Strategy
Idea Pins vs Standard Pins: Which Should You Actually Use?
When to use Idea Pins for reach and when standard pins for traffic — and how to combine them without wasting effort.
By Mia Bennett · Pinterest strategist
This one trips everyone up, so let’s make it simple. Idea Pins and standard pins do different jobs. Use the wrong one for your goal and you’ll feel like Pinterest “isn’t working”.
Standard pins = traffic
Standard pins link out. If your goal is clicks to a blog, shop or landing page, this is your workhorse. Everything about Pinterest SEO and keyword research is aimed at making these rank and get clicked.
Idea Pins = reach and trust
Idea Pins (multi-page, native content) tend to get more in-app reach and are great for building a following and demonstrating expertise — but they’re weaker for direct outbound clicks. Think top-of-funnel: awareness, saves, follows.
The combo that works
Use Idea Pins to grow reach and warm people up; use standard pins to convert that attention into clicks. They feed each other.
How to decide this week
- Need traffic now? Prioritise standard pins with strong keywords.
- Building a brand/following? Mix in Idea Pins consistently.
- Either way, keep designs fresh and measure what earns saves and clicks.
See which formats earn real momentum in your niche
More: how the algorithm distributes each — and see what earns momentum.
#idea pins#standard pins#pinterest formats
I’ve spent years growing Pinterest accounts from zero. This is the stuff I wish someone had told me sooner — no fluff, just what actually moves traffic.
