To use Pinterest to drive traffic to Instagram, create visually captivating pins linked to your Instagram profile or posts.
Ensure these pins align with your brand and include clear calls to action.
Pinterest and Instagram are two visual-first platforms that, when leveraged strategically, can fuel exponential growth. While Instagram thrives on dynamic engagement and real-time interaction, Pinterest excels at long-term content visibility.
By strategically leveraging Pinterest, businesses and influencers can significantly increase their Instagram audience. With its visually-driven interface, Pinterest is the perfect space to showcase the aesthetics of your Instagram content.
Optimize Your Instagram Profile Before Promoting
Before directing Pinterest users to Instagram, ensure your Instagram profile is fully optimized:
- Use a Clear Username: Make it easily searchable and aligned with your Pinterest handle.
- Add a High-Converting Bio: Include relevant keywords and a call-to-action (CTA) that entices visitors to follow or explore.
- Highlight Key Links: Use tools like Linktree or Later’s Linkin.bio to offer clickable paths to content mentioned in your posts.
- Pin Your Best Content: Keep high-performing Reels or Posts in Highlights to greet new visitors with your best work.
A strong Instagram profile ensures that the Pinterest traffic you drive converts to follows and engagement.
Claim and Connect Your Instagram Account on Pinterest
Pinterest allows users to claim external accounts, including Instagram. Doing this enhances your visibility and authority:
- Navigate to Settings > Claimed Accounts on Pinterest.
- Connect your Instagram by logging in and authorizing access.
- Once claimed, Pinterest will attribute any pins that link to your Instagram back to your profile.
This builds trust and boosts the credibility of your pins, encouraging more clicks.
Create Pin-Worthy Instagram Content
Your Instagram content must be repurposable for Pinterest’s format. Pinterest prefers vertical images (2:3 ratio), so ensure your Instagram posts fit that mold or can be reformatted:
- Use Canva or Adobe Express to turn Instagram posts into vertical Pins.
- Add text overlays that tell users what they’ll get by clicking.
- Include captions or hooks directly on the image to drive interest.
- Share video pins made from Instagram Reels to increase reach.
Always keep your design branded and consistent to establish visual identity across platforms.
Read Also: Does adding a link in bio affect my Instagram content?
Design Custom Pins that Drive Clicks
To effectively funnel Pinterest traffic to Instagram, you must go beyond resharing screenshots. Design custom graphics with these elements:
- Branded Templates: Use consistent colors, logos, and fonts.
- Enticing Headlines: “5 Instagram Tips You Didn’t Know,” “Behind the Scenes of My Viral Post,” etc.
- Call-to-Action (CTA): Use phrases like “Watch Now on IG,” “Follow for More,” or “Click to View Post.”
In the destination URL section, include a direct link to your Instagram post or profile along with an attention-grabbing, keyword-rich description.
Use Rich Descriptions with SEO Keywords
Pinterest is a visual search engine, so optimizing your Pin descriptions with keyword-rich content is essential:
- Use long-tail keywords related to your niche (e.g., “Instagram growth for small businesses”).
- Write descriptive, helpful blurbs (not just hashtags).
- Using natural language inquiries and responses is recommended.
- Add hashtags strategically, such as #InstagramMarketing, #ReelsStrategy, or #IGTips
.
Example: “Discover 3 powerful ways to boost engagement on your Instagram using Reels. Click through to view the full tutorial and follow for daily tips! #InstagramStrategy #PinterestToInstagram”
Utilize Pinterest Boards for Themed Instagram Content
Organize pins into niche-specific boards that reflect your Instagram content themes:
- Fitness Influencer? Create boards like “IG Workouts,” “Healthy Meal Reels,” or “Fitness Tips on Instagram.”
- Beauty Blogger? Use boards like “Makeup Tutorials on IG,” or “Instagram Skincare Reviews.”
Each board should:
- Be properly titled with keywords
- Have a keyword-rich description
- Include a board cover for branding
Consistent pinning within niche-specific boards keeps your content organized and discoverable long-term.
Schedule Pins Strategically for Consistent Traffic
Pinterest rewards consistent activity, so schedule pins regularly:
- Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to pin during optimal times.
- Aim for 5–15 pins daily, mixing original content with repins.
- Spread out pins across relevant boards instead of bulk uploading.
- Repin your top Instagram content multiple times with varied titles and descriptions.
This helps maintain visibility over time and steadily channels Pinterest users toward your Instagram.
Leverage Idea Pins to Tease Instagram Content
While Idea Pins don’t include clickable links, they can still drive traffic indirectly by teasing content:
- Share a snippet of a Reel with text like “Watch Full Video on My Instagram.”
- Create a step-by-step carousel with the last slide saying “Follow on IG for the Final Step.”
- Include your Instagram handle in overlay text and pin description.
Idea Pins get massive distribution and improve brand awareness, making them a vital part of your strategy.
Analyze Your Pinterest Insights to Refine Strategy
Data is crucial for maximizing results. Use Pinterest Analytics to measure what works:
- Track link clicks, saves, and impressions by Pin.
- See which boards and Pins generate the most Instagram visits.
- Adjust keywords, images, and posting frequency based on performance.
Also, monitor your Instagram Insights to track follower growth and post engagement after implementing Pinterest campaigns.
Cross-Promote Pinterest on Instagram
Don’t keep the traffic flow one-sided. Use Instagram Stories or Highlights to showcase:
- Behind-the-scenes of your Pinterest designs
- “Follow me on Pinterest” graphics with swipe-up links (for accounts with links enabled)
- Pinterest boards in your bio link
This helps build authority across platforms and encourages a loyal, multi-platform audience.
Conclusion
Driving traffic from Pinterest to Instagram is straightforward. Start with creating eye-catching pins. Use clear images and brief, engaging descriptions. Link your Instagram profile effectively.
Consistency is key. Pin regularly to maintain interest. Monitor performance using Pinterest analytics. Adjust your strategy based on results.
Collaborate with others to expand reach. Keep your audience engaged with fresh content. Encourage interactions to build a community. With patience and effort, you can see growth. Your Instagram traffic will increase, bringing more opportunities. Pinterest can be a valuable tool for Instagram success.