Simple Pin Podcast: 2025 Pinterest Presents Recap

Host: Kate Ahl
Date: October 15, 2025
Episode Theme:
A detailed recap of the 2025 Pinterest Presents event, focused on platform updates, advertiser tools, new features, and Pinterest’s evolving brand identity—especially in visual search, shopping integration, ads, and appealing to Gen Z.

Main Theme & Purpose

Kate Ahl breaks down the highlights and takeaways from Pinterest Presents 2025, emphasizing how the platform continues to differentiate itself from other social media networks through a focus on visual discovery, shopping integrations, and a commitment to positive user experience. The episode aims to keep marketers and small business owners updated on the most impactful changes and new tools to help drive Pinterest success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pinterest Presents 2025 Overview

• Fifth annual event with a focus on product updates, advertiser tools, and trend insights.
• The official theme: "It's Different Here", underscoring Pinterest's unique position compared to other platforms.
• Unique presentation with a spy/secret agent motif to highlight the intrigue and discovery aspect.
• Kate had a cameo as one of the Pinterest Educators.

“I also had a quick cameo appearance in there. … They highlighted the Pinterest educators which was such a joy for me to see.” — Kate Ahl, [01:48]

2. Pinterest’s Brand Differentiation

• Emphasis on visual search vs. text-based discovery.
• Pinterest wants to “compete on positivity, not negativity,” referencing CEO Bill Ready’s analogy with the auto industry and safety.

“What if social media platforms competed to be more safe for our mental health?” — Kate Ahl relaying Bill Ready, [04:23]

• It's not “Pinterest or Instagram,” but Pinterest AND Instagram; Pinterest serves different user behaviors and purposes.

3. Major Platform Updates and Features

A. Visual Search & Discovery ([06:19])

• Shift from text-first to visual-first search:
  Users can search by image, drilling down on fabric, fit, or body type, rather than needing perfect keywords.

“People know it when they see it and they can’t necessarily describe it … That’s a big differentiator for Pinterest.” — Kate, [07:24]

• Pinterest’s “Your Shop” personalizes product recommendations for users, making the inspiration-to-purchase journey seamless.

B. Catalog & Shopping Tools ([10:16])

• Easier, free catalog integration: vital for E-commerce.
  Brands are encouraged to upload full catalogs to enhance reach and personalized visibility.

“You absolutely, absolutely have to have your catalog connected on Pinterest. It will make a world of difference.” — Kate, [11:02]

• Advanced automation and AI for matching inventory with user interests.

C. Pinterest Trends Tool Enhancements ([14:15])

• Trends on Pinterest last 2x longer than on other platforms.
• Upcoming updates:
  • Improved result filtering
  • Seasonal trend forecasting (up to 90 days ahead)
  • Real-time shopping insight and trending product features
• Advice: Use the Trends tool to pivot creative strategy based on rising search terms and audience behavior.

“Trends has hands down been one of the number one tools that we've used for our clients.” — Kate, [15:46]

D. Advertising & Full Funnel Capabilities ([17:33])

• Full funnel targeting: Now advertisers can address awareness, consideration, and conversion, not just one segment.
• Launch of Performance Plus with expanded automation and “Top of Search Max Width Ads” (best for large budgets/brands).
• Show local inventory and “where to buy” links, making shopping more frictionless.
• Integration with partner platforms for holistic performance tracking (see cross-platform attribution).
• Automated price drop and promotion syncing, beneficial for campaigns like Black Friday.

“Meta ads are like New York City time … Pinterest ads are like Hawaii time. … But once it gets moving, you’re gonna love it here. The water’s warm, you’re gonna wanna stay a while.” — Kate, [21:04]

• Stats: Advertisers using Performance Plus saw 20% lower CPA and 4x more clicks over the past two years.

E. Gen Z Focus & Safety ([25:41])

• 39% of Gen Z now starts searches on Pinterest (higher than Google for visuals).
• Gen Z is one of Pinterest's fastest-growing audiences (“aging down” user base).
• Initiatives for safer youth experience:
  • School time prompts: “Come back after school.”
  • Accounts for under-16 are automatically private by default.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pinterest’s Brand:

  "Maybe competing on positivity than competing on negativity. I loved that angle and I think Pinterest needed to own that for years…" — Kate, [04:43]

• On Visual Search Superiority:

  "They want to hit on this idea of people know it when they see it and they can't necessarily describe it." — Kate, [07:26]

• On Ad Platform Maturity:

  "Pinterest ads are like Hawaii time. Little bit more slow to optimize. It takes about two weeks. But once it gets moving, you're gonna love it here." — Kate, [21:10]

• On the “Both/And” Approach to Social Media:

  "It's not or like Pinterest or Instagram. … It can be both and so it can be Instagram and Pinterest, TikTok and Pinterest. It's just different the way that people surface ideas." — Kate, [13:45]

• On Gen Z’s Impact:

  “39% of Gen Z now prefer to start searches on Pinterest over other search engines mostly because of their visual search.” — Kate, [13:17]

Key Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 00:00 — Intro to Pinterest Presents 2025 and overall objectives
• 02:20 — Pinterest’s unique positioning and event theme
• 04:23 — Social media comparison to auto industry and safety
• 06:19 — Discovery & search updates, visual-first emphasis
• 10:16 — Shopping: catalog tools, personalization, “Your Shop”
• 13:17 — Visual search, Gen Z behaviors, and new board features
• 14:15 — Pinterest Trends tool enhancements
• 17:33 — Full funnel advertising, Performance Plus features
• 21:04 — Comparing Pinterest ads to Meta (NYC vs Hawaii time)
• 23:44 — Cross-platform tracking and holistic measurement
• 25:41 — Gen Z focus, youth safety, and privacy features

Summary Takeaways

• Pinterest is doubling down on visual over text search, making it easier for users to discover and buy products even when they can't describe them.
• Catalog integration and the updated Trends Tool are crucial for E-commerce success on Pinterest.
• Advertising is now more robust, with better automation, full funnel capabilities, and improved tracking—especially with the expansion of the Performance Plus suite.
• Pinterest’s growing Gen Z audience is shaping product and safety features, with direct implications for marketers.
• The platform continues to stand out as a positive, planning-focused, visually driven space—making Pinterest a valuable complement to, not a replacement for, other channels.
• If you haven’t tried Pinterest’s latest suite of marketing tools or have been away from the platform, now’s the time to jump back in.