Pinterest success starts with knowing the ideal dimensions for your pins. Though great content is important, having the correct image size can make a huge difference in visibility, engagement, and shareability. Mastering Pinterest image sizing with this guide will assist you in creating standout pins that get saved in the feed.
Why Pinterest Image Size Matters
Pinterest’s visual discovery engine favors certain image sizes in its algorithm. Optimal sizes aren’t just about aesthetics—they have a direct effect on how the Pinterest algorithm ranks and displays your content. Well-sized pins receive better placement in feeds, show up more prominently in search results, and perform better overall on all engagement metrics.
When people see well-designed pins, they’ll be more inclined to stop swiping and interact with them. If that initial interaction turns into saves using tools such as SaveMyPins.com, Pinterest receives the message that your content has value and should be spread further. Proper dimensions create that all-important first impression that can propel a pin toward going viral.
The Standard Pinterest Pin Size: 2:3 Aspect Ratio
Pinterest’s gold standard is a 2:3 aspect ratio, or 1000 × 1500 pixels and similar dimensions. This vertical rectangle fits perfectly in the Pinterest feed without being cut off or looking tiny. The 2:3 ratio aligns with the way users scroll through Pinterest on both mobile screens and desktop browsers.
This aspect ratio leaves plenty of room for visual content while maintaining image quality on devices at an outstanding level. It’s a standout in the feed without dominating it, striking the ideal balance that gets noticed without annoying users by filling up their entire screen.
For overall use in all Pinterest categories, this 2:3 ratio is the safest bet for maximum visibility and interaction. If you do only one thing from this guide, make it this one—use the 2:3 aspect ratio as your default Pinterest image size.
Optimal Dimensions for Various Pin Types
Although the 2:3 ratio can serve as a one-size-fits-all standard, various pin types are optimally suited for certain dimensions:
- Standard Pins: 1000 × 1500 pixels (2:3 ratio)
The traditional Pinterest image size is ideal for most content types. It offers sufficient room for high-detail images and text overlays while sitting comfortably in the feed. - Idea Pins (previously Story Pins): 1080 × 1920 pixels
Multi-page pins utilize a taller aspect ratio that is comparable to Instagram Stories. The vertical full-screen format provides an immersive experience as the user swipes through several pages of content. - Square Pins: 1000 × 1000 pixels
Although less powerful than vertical pins, square images are suitable for certain types of content such as product images or infographics where a square layout more effectively displays the subject. - Infographic Pins: 1000 × up to 2100 pixels
Long infographics can exceed the usual pin height, but beware—anything taller than 2100 pixels may get cropped in the feed, leaving users to tap to view the full image.
The Science Behind Viral Pin Dimensions
Pinterest’s own studies have found that the most engaged vertical pins have a 2:3 aspect ratio. This is no surprise when you consider how people use the site—vertical scrolling tends to favor taller images that take up more space on the screen without the need for horizontal swiping.
The 2:3 ratio also provides the ideal balance between visibility and detail. It’s tall enough to be noticeable in the feed but not so tall that crucial details are chopped off or require extra clicks to see. This sweet spot offers the best user experience that drives engagement.
Mobile optimization is critical here, too. Given that around 85% of users visit the platform through their mobiles, pin dimensions need to hold up on more limited screens. The 2:3 size fits nicely onto most mobile screens without unsightly cropping or over-scaling.
Common Pinterest Size Errors to Avoid
Even expert Pinterest users can slip up with dimensional errors that cost engagement. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Too-tall pins: While vertical is desirable, very tall pins (above a 1:2.8 ratio) can be clipped in feeds, concealing valuable content and lowering engagement.
- Horizontal images: Pinterest’s vertical scroll interface doesn’t suit horizontal images, which appear small and are easily missed in feeds.
- Tiny text: When using text overlays on pins, ensure the text is legible even when the pin is viewed at smaller widths in search results or suggested related pins.
- Inconsistent branding: When testing various sizes, maintain consistent brand elements and visual style to create recognition among your audience.
Free Templates for Ideal Pinterest Pins
To make it easier for you to apply these dimensional rules, we’ve designed free templates that you can use with popular design software. These templates are pre-sized to Pinterest’s ideal dimensions and include text placement guidelines and safe zones.
For Canva users, our templates feature:
- Standard Pin Template (1000 × 1500 pixels)
- Idea Pin Template (1080 × 1920 pixels)
- Infographic Pin Template (1000 × 2100 pixels)
- Product Pin Template (1000 × 1000 pixels)
For those using Photoshop and Illustrator, we provide PSD and AI files containing:
- Correctly sized artboards for every pin type
- Guidelines for placing text
- Safe areas for key content
- Inspiration sample text layouts
These templates save time while ensuring your pins comply with Pinterest’s size requirements. Starting with the proper canvas size helps you avoid poor cropping or resizing that can undermine your pin’s performance.
Optimizing Images Beyond Size
While dimensions create the foundation for high-performing pins, various other visual aspects impact engagement:
- Resolution: Always use high-resolution images that remain sharp and clear, even when saved with tools such as SaveMyPins.com. Opt for images that appear professional in any size.
- Color psychology: Pins featuring red, orange, and pink hues generally excel on Pinterest compared to cooler colors. Bold, colorful choices can create a “stop-the-scroll” effect in crowded streams.
- Text overlay location: Position significant text in the middle of the pin to avoid truncation in feeds. Use large, readable fonts that are clear even on mobile.
- Branding components: Add subtle but consistent branding on all your pins to create recognition. Using a small logo or a regular color scheme makes it easy for users to identify your content.
Testing and Tuning Your Pin Size
The most effective Pinterest strategies involve ongoing testing and tweaking. While the suggested dimensions provide a solid foundation, your audience may respond differently depending on your content type.
Create multiple versions of the same pin in various aspect ratios and dimensions, and measure their performance over time. Monitor metrics such as impression-to-save ratio rather than raw views, as saves reflect higher engagement and algorithm favorability.
Most Pinterest users find that gathering examples of viral pins in your niche informs your dimensional strategy. Saving these high-performing examples on SaveMyPins.com provides a reference library of dimensional ideas based on your content category.
Conclusion
Mastering Pinterest image dimensions provides a significant advantage in capturing audience attention and encouraging engagement. While the 2:3 aspect ratio (1000 × 1500 pixels) serves as the universal standard for most content, understanding the nuances of different pin types helps maximize your content’s potential.
Our free templates simplify the process of applying these dimensional best practices, allowing you to focus on designing engaging visual content without the hassle of technical details. Paired with high-quality images, thoughtful text placement, and brand consistency, these precisely sized pins form the basis for Pinterest success.
Ready to create pins with viral potential? Download our free templates today and pair them with SaveMyPins.com to build a comprehensive Pinterest strategy that enhances both the creation and preservation of high-performing visual content.
