Exploring Pinterest: Average Engagement Rate per Post Benchmarks

Crafting the perfect Pin with stunning visuals, compelling text, and the right keywords, only to see it disappear into the endless Pinterest feed with little to no interaction. Frustrating, right? The secret to making your content viral is all about engagement.

Pinterest is a powerful search and discovery platform where engagement can make or break your success. So, how do you measure it, improve it, and use it to grow your brand? Let’s explore and unlock the true potential of your Pinterest presence.

What is Engagement Rate and How to Measure It?

Engagement rate is typically calculated by dividing the total engagements (saves, clicks, comments) by the total impressions, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. 

While a general benchmark for a good engagement rate on Pinterest is between 1-2%, this can vary depending on your industry, niche, and the type of content you're sharing. 

Engagement Rate = (Total Impressions / Total Engagements​) × 100

Key Metrics and How to Monitor Them

To effectively gauge your Pinterest performance, focus on these metrics:

• Impressions: The number of times your pins are displayed on screens.​
• Saves: How often users save your pins to their boards.​
• Pin Clicks: The total number of clicks on your pin or ad so it opens in closeup.​
• Outbound Clicks: The number of times people perform actions that lead them to a destination off Pinterest

To monitor these, utilize tools like PinMaker and Pinterest Analytics, which provides comprehensive insights into your content's performance. By tracking these numbers consistently, you can refine your strategy and create Pins that get seen and drive meaningful interactions.

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Pro Tip: Save rates are becoming a stronger signal than likes. Make sure your pins offer real value, users want to come back to or reference later.

Once you’ve tracked performance, the next step is to understand what those numbers actually mean for your Pinterest growth.

Why Engagement Rates Matter on Pinterest

Engagement rates are at the core of your Pinterest strategy. They reveal how well your content resonates with your audience and directly impact your visibility, reach, and overall success. Here’s why you should pay close attention to this crucial metric:

• Traffic Booster: High engagement translates to more clicks, driving valuable traffic to your website, blog, or product pages.
• Conversion Catalyst: Engaged users are more likely to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for your newsletter, or saving your Pin for future reference.
• Pinterest Algorithm Advantage: Pinterest rewards engaging content by showing it to a broader audience, meaning more impressions and potential followers.
• Brand Authority & Trust: Pins with high engagement signal credibility, making users more likely to trust and interact with your content.
• Content Longevity: Unlike other social platforms where posts have short lifespans, a well-performing Pin can continue generating engagement, clicks, and conversions for months or even years.

So what makes a Pin worth engaging with in the first place? Let’s break down the factors that can make or break your performance.

What Drives Pinterest Engagement? Key Factors to Consider

Your engagement rate is shaped by multiple factors that can either boost or hinder your performance. Understanding these elements allows you to refine your strategy and create Pins that truly connect with your audience.

Here are the key factors that impact engagement rates:

• Industry and Niche Relevance: Some industries naturally perform better on Pinterest. Lifestyle, fashion, food, and DIY niches tend to attract high engagement, while B2B and tech-related content may require a more strategic approach.
• Seasonal and Trend-Based Content: Pins that align with seasonal events, holidays, or trending topics see a surge in engagement. For example, searches for "holiday gift ideas" spike months before the holiday season.
• Pin Quality & Visual Appeal: Pinterest is a visual-first platform, meaning eye-catching, high-quality images with compelling design elements stand out in the feed. Bright colors, bold text overlays, and clean layouts improve engagement.
• Pin Relevance & Value: Content that directly solves a problem or inspires action will always perform better. How-to guides, step-by-step tutorials, and product recommendations tend to drive more clicks and saves.
• Pin Timing & Frequency: Posting when your audience is most active (typically evenings and weekends, between 7 PM to 11 PM) can boost engagement. Consistently pinning fresh content throughout the week also keeps your brand relevant.
• Call-to-Action (CTA) Effectiveness: Pins with strong CTAs like "Save this for later!" or "Click to shop the full collection" encourage users to take action, increasing interactions.

