Have you ever logged into Pinterest looking for dinner ideas, only to emerge two hours later with a full home renovation plan and a new wardrobe?
We’ve all been there. But what if I told you that while you were planning, others were profiting?
Most people view Pinterest as just a visual search engine for hobbies. I view it as a cash register. It’s the unique platform where user intent meets purchasing power.
People aren’t just scrolling to kill time; they are searching for solutions, and they are ready to buy.
I’ve spent years mastering the art of turning pins into paychecks. Today, I will reveal the six specific methods I currently employ to generate income from Pinterest.
Whether you are a blogger, a creative, or someone looking for a side hustle, there is a strategy here for you.
Let’s dive into the pins.
The Post: 6 Methods to Make Money with Pinterest
Pinterest + Affiliate Marketing
This is where I started. This is the gateway drug to Pinterest income, and it’s how most of us start. Affiliate marketing is the practice of promoting other people’s products and earning a commission on sales.
Why it works on Pinterest
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where links aren’t clickable in captions, Pinterest allows direct links in every pin.
When someone searches for “best noise-canceling headphones” and sees your pin, they click and buy, and you earn.
How I do it
Create “Best Of” Roundups
I design pins for blog posts titled “10 Best Yoga Mats for Beginners.” I join the affiliate programs for those specific yoga mats (Amazon Associates, Target, or individual brands) and embed those links in the post.
Idea Pins
I use Idea Pins (Pinterest’s version of TikTok) to demonstrate a product, then add the affiliate link in the “Link” sticker or the description.
The Key: You aren’t selling; you are recommending. Solve a problem, and the money follows.
Pinterest + YouTube
This is my favorite method for building a deep connection with an audience while leveraging two platforms. I use Pinterest as a free traffic engine to grow my YouTube channel.
How I do it
Video Pins
I upload a 30- to 60-second teaser clip from my YouTube video directly to Pinterest. It’s engaging and stops the scroller.
The Strategy
In the pin description, I tell them the hook (“I renovated my kitchen for $500—here is how”) and then include a link to the full YouTube video.
Why it works
Pinterest treats video content favorably right now. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose your YouTube content and reach viewers who prefer visual search over keyword search on Google.
The Pinterest Creator Program
This is Pinterest’s native way of paying you directly for your content. If you create original, high-quality Idea Pins, you can qualify for the Pinterest Creator Program.
What it is
Pinterest pays creators based on engagement (views) on their organic Idea pins. It’s similar to a revenue share program.
How I qualify
- I ensure I am posting fresh, original content specifically created for Pinterest (not just reposts from TikTok).
- I focus on “How-To” and “Inspirational” content. The platform pays a bonus for content that inspires users to take action.
- Once accepted, I watch my monthly earnings grow based on the performance of my pins.
Note: This program is invite-only in many regions, but consistently posting high-quality Idea Pins is the best way to get on their radar.
Pinterest + Freelancing
If you have a skill (graphic design, copywriting, or web development), Pinterest can be your best (and free) client acquisition tool.
How I do it
I create pins that act as a portfolio. For example:
If you are a graphic designer
Create pins showcasing “5 Logo Trends for 2024” or a “Brand Board Mockup.” In the description, include the phrase, “Need a brand identity?” Let’s work together.”
The Strategy
I drive traffic to a contact page or a portfolio link. Unlike cold emailing, clients come to you already interested in your aesthetic because they saw your pin.
Pinterest + Social Media Management
Businesses are desperate for traffic, but they don’t have time to manage Pinterest. This creates a massive opportunity.
How I do it
I approach local businesses or Etsy shop owners and offer to manage their Pinterest accounts.
The Pitch
“I can get your products in front of people who are actively looking to buy.”
Services offered
Creating pin designs, keyword-rich descriptions, scheduling, and board optimization.
Income
I charge a monthly retainer. It’s recurring income, which is the holy grail of freelancing.
Pinterest + Display Ads Blog
If you own a blog, Pinterest is likely your top traffic source. Once you have that traffic, you can monetize it through display ads (like Mediavine or AdThrive).
How I do it
The Flywheel
I use Pinterest to drive high-volume traffic to my blog posts.
The Monetization
I get paid every time a visitor loads a page and views an ad.
The Math
If I write a recipe post that goes viral on Pinterest and gets 50,000 page views in a month, the ad revenue from that one post can be substantial. Pinterest fuels the traffic, and display ads cash the check.
How To Start A Blog—My Plan To Build a $100 Per Day Blog
FAQ: Proven Methods to Make Money with Pinterest
What is the potential income one can earn through Pinterest?
It varies wildly based on the method. With affiliate marketing, you could make $100–$1,000+ per month starting.
With a high-traffic blog and display ads, creators often make $2,000–$10,000+ per month. The Pinterest Creator Program pays based on views, which can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars monthly for top creators.
Do I need a blog to make money on Pinterest?
No! You can use Pinterest + YouTube (Method 2) or the Pinterest Creator Program (Method 3) without a blog. You can also use it for freelancing (Method 4) to promote your services directly.
How many pins should I post per day?
Consistency is more important than volume. I recommend starting with 3-5 high-quality pins per day (a mix of your own content and curated content) or 1-2 excellent Idea Pins. Quality always beats quantity on Pinterest today.
Is it too late to start making money on Pinterest?
Absolutely not. Unlike other platforms that are oversaturated, Pinterest’s search-based nature means old content can be found for years. If you create content that answers a search query, you will get traffic, regardless of when you started.
What is the difference between an Idea Pin and a standard Pin?
A standard Pin links directly to a website (your blog, a YouTube video, or an affiliate link). An Idea Pin is a multi-page video or image collection that lives natively on Pinterest.
It’s excellent for storytelling and is currently prioritized by the algorithm for the Creator Program payouts.
Key takeaways: Proven Methods to Make Money with Pinterest
Pinterest is not just a social network; it is a search engine with a credit card attached. The methods I’ve outlined above are not theoretical. They are the exact strategies currently funding my lifestyle.
You don’t need millions of followers to make money here. You need strategy, consistency, and a focus on helping people find what they are looking for.
My advice? Pick one of these methods. Don’t try to do all six at once. If you have a blog, start with Method 6. If you love making videos, try Method 2 or 3. Master one skill, then layer on the next.
The perfect time to start was five years ago. The second-best time is now. Go create some pins!
