What Does the Pinterest API Really Mean?

Just last week Pinterest announced their first ever API. With this new release, Pinterest is teaming with some of their previous partner brands, like iVillage and Better Homes and Gardens, to bring pins off Pinterest for the first time ever. Now that sounds great, but what does it really mean for Pinterest? How about third party app (like us!)? What does it mean for you? Keep reading to find out.

What the API means for brands with API access.

Pinterest has a long history of testing out their new features with trusted brands, and API access is no different. Mashable, Allrecipes, Elle and the other major brands with API access, are starting to roll out Pinterest widgets on their websites. The API provides these brands access to the top pins from their domain, currently trending images on their site, their top domain search results, the most recently pinned items from their site and pins related to what a user is currently looking at. These widgets also provide brands with knowledge to what’s resonating with pinners, so they can better curate content both on and off of Pinterest making a experience better for everyone.

What the API means for third-party apps (like Tailwind).

While the announcement of Pinterest’s very first API doesn’t directly affect third party apps (like us) at the moment, there are many positive implications for the future. The release of the Pinterest API to high quality brands proves that the already amazing ecosystem built around the platform is continuing to grow. For now, we’re just excited for continued announcements and to see the impact of initial tests of the Pinterest API.

What the API means for Pinterest.

The release of Pinterest’s very first API is obviously very big news for Pinterest. While they have had other major releases recently, like rich pins, related pins and promoted pins, this is the first announcement that brings pins off of Pinterest. Soon, we will being seeing pins all around the Internet – not only on Pinterest. Because the widgets are powered by Pinterest’s API, the pins are constantly refreshed and up-to-date, providing real time results for the brands they’re working with. Although some may say they’re slow to join the API game, they’re really just incredibly smart and deliberate in their roll out. With each new release, they are building to something bigger and better than they were before, making the experience enjoyable for pinners and marketers alike.

What the API means for you.

While the release of Pinterest’s API doesn’t directly affect most pinners, it is the start of a better and more controlled off-site pinning experience. Content on these sites will be propelled by what you are interested in and by what you are pinning. Whether you’re seeing suggested pins or seeing top trending pins, those metics are set by you thanks to Pinterest.

What’s your take on Pinterest’s API? Let us know in the comments!

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