Simple Pin Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: An Interview with the Mastermind Behind Pinterest Predicts 2026
Host: Kate Ahl
Guest: Sydney Stanbeck, Trends and Insights Lead at Pinterest
Release Date: January 7, 2026

Episode Overview

In this milestone 10th year of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl sits down for an engaging and behind-the-scenes conversation with Sydney Stanbeck, the lead researcher for Pinterest Predicts. This annual report has become a flagship forecasting tool—offering brands, creators, and small business owners rare insight into not-yet-trending ideas, behaviors, and aesthetics identified from Pinterest’s global user base. Kate and Sydney explore the passion, data, and teamwork that drive Pinterest Predicts, discuss generational trends, reveal surprising predictions (like “Cabbage Crush”), reflect on past trends that missed the mark, and detail how entrepreneurs can tap into these trends to supercharge their marketing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Purpose and Evolution of Pinterest Predicts

[04:08] – [05:06]

• The report is designed to offer future-focused, predictive insights, rather than just a “year in review” typical of most social or search platforms.
• Pinterest Predicts aims to function as “a bit of a crystal ball,” helping people plan for a future that aligns with their authentic selves and providing businesses with an early sense of consumer direction.
• Sydney highlights:

  “Instead of reporting on what’s already been viral, we really wanted to serve as a bit of a crystal ball and surface trends that we believe are not yet trending yet.” (Sydney, [04:24])

The Deep-Dive Process: Data, Human Insight, & Debate

[05:27] – [11:12]

• The trend prediction process spans the entire year, but core work ramps up starting mid-summer.
• Methodology includes machine learning analysis of search patterns, visual aesthetics, and engagement data, but always paired with robust human curation—especially through a cross-functional event called “Insights Making Week.”
• Curation discussions can get passionate—team members often champion trends they care about, but all predictions must be validated through data to weed out fleeting fads and emphasize enduring patterns.
• For 2026, Pinterest introduced generative AI to benchmark trends, aiding the team in assessing trends' resonance and relevance.
• Sydney on balancing data and human intuition:

  “The human curation helps us navigate these kind of fads…to make sure that it’s not something that is a moment in time, that it’s something that will endure.” (Sydney, [09:34])

Generational Trends: The “Throwback Kid” and Cross-Generational Appeal

[12:18] – [15:24]

• Each trend is analyzed through a generational lens, informed by first-party data, to see which age groups are driving their momentum.
• Example: “Throwback Kid” reflects Boomers and Gen X driving nostalgia themes in children’s fashion and toys, blending vintage aesthetics with parental behaviors—and is expected to appeal to younger generations as they become parents.
• Sydney notes:

  “Parents and grandparents are blending a little bit of their own childhood nostalgia with modern play through thrifting vintage toys or clothing for their children.” (Sydney, [13:53])

Most Surprising & Favorite 2026 Prediction: “Cabbage Crush”

[16:42] – [18:39]

• Sydney’s favorite surprising trend is “Cabbage Crush,” a global fascination with cabbage appearing in a surge of recipes and food inspiration across cultures.
• She explains:

  “When I saw the data behind it…there were so many search terms that qualified for that trend, I knew that there was something very rich and valuable there.” (Sydney, [17:08])

• The discussion highlights the importance of unexpected trends and their broad international applicability.

The Global Relevance of Pinterest Trends

[19:06] – [21:32]

• Pinterest Predicts prioritizes global relevance, with international team members ensuring predicted trends reflect diverse cultural interests.
• Trend adoption and expression vary by region, but the underlying insights are validated through global data and curation.
• Sydney affirms:

  “When we are pulling together this report, global relevance is critical…we want to ensure that these trends are relevant across the globe.” (Sydney, [19:17])

When a Trend Misses: Reflecting on “Chaos Cakes”

[21:32] – [24:03]

• Not all predictions pan out as expected; "Chaos Cakes" is named as a trend that didn’t catch on as envisioned, evolving into other meanings and uses instead.
• About 88% of their predictions come true, driven by Pinterest’s unique, future-oriented usage patterns and rigorous data process.

How Small Businesses Can Use Pinterest Predicts

[25:32] – [28:36]

• The report is built with small business and advertiser needs in mind:
  • 21 different trends = 21 potential routes to reach target audiences.
  • Not intended for everyone to chase all trends—pick what fits your brand and audience best.
  • Treat the report as a “creative sandbox” or “spark of inspiration”, fueling both Pinterest-centric and multi-platform marketing strategies.
• Sydney’s advice:

  “We don’t expect every advertiser to act on all 21 trends…but it really serves as a spark of inspiration…for brands to feel confident that if they chose to lean into a trend that they felt was relevant to their audience, they could see some success in that.” (Sydney, [26:39])

Reflecting and Evolving the Predicts Program

[32:35] – [34:26]

• After each year, the Pinterest team reflects on their process, results, and methodology to improve future Predicts editions.
• The energy of Insights Making Week and engagement across the company keeps the project dynamic and evolving, building camaraderie (and sometimes influencing company parties—pickle margaritas, anyone?!).

Notable Quotes

• On the unique mission of Predicts:

  “Pinterest Predicts was really born from our mission to help people plan for a future that reflects their truest selves. And it gives brands, creators, and small businesses really a head start.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([04:32])

• On what makes the process special:

  “Our process goes like beyond just tracking growth in search…my favorite element is the human insight.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([05:39])

• On the tension and creativity in the room:

  “If someone feels attached to something, including myself…that may or may not have made it into the report over the years, I’ve got to dig into the reason why…to validate that sentiment to see if it exists outside of that room and within our first-party data.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([09:07])

• On favorite and surprising trends:

  “I’m gonna say cabbage crush.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([16:42])
  “Sometimes the more unexpected things are, like, people just kind of gravitate towards.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([17:23])

• On business application:

  “I would say that…[Pinterest Predicts] is meant to really serve as a spark of inspiration…for brands to feel confident that if they were leading and they chose to lean into a trend…they could see some success.”
  — Sydney Stanbeck ([26:39])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:30] — Sydney’s role and Pinterest Predicts background
• [05:27] — How predictions are chosen: data, human curation, and new use of AI benchmarks
• [12:18] — Generational analysis and the “Throwback Kid” trend
• [16:42] — Sydney’s favorite surprising trend: “Cabbage Crush”
• [19:11] — Ensuring trends are globally relevant
• [21:54] — Reflecting on unsuccessful predictions (“Chaos Cakes”)
• [24:06] — Pinterest Predicts’ 88% success rate
• [26:03] — Business owners: Using Predicts as a creative roadmap
• [32:35] — Post-launch reflection and evolving the process

Memorable Moments

• Cabbage Crush revelation and team excitement ([16:46] – [18:39])
• 80s/90s nostalgia meets Gen Z thrifting ([12:18] – [15:24])
• The introduction of generative AI to the prediction process ([10:00])
• Adoption of trends at Pinterest’s own holiday parties, e.g., pickle margaritas ([34:26])

Takeaways for Business Owners

• Use Pinterest Predicts as a brainstorming tool—not a prescription.
• Pick trends that fit your brand’s audience and message.
• Trends can be used for content planning across platforms, not just Pinterest.
• The report is globally validated and multi-generational; there’s likely something for every niche.

Final Words:
Kate and Sydney’s lively, candid conversation lifts the curtain on a complex, human-driven process. Their advice: Let Pinterest Predicts spark your creativity and plan your content for where your audiences’ interests are heading next.