If you want consistent results from paid campaigns, you need to get the Pinterest Ad Specs right from the start. Pinterest is a visual search platform, so small mistakes like the wrong aspect ratio, oversized text, or a heavy file can reduce reach, cut off your creative, or slow down delivery.

This guide pulls the key specifications into one place and adds practical advice on what to use, when to use it, and how to build assets that look good in-feed and on mobile. It is written for UK marketers, ecommerce teams, and anyone running Pinterest Ads through Pinterest Ads Manager.

How Pinterest Ads display (and why specs matter)

Most Pinterest Ads appear in the home feed, search results, and related pins. The platform is mobile first, and creatives are shown in a vertical layout. If your image is too tall, Pinterest may crop it in some placements. If your video is too heavy, it may take longer to load, which can hurt performance.

Specs are not just box ticking. They help you:

• Protect your message so key elements are not cropped.
• Improve readability on small screens.
• Reduce rejections caused by unsupported formats or file sizes.
• Speed up testing because you can reuse the same templates across campaigns.

Pinterest specs (quick reference)

Use this section as a fast checklist when it comes to Pinterest Ad Specs. Then read the format specific sections for details and best practice.

Standard image ads (Single Pin)

• Recommended aspect ratio: 2:3
• Recommended size: 1000 x 1500 px
• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG
• Tip: Avoid very tall images. They can be cropped in-feed.

Video ads

• Recommended aspect ratio: 2:3 (vertical) or 1:1 (square)
• Recommended size: 1000 x 1500 px for 2:3, or 1080 x 1080 px for 1:1
• Accepted formats: MP4, MOV
• Tip: Keep branding and key text within a safe central area.

Carousel ads

• Card aspect ratio: 1:1 or 2:3
• Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 px or 1000 x 1500 px
• Tip: Use a consistent template across cards for a clean swipe experience.

Shopping and catalogue formats

• Best practice: Use clean product images, clear backgrounds, and accurate titles.
• Tip: Your catalogue data quality often matters more than creative polish.

Text limits (common fields)

• Pin title: keep it short and scannable
• Description: write for humans first, include key details and a clear benefit
• Destination URL: must match the offer shown in the creative

Exact character limits can change, so treat the above as guidance and check Pinterest Business Help if you are building at the edge of the limits.

Image Pinterest Ad Specs: what to use for most campaigns

For most advertisers, a standard vertical image is the safest and most flexible format. It works across prospecting and retargeting, and it is easy to produce in volume.

Recommended dimensions and aspect ratio

Build around a 2:3 layout, commonly 1000 x 1500 px. This fits the feed well and avoids aggressive cropping. If you use taller creatives, Pinterest may trim the top and bottom in some placements.

Design tips that improve performance

• Lead with the product or outcome in the first second of attention. Do not hide it in the bottom third.
• Use high contrast between background and text. Mobile screens are small and often viewed in bright light.
• Keep text minimal. Let the image do the work and use the title for clarity.
• Show context where it helps, such as a sofa in a room, not on a white background only.

Video ad specs and creative guidance

Video can work well on Pinterest when it feels like a helpful idea, tutorial, or quick demonstration. You do not need cinematic production, but you do need clarity.

Recommended formats and layout

Vertical 2:3 video is a strong default. Square 1:1 can also work, especially if you are repurposing assets from other platforms. Export to MP4 where possible and keep the file size sensible so playback starts quickly.

Length and structure

• Start with the result, then show the steps. For example, finished hairstyle first, then the routine.
• Use captions if you rely on spoken instructions. Many people watch with sound off.
• Keep cuts tight. Remove pauses and long intros.

What to avoid

• Small text that is unreadable on mobile.
• Important elements placed at the extreme top or bottom where cropping can happen.
• Fast flashing edits that make the message hard to follow.

Carousel ads: when a single image is not enough

Carousel ads let you tell a sequence, show multiple products, or break down a process. They are useful for collections, before and after, or step by step guides.

How to plan a carousel

• Card 1: the hook, benefit, or hero product.
• Cards 2 to 4: supporting proof, features, or variations.
• Final card: a clear next step such as shop the range or see sizes.

Keep the same aspect ratio across all cards. Mixing sizes looks messy and can reduce swipe through rate.