While those core factors are always relevant, Pinterest’s landscape isn’t standing still—here’s what’s been driving engagement more recently.

Recent Trends in Pinterest Engagement (2023–2024)

Pinterest isn’t static, and neither is what counts as engaging content. Over the past year, the platform has seen noticeable shifts in both the type of content that performs well and how users interact with it.

One of the biggest changes? The rise of Idea Pins. These multi-page, tappable posts are now a key feature in the feed, giving creators more space to tell a story or guide users step-by-step. Pinterest has made it clear they’re investing in this format, encouraging creators to publish more dynamic content that keeps users engaged within the platform.

This ties into a broader creator-first strategy, where Pinterest is shifting toward authenticity over perfection. In fact, Pinterest’s own product updates have included new AI-powered creative tools aimed at helping creators, not brands, stand out more naturally. And it’s working: Content that feels personal, helpful, and real outperforms overly stylized ads, especially in niches like DIY, wellness, lifestyle, and AI tools.

There’s also a notable shift in how users engage. For example, Gen Z users save nearly 2.5x more pins and create 66% more boards than other age groups, proving that Pinterest is becoming more of a personal curation space than a passive scrolling app. That’s why saves now carry more weight than likes, and pins with clear, keyword-focused designs are gaining more traction in search results.

Pro Tip: Idea pins tend to generate more saves and in-platform engagement. Try converting high-performing standard pins into Idea pin formats and compare the results.

And as user behavior continues to shift, here’s a glimpse at what’s already taking shape on Pinterest for 2025.

Emerging Pinterest Trends for 2025

As Pinterest continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping the platform's landscape in 2025. Understanding these developments is crucial for creators and brands aiming to maximize their impact.

1. Enhanced Shopping Features and Product Tagging

Pinterest is steadily transforming into a visually-driven shopping destination. The latest commerce tools are designed to make the user journey from discovery to purchase as seamless as possible.

Key improvements include:

• Advanced product tagging: Merchants can now tag multiple products in a single lifestyle Pin, making each image interactive and shoppable.
• Direct path to checkout: Tapping a tagged item reveals real-time pricing, availability, and links to the brand’s storefront.
• Catalog integration: Pinterest syncs with product catalogs to automatically update Pins with the latest inventory and details.
• Enhanced mobile shopping experience: Pins are optimized for mobile navigation, supporting impulse purchases directly from feeds.

This shift positions Pinterest not just as a platform for inspiration, but as a functional, intuitive shopping interface where visuals drive commerce.

2. Emphasis on Authentic, Creator-Driven Content

Rather than polished ads and promotional material, Pinterest is embracing authentic content crafted by real creators. This move aligns with a broader industry trend toward trust-based marketing.

Current platform focus:

• Creator-first approach: Pinterest prioritizes content made by individuals who share personal experiences, tips, or stories tied to products or ideas.
• Idea Pins evolution: Creators can now post multi-page Pins that mix video, text, voiceovers, and product links—ideal for tutorials, reviews, and inspiration boards.
• High engagement rewards: The Creator Rewards program incentivizes quality content that generates saves, reactions, and clicks.
• Brand partnerships with creators: Instead of standard ad creatives, brands are collaborating with niche creators to build content that resonates organically with audiences.

The result is content that feels real, useful, and relatable, leading to deeper engagement and stronger brand trust.

3. AI-Powered Personalized Feeds and Visual Discovery

Artificial Intelligence is now central to Pinterest’s user experience, delivering smart recommendations and intuitive discovery paths tailored to each user’s interests.

