You can schedule Pinterest posts using Pinterest's native scheduler (free, built into the app and web), a third-party tool like Tailwind or So-me Studio (multi-platform), or the Pinterest API for developers. The native scheduler is free and works for most users; third-party tools add multi-account management and batch upload.
Here's the actual workflow for each, plus the timing strategy that makes Pinterest a slow-burn traffic engine.
How to schedule Pinterest posts natively
Log into Pinterest on desktop (the native scheduler is desktop only).
Click "Create" → "Create Pin."
Upload your image or video. Add title, description, link.
Below the Publish button, click the calendar icon.
Pick the date and time. Pinterest supports scheduling up to 14 days ahead.
Click "Publish at scheduled time."
Pinterest's native scheduler is free and works for most users. The 14-day limit is the main constraint — for batch-scheduling a month ahead, you need a third-party tool.
Best tools to schedule Pinterest beyond 14 days
Tailwind — built for Pinterest. Strong analytics, "best time to post" auto-suggestions. $13/mo entry.
Later — visual-first scheduler. Drag-and-drop calendar. Free tier supports basic Pinterest scheduling.
So-me Studio — multi-platform, includes Pinterest. See the scheduler.
Hootsuite — premium tier supports Pinterest with team workflows.
Buffer — supports Pinterest on paid plans.
Tailwind is the Pinterest power-user choice; Tailwind Tribes (creator communities) drive additional engagement most multi-platform tools don't replicate.
Best times to schedule Pinterest pins
Window | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
8-11 p.m. weekdays | ★★★★★ | Evening browsing, planning mood |
2-4 p.m. weekdays | ★★★★ | Lunch + afternoon scroll |
Saturday 9-11 a.m. | ★★★★ | Weekend planning |
Sunday 8-10 p.m. | ★★★ | Week-ahead planning |
Pinterest is the only major platform where evening posts consistently outperform mornings. Pinterest users browse for ideas during winding-down time, not work-day breaks.
How often to pin
New accounts: 5-10 pins per week.
Growing accounts: 10-25 pins per week.
Established accounts: 15-50 pins per week.
Power-user accounts: 50-100 pins per week, mostly cross-posted from past content.
Pinterest rewards consistent volume more than other platforms because each pin can drive traffic for months, not days.
What format performs on Pinterest
Vertical images (2:3 ratio, 1000 × 1500 pixels). Single most-important format. Horizontal images perform 30-40% worse.
Idea Pins. Multi-slide Pinterest format. Higher initial reach than single images.
Video pins. 6-60 seconds. Growing in priority.
Text-overlay images. "10 ways to…" headline overlay. Consistently saves higher than image-only pins.
Batch scheduling Pinterest pins
Pinterest is the platform where batch-scheduling pays off most because each pin lives for months. The workflow:
Block 2 hours monthly.
Design 40-60 pins using a Canva template.
Schedule via Tailwind or So-me Studio, 2-3 pins per day across the month.
Track which pins generate traffic 6 months later.
The compounding effect of consistent monthly batches is what separates Pinterest pros from sporadic posters.
Pinterest is a search engine, not a social network
Pinterest's algorithm prioritises search-relevance over real-time engagement. Each pin's reach depends on:
Keywords in the pin title and description
Keywords in the linked landing page
Board names + descriptions
Visual relevance to the search term
Treat Pinterest like SEO. Write descriptions with target keywords. Build boards around specific topics. Pin consistently to signal authority.
Pinterest scheduling mistakes
Posting only square (1:1) images — vertical 2:3 outperforms 30-40%
Skipping the description — no keywords means no search ranking
Pinning to one board — diversify across 5-10 relevant boards
Pinning the same image multiple times rapidly — Pinterest flags as spam
Not tracking which pins drive traffic 90 days later
Pinterest vs. other scheduling priorities
| Pinterest | Instagram | TikTok |
|---|---|---|---|
Pin lifespan | Months to years | 2-7 days | Days to weeks |
Best volume | 10-25/week | 3-5 posts/week | 5-10 videos/week |
Engagement focus | Saves + click-throughs | Likes + saves | Watch-time |
Optimisation | SEO keywords | Algorithm engagement | Hook + watch-completion |
If you're already shipping Instagram + TikTok, adding Pinterest costs little extra effort because the same images can repurpose. Cross-platform tools make this 5-minute-per-pin work.
FAQ
Does Pinterest have a native scheduler?
Yes. Free, built into desktop. Schedule pins up to 14 days ahead.
Best third-party Pinterest scheduler?
Tailwind for Pinterest specialists. Later for visual brands. So-me Studio for multi-platform. Pinterest pros use Tailwind for its Tribes feature.
Best time to post on Pinterest?
8-11 p.m. weekdays in your audience's timezone. Pinterest is the only platform where evening posts consistently beat mornings.
How many pins per week?
10-25 for growing accounts. 50-100 for power users. Pinterest rewards consistent volume because each pin lives for months.
What's the best pin format?
Vertical 2:3 ratio (1000 × 1500 pixels) with text overlay. Outperforms horizontal pins by 30-40%.
Next steps
Spend 30 minutes this week: design 10 vertical pins in Canva, schedule 1 pin per day for the next 10 days via Pinterest's native scheduler. Track saves and click-throughs.
For more on multi-platform scheduling, see posting to all social media at once, 10 scheduling tips, and social media content marketing. To schedule Pinterest alongside other platforms, use the So-me Studio scheduler.
