Pinterest introduces ‘more useful’ pin types for branded content

This morning, Pinterest announced changes to ‘pinning’ that will give users more information about the pins they make on content from partner brands, such as the price and availability of products. Pinterest calls them ‘more useful’ pins, which will be available for users that have the new Pinterest layout. 

What are the ‘more useful’ pins? 

The new pins will come in the form of ‘Product pins’, ‘Recipe pins’ and ‘Movie pins’, and will be available for content from Pinterest’s initial partners (this includes popular sites like Etsy, ASOS, eBay, Sony, Netflix and MyRecipes - full list here). 

The three categories will each have their own unique icons to make it clear what kind of content they include. The pins will also include additional information about the content:

Product pins

Products such as clothes or furniture will be accompanied with pricing, availability and where to buy them. 

Recipe pins

Recipes from the partner sites will include the cooking time, ingredients and servings of a recipe.

Movie pins

Pinned content will include ratings, cast members and more.  

What will be the impact of the new pins?

The new pins make it easier for brands to associate themselves with their content or products, whilst giving users more information about the pin.

Brands that sell products, like ASOS and Urban Outfitters, will benefit from the new Product pins, as it’ll be easier for users to see product information, availability and price all in the same place, whilst clicking on on the pins directs them to the brand’s site. It is “...the company’s "first step” in integrating images with associated brands, and making it easier to click through links and purchase items.”

According to GigaOM, Pinterest stated that they’re aiming to make pins more ‘actionable’ -  in other words making pins more likeable, shareable and click-worthy. The new pins are signs of Pinterest aiming at attracting more brands as its user base grows.

More information/helpful reading

Follow this link for the full announcement on Pinterest’s blog.