placeholder image with yours
• Edit text with your headline
• Adjust colors to match brand
• Add logo/watermark

Step 3: Download & Upload

• Click "Download" → PNG or JPG
• Save to computer
• Upload to Pinterest
• Add optimized description

Canva Pro Benefits:

• Access to premium templates
• Background remover tool
• Brand kit (save colors, fonts, logos)
• Magic Resize (resize for other platforms)

Cost: Free (limited templates) | Pro: $12.99/month

Method 2: Using Our Free Pinterest Graphic Maker

Step 1: Access Tool

• Visit Pinterest Graphic Maker
• No signup required

Step 2: Choose Template

• Select from Pinterest-optimized templates
• All templates are 1000x1500px
• Categories: Product, Blog, Quote, Tutorial, Lifestyle

Step 3: Customize

• Upload your image
• Add text layers
• Adjust colors, fonts, sizes
• Preview on mobile

Step 4: Download

• Export as high-quality PNG
• Ready to upload to Pinterest

Benefits:

• ✅ Free forever
• ✅ No watermarks
• ✅ Perfect Pinterest dimensions
• ✅ Mobile preview built-in

Method 3: Using Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator (Advanced)

Photoshop Setup:

1. File → New Document
2. Width: 1000px, Height: 1500px
3. Resolution: 72 DPI (web) or 150 DPI (print quality)
4. Color mode: RGB
5. Background: White or transparent

Design Process:

• Place images: File → Place Embedded
• Add text: Type Tool (T)
• Apply effects: Drop shadows, gradients
• Export: File → Export → Export As → JPG/PNG

When to Use Professional Tools:

• Complex graphic design projects
• Need advanced editing features
• Creating templates for reuse
• Brand requires specific design software

Common Pinterest Pin Size Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using Square (1:1) Pins

Why It's Wrong: Takes minimal screen space, 40% less engagement than vertical pins.

Fix: Always use 2:3 aspect ratio (1000x1500px). If you have square images, add colored bars top/bottom to create vertical format.

Mistake #2: Pins Too Tall (Over 1:2.1 Ratio)

Why It's Wrong: Pinterest crops them in feed. Users must click to see full image (reduces engagement).

Fix: Keep aspect ratio between 2:3 and 1:2.1 maximum. Sweet spot is 2:3 (1000x1500).

Mistake #3: Low Resolution (Under 600px Width)

Why It's Wrong: Pixelated on high-resolution displays, algorithm penalizes low-quality images.

Fix: Minimum 1000px width. If you have smaller images, don't stretch them (quality degrades). Use graphic design to enlarge canvas with text/design elements.

Mistake #4: Horizontal Pins (Landscape Orientation)

Why It's Wrong: Displays tiny on mobile, essentially invisible in feed.

Fix: Never use horizontal pins on Pinterest. Rotate or crop to vertical, or add design elements to force vertical format.

Mistake #5: Inconsistent Dimensions Across Pins

Why It's Wrong: Unprofessional appearance, confusing user experience, harder to batch-create content.

Fix: Standardize on 1000x1500px for 95% of pins. Use templates for consistency.

Mistake #6: File Size Too Large (Over 20MB)

Why It's Wrong: Slow load times, poor mobile experience, Pinterest may reject or compress heavily.

Fix: Compress images to 2-5MB range. Use tools like TinyPNG, Squoosh, or Canva's optimization.

Mistake #7: Text Too Small to Read on Mobile

Why It's Wrong: 85% of users browse on mobile. Unreadable text = scroll past = lost engagement.

Fix: Minimum 24pt font size. Test at actual mobile size (scale down 70% and see if readable).

Pinterest Pin Size FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Pinterest Pin Sizes

What is the best Pinterest pin size for 2025? 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio) is the optimal size. This vertical format maximizes mobile screen space, gets 67% more engagement than square pins, and is preferred by Pinterest's algorithm.

What happens if my Pinterest pin is the wrong size? Pins with incorrect dimensions (especially horizontal or square) get significantly reduced distribution in Pinterest's algorithm. They may appear cropped, pixelated, or tiny on mobile devices, resulting in 40-60% lower impressions and engagement.

Can I use square pins on Pinterest? Yes, but they're not recommended. Square pins (1:1 ratio) get 40-50% less engagement than vertical pins because they take less screen space on mobile. Use vertical 2:3 ratio for best performance.

What is the maximum Pinterest pin size? Pinterest technically allows up to 20MB file size and doesn't specify a maximum pixel dimension, but pins taller than 1:2.1 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000x2100px) get cropped in the feed. Stick to 1000x1500px for best results.

What is the minimum Pinterest pin width? 1000 pixels width minimum. Pins under 600px wide get significantly reduced distribution. Always create pins at least 1000px wide for optimal quality and performance.

Should I use PNG or JPG for Pinterest pins? JPG for photos and realistic images (smaller file size, good quality). PNG for graphics with text, transparent backgrounds, or sharp edges (higher quality, larger files). Both work well; choose based on content type.

What size should Pinterest board covers be? Use the same size as regular pins: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio). Pinterest automatically crops/resizes board covers, so using standard pin dimensions ensures they look good.

Do video pins need different dimensions? Video pins work best at 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3) or 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16, vertical video format). Both are mobile-optimized. Keep videos 6-15 seconds for highest engagement.

Can I use the same image size for all social media platforms? No. Each platform has optimal dimensions: Instagram (1080x1080 or 1080x1350), Facebook (1200x630), Pinterest (1000x1500). Create platform-specific versions for best performance, or use Canva's Magic Resize feature.

How do I check my Pinterest pin size before uploading? Right-click image file → Properties → Details tab → see dimensions. Or use online tools like WhatSize.info. Ensure it's 1000x1500px (or close to 2:3 ratio) before uploading.

Pinterest Pin Size Quick Reference

Cheat Sheet (Save This!)

Standard Pin: 1000 x 1500 px (2:3 ratio) Video Pin: 1000 x 1500 px or 1080 x 1920 px Idea Pin: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio) Profile Picture: 165 x 165 px Board Cover: 1000 x 1500 px Max File Size: 20MB (aim for under 5MB) File Format: JPG or PNG Min Font Size: 24pt

Pin Size Comparison Table

Start Creating Perfectly-Sized Pinterest Pins Today

Pin dimensions aren't just technical specs. They're the difference between high visibility and being buried in the algorithm. Between conversions or crickets.

Your action checklist:

Immediate Actions:

• Audit your current pins (check dimensions)
• Delete or recreate pins under 600px width
• Standardize on 1000x1500px for all new pins
• Create pin templates for consistency
• Test how pins look on mobile device

This Week:

• Create 20 new pins at optimal 1000x1500px size
• Use Pinterest Graphic Maker for free templates
• Schedule pins using Pinterest scheduler
• Monitor analytics for improvement

This Month:

• Replace top 50 pins with optimal-sized versions
• A/B test different designs at same size
• Track engagement improvement
• Establish design system for efficiency

Lost impressions from wrong pin dimensions are preventable with the right approach.

Ready to create perfect Pinterest pins? Use our free tools to design, schedule, and optimize your Pinterest strategy:

• Pinterest Graphic Maker - Perfect dimensions every time
• Pinterest Hashtag Generator - SEO-optimized keywords
• Social Media Scheduler - Automate your Pinterest posting

Related Guides:

• What Are Pinterest Impressions (And How to Increase Them)
• How to Sell Products on Pinterest
• Pinterest Best Practices