Key AI-powered features:

• Hyper-personalized feeds: AI algorithms learn from user interactions (clicks, saves, scroll time) to serve up content that aligns with evolving preferences.
• Pinterest Lens: Users can take a photo of an object and instantly get visually similar Pins, thanks to deep visual analysis and object recognition.
• Visual similarity search: Beyond keywords, Pinterest’s engine understands image context—patterns, colors, styles—making browsing far more intuitive.
• Real-time content adaptation: As users engage, their feed reshapes instantly, ensuring more relevant Pins are continuously served.

These AI tools make Pinterest a living, learning platform that adapts visually and contextually to individual users.

4. Integration of Voice Search and Richer Metadata

Voice-enabled search is gaining momentum, and Pinterest is actively optimizing content to align with how users speak, not just how they type.

What’s changing:

• Conversational keywords encouraged: Pin creators are advised to include phrases that reflect how someone might describe a product out loud (e.g., “comfy boho throw blanket”).
• Voice search compatibility: Pinterest's search engine is being fine-tuned to recognize natural language queries across a variety of accents and speaking styles.
• Expanded metadata importance: Rich descriptions, detailed alt text, and well-structured product info all enhance discoverability through voice interfaces.
• Contextual search responses: Pinterest is leaning into semantic understanding—matching Pins to user intent, even when phrased casually or vaguely.

This shift allows Pinterest to stay accessible and responsive across smart devices, making it easier for users to discover content with just their voice.

Understanding the trends is key, but timing your evaluation is just as important when making data-driven moves.

When to Evaluate Your Engagement Rates for Maximum Impact

Tracking engagement at the right time is just as important as understanding what drives it. By strategically analyzing your performance, you can refine your approach and continuously improve your results.

Here’s when you should assess your engagement rates:

• During and After Marketing Campaigns: Monitor engagement throughout your campaigns to gauge effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments. After a campaign ends, analyze the results to measure ROI and identify winning strategies.
• Regular Performance Audits: Conduct monthly or quarterly reviews to track long-term trends, identify successful content, and uncover areas for improvement. This ensures you’re always optimizing based on real data.
• Post-Pin Launch Assessment: Check engagement metrics shortly after publishing new pins. Early interactions (saves, clicks, and comments) can indicate whether a pin is gaining traction or needs optimization.
• Peak Seasonal Reviews: If you’ve published seasonal or trend-based content, evaluate engagement rates before, during, and after the peak period to refine future seasonal strategies.

Once you know when to check your metrics, it’s time to focus on what actually to do to improve them.

Boosting Your Pinterest Engagement: Proven Strategies for Better Results

If you want more people to interact with your Pins, you need a strategy that maximizes visibility, appeal, and interaction. Here’s how you can supercharge your engagement on Pinterest:

1. Craft Visually Stunning Content 

Pinterest is all about aesthetics. Use high-resolution images, bold colors, and clean, eye-catching designs to make your Pins stand out in crowded feeds. Vertical images (2:3 ratio) perform best.

2. Leverage Pinterest SEO

Pinterest is a visual search engine, so optimizing your content for search is crucial. Use relevant keywords naturally in your Pin titles, descriptions, and board names to increase discoverability.

3. Create Click-Worthy Headlines

A compelling title can make all the difference. Use curiosity-driven phrases like “10 Must-Try Home Decor Trends” or “5 Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights” to encourage clicks.

4. Join and Contribute to Group Boards

Expand your reach by collaborating with other Pinners in niche-relevant group boards. This helps expose your content to a larger audience and increases engagement.

5. Encourage Saves and Shares

Pins that get saved frequently signal to Pinterest’s algorithm that your content is valuable. Urge your audience to save your Pins for later or create content that naturally encourages bookmarking.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Respond to comments, interact with followers, and engage with other users’ content. The more active you are, the more visibility and engagement you’ll receive.

7. Use Idea Pins to Drive Interaction

Idea Pins (formerly Story Pins) offer an interactive, multi-page experience that keeps users engaged longer. Share step-by-step guides, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content.

8. Post Consistently & Strategically

Pinterest rewards active users. Aim to Pin regularly (at least 5-10 times per day), and use a scheduler to maintain a steady posting routine.

