7 Things to Know About Pinterest in 2026
🏷️ Save these must-know updates, platform surfaces and content formats shaping your Pinterest strategy this year
Today’s Pinterest deep dive — part of a special 2026 social strategy series — is made possible by Sprout Social!
Pinterest’s super powers are search, solutions and good vibes.
What started as a place to save cute outfits and plan your dream home evolved into a powerful discovery engine — 36% of Pinterest users start their searches on the platform instead of turning to Google, with Gen Z pinners being the most likely to do so (39%)."
Let people doomscroll on the other platforms, Pinterest is doubling down on intentional discovery as a core pillar of its 2026 strategy.
Translation for brands? You need to design for the planners, doers, and dreamers — not just scrollers.
If you’re not super familiar with the red pin platform, this edition of ICYMI’s 2026 Social Strategy series is your guide, packed with insights to help shape smarter Pinterest strategies this year.
I tapped the hive mind — including brand strategist Gregory Littley — for expert perspectives on what Pinterest is prioritizing in 2026. You’ll find a brand spotlight on one of my favorite Pinterest accounts, e.l.f. Cosmetics, plus fresh Sprout Social data on how users actually want brands to show up on the platform this year.
Let’s dig in!
PINTEREST PLAYBOOK
2026 Social Cues + Clues: The 2026 focus is on search, good vibes, AI, analog experiences and Collage pins
Data Drop: How audiences want brands to show up on Pinterest
Ask an Expert: Gregory Littley on the community benefits of Collages
Ask an Expert: Jenny McCoy on the long tail effect of Pinterest ads
Brand Spotlight: e.l.f. Cosmetics
Your Source of Truth: People to follow for updates
Same But Different: Platform Comparisons and Audience Overlaps
