Pinterest image sizes and styles

A cheat sheet for more Pinterest clicks

In this lesson you'll learn:

  • How to optimize your Pinterest image sizes for maximum visibility and engagement in the feed
  • The exact design elements and style choices that make pins stop scrollers and drive clicks
  • Time-saving tricks and tools to create professional-looking pins that maintain your brand consistency

Pinterest isn't just about pretty pictures—it's a powerhouse for driving traffic and sales. But if your pins aren't sized or styled right, they'll get lost in the feed. Let's fix that. By the end of this lesson, you'll know exactly how to create pins that stop scrollers and turn viewers into customers.

Why Pinterest image size matters more than you think

Pinterest's algorithm loves vertical pins because they take up more screen space—which means more eyeballs on your content. Here's the golden rule:

  • Optimal pin size: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio). This works for standard pins and promoted pins.
  • Story pins: Use 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio) for full-screen impact.
  • Avoid square images— they get cut off in feeds, look out of place, and perform poorly.
The optimal Pin image size is 1000 x 1500 pixels. Be sure not to use a square image which will probably perform poorly.
🛠️ Tools of the trade:
Use a tool like Tailwind's built-in pin designer, Create, to nail these dimensions every time. Tailwind even lets you resize existing pins with one click— no design skills needed.

The secret sauce of Pinterest image styles that convert

Your pin's style is like a first impression: bold, clear, and irresistible. Follow these rules to make every pin pop:

  1. High-contrast colors: Use light/dark backgrounds with bright accents. Pinterest's 2025 trend report shows jewel tones (emerald, sapphire) are crushing it.
  2. Minimal text overlays: Add just enough text to spark curiosity. Example: "5-Minute Vegan Desserts (No Oven Needed!)."
  3. Consistent branding: Use the same fonts, colors, and filters so followers recognize your pins instantly.
🎯 Pro tip:
Test 2-3 style variations of the same pin. Tailwind's A/B testing feature shows you which designs get the most clicks, so you can double down on what works.
To create a high-converting image, use consistent branding, minimal text, and high-contrast eye-catching colors.

Design hacks for maximum engagement

You don't need a fancy agency to create pro-level pins. Try these simple tweaks:

  • Show the end result: A photo of your product in action (e.g., a customer wearing your jewelry at a party).
  • Use templates: Save time by creating 3-5 reusable pin templates in your brand colors.
  • Leave "negative space": Keep 20% of your pin image-free so text overlays are easy to read.
🛠️ Tools of the trade:
Tailwind's pin designer, Create, includes free, customizable templates sized perfectly for Pinterest. Just swap out images and text—no starting from scratch.

Pinterest rewards businesses that blend the right size with show-stopping style. By sticking to vertical formats, using bold colors, and keeping your branding consistent, you'll turn casual scrollers into loyal customers. Ready to put this into practice? Fire up Tailwind's design tool—your next viral pin is just a few clicks away.

Key takeaways:

  • Pinterest's optimal image dimensions are 1000x1500 pixels (2:3 ratio) for standard pins and 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 ratio) for story pins, with vertical orientation performing significantly better than horizontal or square formats
  • Successful pins combine high-contrast colors, minimal but compelling text overlays, and consistent branding elements to create instant visual recognition and encourage engagement
  • Using tools like Tailwind's Create pin designer with built-in templates and analytics can help you create, optimize, and track your best-performing pin designs