Note: Engagement spikes often happen around seasonal moments. Schedule your themed content 30-45 days ahead to catch the early interest wave.

9. Experiment with Different Content Types

Try a mix of standard Pins, video Pins, carousel Pins, and Idea Pins to see what resonates best with your audience. Video content, in particular, is gaining traction on Pinterest.

All that effort means nothing if you’re not reading your results the right way—let’s decode what your engagement rate is really telling you.

Understanding Engagement Rates: What Does Your Performance Indicate?

Your engagement rate is a direct reflection of how well your content connects with your audience. Understanding these metrics can help you refine your Pinterest strategy for maximum impact.

• High Engagement: If your Pins are getting a lot of saves, clicks, and comments, it means your content is resonating. Double down on what’s working by creating similar Pins, using related keywords, and maintaining consistency.
• Low Engagement: If your Pins aren’t performing well, it’s time to reassess. Are your images attention-grabbing? Are you targeting the right audience? Adjust your visuals, experiment with different Pin styles, and refine your keyword strategy.
• Look at the Bigger Picture: Engagement rate alone doesn’t tell the full story. Pair it with other key performance indicators like click-through rates (CTR), website traffic, and conversion rates to understand how your content drives business results.

Now that you know how to interpret your engagement rates, the next step is optimizing your content creation process. But doing it manually can be time-consuming. Let’s explore how PinMaker can elevate your Pinterest strategy effortlessly.

PinMaker: Your Ultimate Pinterest Growth Tool

PinMaker creates high-performing Pins, making it easier than ever to design, optimize, and schedule content that stands out.

• AI-Powered SEO Optimization: Generate keyword-rich titles and descriptions that improve your Pins' searchability.
• Customizable Pin Templates: Create visually stunning Pins effortlessly with professionally designed templates.
• Smart Hashtag Suggestions: Get data-driven hashtag recommendations to boost reach and engagement.
• Advanced Scheduling Features: Plan and automate your Pins for consistent posting and maximum visibility.
• Performance Tracking: Gain insights into your Pins’ performance to refine your strategy based on real-time data.

Take control of your Pinterest growth today! Create, optimize, and scale your content effortlessly with PinMaker.

FAQs

1. What is a good engagement rate on Pinterest?
A: A strong Pinterest engagement rate typically falls between 1-2%, though top-performing accounts can achieve higher rates, around 3-5%. The average engagement rate varies by industry, content type, and audience size.

2. What factors impact my engagement rate on Pinterest?
A: Several factors influence engagement, including:

• Content quality: High-resolution images with compelling design perform better.
• SEO optimization: Using relevant keywords in descriptions improves discoverability.
• Posting consistency: Regularly pinning 5-10 Pins helps maintain engagement.
• Trending topics: Seasonal and viral content often gains more traction.

3. What’s the best way to improve engagement on Pinterest?
A: To boost engagement:

• Create visually appealing, vertical Pins (1000x1500px).
• Add keyword-rich descriptions to improve search visibility.
• Use group boards and communities to expand reach.
• Engage with followers by replying to comments and encouraging saves.

4. How often should I check my Pinterest engagement metrics?
A: It’s best to review analytics weekly or bi-weekly to spot trends and adjust your strategy. Major campaigns should be analyzed before, during, and after to measure success.

5. How can PinMaker help improve my engagement rate?
A: PinMaker simplifies Pinterest marketing by:

• Generating SEO-optimized Pin titles and descriptions to increase search rankings.
• Providing customizable Pin templates for visually compelling content.
• Suggesting smart hashtags to improve discoverability.
• Offering scheduling features to maintain consistent posting.

6. Why are my Pins getting impressions but not clicks or saves?

A: This usually means your visuals or titles aren’t connecting strongly enough. Try using clearer CTAs, more focused keywords, and cleaner designs to increase interaction, not just visibility.