If you’re serious about getting more views, saves, and clicks on Pinterest, it’s time to shift your focus to a powerful yet often overlooked factor—the scroll. Pinterest is a visual discovery engine, and how users greatly influence what content they see, engage with, and eventually act on. Mastering this behavior isn’t just about great design—it’s about strategy, timing, layout, and psychology.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how the scroll works on Pinterest, how to align your content strategy with it, and practical ways to boost engagement by optimizing for scrolling behavior.
Why the Scroll Matters on Pinterest
When users open the scroll on Pinterest, they are immediately met with an endless feed of Pins. This vertical, mobile-first layout encourages nonstop scrolling, similar to platforms like Instagram or TikTok. However, unlike social media platforms that prioritize followers and timelines, Pinterest’s scroll is driven by search, algorithmic recommendations, and visual cues.
If your Pin doesn’t stand out in the scroll, it won’t get noticed—no matter how valuable your content is.
Pinterest’s algorithm is designed to prioritize content that:
- Gets early engagement (clicks, saves, close-ups)
- Matches a user’s search intent
- It is visually optimized for fast consumption during scrolling
This is why understanding how people scroll on Pinterest gives you a unique advantage in boosting your content’s performance.
1. Use Eye-Catching Vertical Pins
The most important thing to know about Pinterest’s scroll is that vertical Pins dominate the feed. Since most users browse Pinterest on mobile, tall Pins take up more screen space, giving you better visibility.
Recommended size: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 ratio)
Why it works:
- Tall Pins stay in view longer as the user scrolls
- They create more opportunities for your text overlay and imagery to capture attention
- They align better with Pinterest’s preferred format, improving algorithmic reach
Pro Tip: Avoid excessively long Pins, which Pinterest may cut off in the feed.
2. Hook Viewers in the First Scroll Second
You only have a split second to capture attention as people scroll. Your design needs to be both bold and clear. Here’s how:
- Use high-contrast colors to stand out
- Choose bold, easy-to-read fonts
- Add a compelling headline on the image (what problem are you solving?)
- Use curiosity, numbers, or emotional triggers to spark interest
Example: Instead of writing “Healthy Breakfast Ideas”, try “5 Energy-Boosting Breakfasts You’ll Crave Every Morning.”
Remember, people scroll on Pinterest quickly, so don’t rely on small text or subtle designs.
3. Optimize Your Pin Placement Timing
Pinterest’s algorithm updates the feed frequently, and the time of day matters. To appear during high-scroll times:
- Pin during peak engagement windows (typically evenings and weekends)
- Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to post consistently
- Analyze your analytics to identify when your audience is most active
More active scrolling means more chances for your content to get seen and engaged with.
4. Create a Smooth Visual Flow Across Your Boards
It’s not just about one Pin—your overall board design affects how people scroll through your content. If a user clicks into your profile or board, you want them to keep scrolling.
Tips for better flow:
- Maintain a consistent color palette and aesthetic
- Group similar content in clusters
- Use branded templates to create visual recognition
- Organize boards by niche themes so people scroll deeper
This increases dwell time and signals to the Pinterest algorithm that your content is valuable.
5. Encourage “Stop Scrolling” with Powerful CTAs
Sometimes, the best way to stop someone mid-scroll is to tell them exactly what to do. Including a clear call-to-action (CTA) can increase engagement dramatically.
Examples of scroll-stopping CTAs:
- “Save this for later!”
- “Click to get the free checklist.”
- “Try this 10-minute recipe today.”
- “Plan your week with this printable.”
Place the CTA on the image and in the Pin description to boost results.
6. Leverage Trending Content and Keywords
The Pinterest scroll is heavily influenced by trends and seasonal content. Use Pinterest Trends and keyword research to find what people are actively searching and scrolling for.
For example:
- In January: “Vision board ideas” or “healthy meal prep”
- In November: “Thanksgiving recipes” or “holiday outfit ideas”
Creating content around trending topics increases the chance your Pins will be surfaced during scrolling and saves.
7. Analyze Scroll Performance with Pinterest Analytics
To truly master the scroll on Pinterest, track your Pin performance over time:
- Look for Pins with the highest impressions, saves, and link clicks
- Identify what visuals and formats keep users engaged
- Adjust your Pin designs, headlines, and CTA placements based on what performs best
Pinterest Analytics gives you real-time feedback that helps you continually optimize.
Final Thoughts
Scrolling is the heartbeat of Pinterest. If you understand how users scroll on Pinterest, you can design and position your content in a way that naturally grabs attention and drives engagement.
Don’t let your Pins get lost in the feed. Instead:
- Make your visuals bold and vertical
- Craft compelling headlines and CTAs
- Post at the right time
- Optimize your boards for continuous scroll appeal
- Use trends and keywords to stay relevant
When you align your strategy with how people scroll on Pinterest, you turn passive browsers into active clickers, savers, and followers.