Shopping ads and catalogue formats

If you run ecommerce, Pinterest shopping formats can be a strong fit because people often browse with intent to plan or buy. The creative is important, but your feed setup and product data are the foundation.

Product image best practice

• Use sharp images with consistent lighting.
• Show the product clearly, not too small in frame.
• Where relevant, include lifestyle images as additional variants.

Titles and descriptions that help Pinterest understand your products

Write titles that match how people search. For example, “Oak Side Table With Drawer” is clearer than “The Camden”. Add key attributes like material, colour, size, and use case where it is natural.

Text, naming and landing page requirements

Pinterest is visual, but text still matters. Your title and description influence relevance, and your landing page affects conversion rate.

Pin title

Keep it specific and readable. Aim for a clear description of what it is and why it matters. Avoid all caps and avoid stuffing keywords.

Description

Use the description to add context, key features, and who it is for. If you have a strong offer, include it, but make sure it matches the landing page.

Destination URL and tracking

• Send people to the most relevant page, not always the homepage.
• Use UTM parameters so you can measure performance in Google Analytics.
• Make sure the page loads quickly on mobile and the product is in stock.

Creative best practice that goes beyond specs

Specs help your ads run. Creative best practice helps them win. These principles apply across most industries.

Make it feel like a useful idea

Pinterest users often save content for later. Ads that look like tips, guides, checklists, or inspiration can earn attention without feeling intrusive.

Use clear branding, but do not overpower the creative

Add a logo or brand mark, but keep it subtle. The main focus should be the product, result, or idea.

Build for mobile first

• Use large, readable typography.
• Keep key elements centred.
• Test how it looks at phone size before you publish.

Test variations systematically

Change one variable at a time, such as background colour, headline, or product angle. Keep a simple naming system so you can identify winners quickly.

Step by step: how to build Pinterest ad creatives that meet specs

Use this workflow to avoid rework and speed up approvals.

1) Choose the format based on the goal

• Traffic or conversions: start with standard 2:3 images and add video once you have a baseline.
• Product discovery: consider shopping formats and carousels.
• Education: use video or carousel steps.

2) Create a template at the correct size

Set up a 1000 x 1500 px template for most assets. Add safe margins so text and key visuals stay away from edges.

3) Write the message in plain English

Focus on one idea per creative. For example, “5 minute weekday breakfast” or “Waterproof hiking jacket for spring showers”.

4) Export in the right format

• Images: export as JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with flat colours or transparency.
• Video: export as MP4 where possible and check playback quality.

5) Check the landing page match

Make sure the offer, price, and product shown in the ad are easy to find on the landing page. Mismatches reduce trust and conversions.

6) Upload, preview, and fix cropping issues

Preview your ad placements in Pinterest Ads Manager. If important elements are cut off, adjust the layout rather than forcing a taller aspect ratio.

7) Launch with a small test set

Start with 3 to 6 creatives per ad group. After a few days, pause the weakest and iterate on the strongest.

FAQ

What is the recommended Pinterest ad size for standard image ads?

A 2:3 aspect ratio is the safest choice for Pinterest Ad Specs. A common recommended size is 1000 x 1500 pixels, which fits the mobile feed well.

Will Pinterest crop my ads if I use a taller image?

Yes, it can. Very tall creatives may be cut off in some feeds and placements. Keep key content in the centre and avoid relying on the top and bottom edges.

Which file types work for Pinterest ads?

Images are typically uploaded as JPG or PNG. Video is usually MP4 or MOV. Always preview after upload to confirm quality and layout.

Should I use video or images on Pinterest?

Start with strong vertical images for reliability, then add video to explain, demonstrate, or show a transformation. Video often works best when it delivers the idea quickly.

How much text should I put on a Pinterest ad?

Keep on image text minimal and readable on mobile. Use the title and description to add detail. If the message needs lots of words, consider a carousel with steps.

Do Pinterest Shopping ads need different creative specs?

They rely heavily on your product feed and images. Use clear product photos, accurate titles, and consistent data. The goal is to make products easy to understand at a glance.

How do I know if my Pinterest ad meets the latest requirements?

Check the upload prompts and previews in Pinterest Ads Manager, then confirm against Pinterest Business Help documentation. Requirements can change, so avoid building right at the edge of limits.