Best Pinterest Keywords: How to Find & Use Them in 2025

Pinterest is a search engine — and like Google, the right keywords can dramatically increase your content's visibility. This guide shows you exactly how to find the best Pinterest keywords for your niche and use them to grow your reach.

How Pinterest keyword search works

When a user types something into Pinterest search, the algorithm scans pin descriptions, board names, profile bios and image alt text to find relevant content. The more precisely your keywords match what users are searching for, the more likely your pins are to appear.

Unlike Google, Pinterest users often search for inspiration and ideas rather than specific information. Searches tend to be visual and exploratory — "minimalist bedroom ideas" rather than "how to design a minimalist bedroom".

How to find Pinterest keywords

Method 1: Pinterest search autocomplete

Type a broad keyword into Pinterest search (you don't need to press enter). Pinterest will show you autocomplete suggestions — these are real searches that users are making. Note the suggestions and use the most relevant ones as keywords.

Method 2: Guided search bubbles

After searching for a term on Pinterest, you will see a row of topic bubbles below the search bar. These bubbles represent the most common refinements users make to that search — a goldmine of keyword ideas.

Method 3: Pinterest Trends

Pinterest Trends (available at trends.pinterest.com or in Pinterest Business accounts) shows you what's trending over time. You can see seasonal trends, growing topics and the relative popularity of different keywords.

Method 4: Look at top pins in your niche

Search for your main topic and look at the top-performing pins. Note what keywords they use in their descriptions. This tells you what Pinterest is already rewarding in your niche.

How to use Pinterest keywords effectively

• Pin descriptions: Include 2-4 keywords naturally. Don't stuff them.
• Board names: Use descriptive keyword-rich names like "Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes" instead of "Dinners".
• Board descriptions: Write 1-2 sentences with keywords for each board.
• Profile bio: Include your main topic keywords in your bio.
• Image alt text: Pinterest reads the alt text of images on your website when someone saves a pin from it.

Long-tail vs short-tail keywords on Pinterest

Long-tail keywords (3+ words) are more specific and less competitive. They tend to drive higher-quality traffic because they match more specific search intent. Use a mix of both:

• Broad (short-tail): #homedecor — high volume, very competitive
• Specific (long-tail): #minimalistlivingroomdecor — lower volume, less competitive, more targeted