Pin Formats
Static Pins vs Video Pins: Which Works Better for Brands?
A complete comparison of both Pinterest pin formats, with pros, cons, a side-by-side table, and guidance on when to use each for maximum conversions.
Quick Answer
The short answer is to use both. Static pins drive stronger click-through rates and are easier to produce at scale, while video pins generate higher engagement and work better for storytelling and product demos. The best Pinterest strategy combines both formats based on your goals, static pins for traffic and sales, video pins for engagement and brand awareness.
Below is a full breakdown of each format's strengths and weaknesses, a side-by-side comparison, and guidance on when to choose which.
What are static pins?
Static pins are the standard format on Pinterest. They are images that may include text, graphics, or photos to showcase a product, service, or idea. They make it easy for brands to present a message clearly and quickly. According to Pinterest for Business, static image pins remain the most widely used format on the platform.
Pros of static pins
- Easy to create: static pins need fewer resources than video. You can design them quickly in tools like Canva or Photoshop.
- Viewer-friendly: people scrolling can grasp the message from a single image, which makes static pins effective for product promotions and tips.
- Fast loading: static pins load faster than video, which improves the experience and lifts your engagement on mobile.
Cons of static pins
- Less attention-grabbing: a still image can struggle to stand out in a feed full of motion.
- Limited storytelling: they are not ideal for detailed messages or demonstrating a process.
Want the static pin formats that drive conversions? See our guide to the types of Pinterest pins for high conversions, which covers text overlay, image, collage, before and after, and list-style pins.
What are video pins?
Video pins are dynamic content that can feature animation, tutorials, or product demonstrations. They can run from a few seconds to several minutes, which lets brands tell a story more engagingly.
Pros of video pins
- Highly engaging: motion naturally draws attention, helping video pins stand out and lift brand visibility.
- Great for storytelling: you can demonstrate products, share behind-the-scenes footage, or walk through step-by-step guides.
- Stronger recall: watching a video makes people more likely to remember your brand and message.
Cons of video pins
- More effort: video takes more time and editing skill. You may need better tools or help from a creator.
- Slower loading: video takes longer to load, and people on slow connections may not watch the whole thing.
- Can lose attention: some users prefer quick, glanceable content, so longer videos may not hold focus.
Pro tip
Use both static and video pins. Combining formats appeals to different types of users, lifts engagement, and improves overall visibility. Here is more on growing on Pinterest without ads.
Want both static and video pins created for your brand? 84Pins designs and posts pins across all formats, optimized for clicks, saves, and traffic.
See Plans and Pricing →Static pins vs video pins: side-by-side
| Aspect | Static pins | Video pins |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Single image with text or graphics | Moving images, animation, or video |
| Creation time | Quick and easy to design | Takes more time and editing |
| Message delivery | Communicates a single idea clearly | Shows step-by-step processes or storytelling |
| User interaction | Viewed quickly at a glance | Encourages watching and deeper engagement |
| Visual appeal | Simple and clear | Dynamic and attention-grabbing |
| Brand recall | Easy to remember visually | Helps viewers recall your brand better |
Which format should you choose?
It depends on your goal and the kind of content you are making.
Choose static pins when
- You need quick content creation
- Your message is simple and direct
- You are promoting products or sales
- Your audience prefers quick info
- Your resources are limited
Choose video pins when
- You want to tell a story
- You are demonstrating a product
- You have tutorials or how-tos
- You want maximum engagement
- You have video resources
Our recommendation: do not pick one over the other. Use both formats based on your goals and content type. Brands that mix pin formats consistently see better results than those relying on a single format. See how our clients have grown with a combined approach.
Want more on pin formats? See our complete guide to Pinterest pin types. And if you are just getting started, our beginner's posting schedule helps you find the right rhythm.
How 84Pins creates both static and video pins for you
Managing Pinterest well takes more than creating pins. It also means optimizing them for your audience and brand. See how our process works.
84Pins helps brands grow on Pinterest by creating both static and video pins in your style. We work from your brand colors, fonts, and overall design so your pins reach the right audience. Whether you are an ecommerce brand, a creator, or a service business, we handle everything from design to daily posting.
Ready to grow with both pin formats?
We create 84 to 672 SEO-optimized pins per month, static and video, and post them consistently so the Pinterest algorithm recognizes and promotes your content. 100% organic, no contracts, 30-day money-back guarantee.
"84Pins helped us grow from 2,000 to over 194,000 monthly impressions in under 6 months." A 84Pins client
See Plans and Pricing →If you are tired of posting pins without seeing growth, leave it to us. For brands that want more output, our higher tiers post up to 24 pins per day to increase reach and impressions. See the options on our pricing page.
Even if you are new to Pinterest, the right strategy can take a brand from zero to thousands, or even millions, of impressions. Just steer clear of the common Pinterest marketing mistakes, and keep an eye on the latest numbers in our Pinterest statistics for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are video pins better than static pins on Pinterest?
Neither format is universally better. It depends on your goal. Video pins drive higher engagement and are better for storytelling, tutorials, and product demos. Static pins are faster to create, load quicker, and work well for product promotions, tips, and direct sales. The best strategy uses both formats together.
How long should video pins be on Pinterest?
Video pins should be 6 to 15 seconds for best performance. Start with the most interesting moment in the first 2 seconds to stop scrollers. Always add captions or text overlay since many users watch without sound. Pinterest allows videos up to 15 minutes, but shorter clips consistently outperform longer ones.
Do static pins still work on Pinterest in 2026?
Yes, static pins remain very effective on Pinterest. They are the most common pin format and still drive strong click-through rates, especially text overlay pins and list-style pins. Static pins are easier to produce at scale, load faster on mobile, and communicate value at a glance, which makes them essential for any Pinterest strategy.
Should I use both static and video pins?
Yes. Using both formats is the recommended strategy. Static pins work well for product showcases, sales announcements, and quick tips, while video pins excel at tutorials, transformations, and behind-the-scenes content. Combining both appeals to different user preferences and maximizes your overall reach and engagement on Pinterest.
What tools can I use to create video pins?
Popular tools for creating video pins include Canva for templates, CapCut for free mobile editing, Adobe Premiere Rush for professional quality, and InShot for quick mobile edits. For static pins, Canva and Adobe Photoshop are the most common choices. If creating pins feels overwhelming, Pinterest marketing services like 84Pins handle both formats for you.
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Sources: Format guidance is from Pinterest for Business. Client results are from 84Pins managed accounts.
