Pinterest has evolved from a simple pinboard-style platform into one of the most powerful discovery engines online. If you want to succeed on Pinterest—whether for growing a blog, promoting a product, or building your brand—you need to understand how users interact with content.
And that begins with mastering one core behavior: the scroll on Pinterest. The way users scroll through their Pinterest feed plays a crucial role in whether or not your content gets seen, saved, or clicked. If your pins aren’t optimized for the scrolling experience, you’re missing out on valuable engagement. In this article, we’ll explore how the Pinterest scroll works and how you can design your strategy to stop scrollers in their tracks.
Why the Scroll on Pinterest Matters
Unlike traditional social media platforms that rely on followers for visibility, Pinterest’s algorithm prioritizes search-based discovery and engagement. That means content is surfaced to users based on keywords, interests, and performance—not necessarily how many followers you have.
But here’s the catch: users on Pinterest scroll fast. They’re in search mode, often browsing dozens of pins per minute. So, if your pin doesn’t catch attention within the first few seconds of scrolling, it’s likely to be ignored.
To boost engagement, clicks, and saves, you need to create content that is scroll-proof—content that pops in the feed and compels users to stop, look, and act.
Understand How Users Scroll on Pinterest
Users scroll Pinterest in one of two main areas:
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Home Feed: Personalized based on saved content, searches, and behavior.
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Search Results: Keyword-triggered pins in a vertical layout.
Regardless of where they’re scrolling, users tend to:
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Skim vertically (quick glances down the feed)
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Look for visually appealing or informative pins
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Click only when something directly matches their intent or curiosity
So, your job is to interrupt the scroll in a way that feels natural, helpful, and relevant.
1. Use Tall, Vertical Pins That Dominate the Feed
Pinterest prefers a 2:3 ratio, typically 1000 x 1500 pixels. This vertical format fills more screen space and makes your pins more noticeable while scrolling.
Why it works:
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Taller pins hold the user’s attention longer
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They stand out compared to square or horizontal pins
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They allow more room for helpful content and compelling design
Avoid using small, short, or landscape-style images—they tend to get lost in the scroll
2. Make Text Overlays Clear, Bold, and Useful
Because users scroll quickly, your pin needs to immediately communicate value. One of the best ways to do that is through text overlays.
Best practices:
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Use bold, readable fonts
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Keep text short (7 words or fewer)
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Highlight a benefit, promise, or hook (e.g., “10-Minute Dinner Ideas” or “Grow Pinterest in 7 Days”)
Avoid cluttered designs or tiny fonts that are hard to read at a glance. Think of your text overlay as your headline—it’s what stops the scroll on Pinterest.
3. Use Bright, High-Contrast Colors
Color plays a big role in stopping the scroll. Soft or muted pins often blend into the background, while vibrant, high-contrast pins grab attention.
Tips:
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Use brand colors with contrast between background and text
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Avoid using red tones that may blend in with Pinterest’s interface
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Use white space strategically to make your pin feel clean and modern
Use tools like Canva to test different color combinations and see what stands out in a typical Pinterest feed.
4. Incorporate Curiosity and Emotion
Pins that trigger curiosity or emotion tend to stop scrollers more effectively.
Examples:
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“What Happened When I Tried Intermittent Fasting for 30 Days”
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“The One Tool That Tripled My Blog Traffic”
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“Before You Redesign Your Kitchen, Read This”
These types of headlines tap into human psychology, making users more likely to pause mid-scroll and engage with your content.
5. Use Keywords to Appear in Relevant Scrolls
Pinterest is a search engine at heart. That means keywords determine where you show up when users scroll through search results or related pins. These types of headlines tap into human psychology, making users more likely to pause mid-scroll and engage with your content.
Where to use keywords:
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Pin title
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Pin description
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Board name
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Board description
When your content is well-optimized with the right keywords, it increases your chances of being found—ensuring your pins are shown in front of users scrolling through relevant content. Mastering the scroll on Pinterest isn’t about hacking an algorithm—it’s about understanding user behavior and delivering content that speaks directly to their needs, interests, and curiosity. With the right strategy, you can make your pins irresistible in a fast-scrolling feed.
6. Create Multiple Pins for the Same Content
Different users respond to different visuals. By creating multiple pin designs for the same blog post, product, or resource, you increase the chances that one of them will stop the scroll.
Try:
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A pin with a list-style overlay (“5 Ways to…”)
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A pin with a bold quote or statement
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A pin with a large image and minimal text
Rotate these pins over time and monitor which ones get the most engagement.
7. Analyze What Works and Refine
Use Pinterest Analytics to see which pins are performing well and how users are interacting with them during scrolling.
Key metrics to track:
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Impressions (how often your pins are seen)
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Saves (indicates interest)
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Link clicks (shows intent and action)
Look for patterns in your top-performing pins—are certain colors, titles, or layouts stopping the scroll better than others? Replicate and refine based on data.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the scroll on Pinterest isn’t about hacking an algorithm—it’s about understanding user behavior and delivering content that speaks directly to their needs, interests, and curiosity. With the right strategy, you can make your pins irresistible in a fast-scrolling feed.
To recap:
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Design tall, vertical pins
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Use bold, readable text overlays
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Incorporate curiosity and vibrant visuals
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Optimize with keywords
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Create and test multiple variations
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Track what works and improve over time
When you learn to stop the scroll effectively, your engagement, saves, and clicks will skyrocket—bringing your content to more users and increasing your Pinterest impact like a pro.