Simple Pin Podcast: “Kate's Take: Quick thoughts on Pinterest marketing #6 – Everything is fine”

Host: Kate Ahl
Date: March 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid solo episode, host Kate Ahl responds to pessimism and uncertainty surrounding Pinterest in 2026. Offering a balanced perspective, she addresses recent changes on the platform, including the rise of AI-generated content, shifting trends, and impacts for both product sellers and content creators. Throughout, Kate emphasizes realistic strategies, transparency, and the value of community while encouraging listeners to remain adaptable and intentional with Pinterest marketing.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. State of Pinterest in 2026

• Candid Assessment: Kate acknowledges major changes, both good and bad.
  • "Pinterest has changed drastically in 2026 and I've not been shy about saying that." (01:07)
• AI Content Concerns: The rise of "AI slop" has affected content quality, and Pinterest’s efforts to address it are still inadequate.
  • "I think AI slop has invaded the platform and while Pinterest has made some attempts, it's not enough yet and it's really hard to watch." (01:20)
• Platform Sentiment: User fatigue is mounting, yet there is still widespread appreciation for what Pinterest offers.

2. Shifting Toward Product-Centric Success

• Product Sellers Are Thriving: Pivot to products means strong performance, especially with ads.
  • "Some of our product sellers, they are absolutely crushing it, both organic and with paid ads. We had our first ever 90 ROAS on one of our ads for our client campaigns. That's mind blowing." (01:39)
• Strategic Screenshot: Kate expresses amazement at the new high water mark in ad performance.

3. New Investments & Industry Speculation

• Elliott Investments' $1B Stake: Recent investment introduces uncertainty and possible future changes.
  • "Elliott Investments just put $1 billion into Pinterest, which frankly makes me a little nervous... They won't do anything sudden, but it's something to watch for sure over the next two years." (02:05)
• Cautious Outlook: Kate relates this kind of change to what happened with Southwest Airlines, hinting at big-picture impacts.

4. The Content Creator Perspective

• Tougher Environment: Content creators face steeper challenges, but Kate insists hope remains.
  • "Where does this leave content creators? Frankly, in a tough spot. But I don't think all hope is lost." (02:26)
• Benchmarks & Evaluation: Strong emphasis on revisiting business goals, investments, and measuring platform value like any other channel.
• Industry-Wide Shift: Notes the broader internet’s transformation since the rise of AI (particularly ChatGPT).

5. Testing, Learning, and Transparency

• Constant Experimentation: Kate and her team are actively experimenting, discussing new methods, and researching community insights.
  • "My team and I are talking daily about trying new things on Pinterest. We're investigating, testing, going deep on Reddit threads..." (03:05)
• Commitment to Authenticity: She admits to failures and frustrations as part of the process.
  • "Do we nail it every time? Certainly not. And I will be the first to say that it's frustrating not to be able to win for our clients." (03:25)

6. Community and Support

• Invitation to SPM Insiders: Kate encourages listeners seeking deeper Pinterest discussion and peer troubleshooting to join her paid community.
  • "If you want my deep thoughts on Pinterest, thoughtful discussions, and maybe to see a little less sunny side of me and to be with business owners who are troubleshooting where Pinterest is at in 2026, join me in SPM Insiders... it's $9 a month." (03:44)
• Emphasis on Honest Community: SPM Insiders is positioned as an antidote to “hacks” and surface-level tactics.

7. Kate’s Personal Investment and Commitment

• Openly Biased, But Realistic: Kate declares her vested interest, given her business is built on Pinterest’s platform.
  • "I've chosen to build my Pinterest, my business, on a platform that I don't own... so do I have a vested interest in making sure it succeeds? Absolutely." (04:38)
• Advocacy and Feedback: She's committed to advocating for change from the inside, through programs like Verified Educator.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I always do like to see the good and I have an entire community following me… so I take very seriously and always have, making sure that I am neither overly optimistic or overly pessimistic.” – Kate (00:45)
• “Users still like the platform, but some are becoming more exhausted with it daily. Just check Reddit.” – Kate (01:28)
• “We had our first ever 90 ROAS on one of our ads for our client campaigns. That’s mind blowing. I should take a screenshot.” – Kate (01:43)
• “Every business owner has to benchmark their goals, their progress, their time and investment just like they would on any other platform.” – Kate (02:34)
• “We care about their businesses just like we care about simple Pin media.” – Kate (03:31)
• “I built my business on Pinterest, so do I have a vested interest in making sure it succeeds? Absolutely. And am I going to find every single thing that is positive about what's happening? You bet.” – Kate (04:41)
• “But I'm just one person, so I'm still going to be here, teaching, sharing, giving my feedback in hopes that those who want to use Pinterest can do it in a dynamic way for their business.” – Kate (05:01)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:04] – Introduction & Episode Format
• [01:07] – Pinterest Platform Changes & AI Content
• [01:39] – Product Sellers’ Success Stories
• [02:05] – Elliott Investments & Platform Ownership
• [02:26] – Content Creator Challenges & The Bigger Picture
• [03:05] – Testing, Research, and Strategy
• [03:44] – Invitation to Join SPM Insiders
• [04:38] – Kate’s Personal Stake and Advocacy

Summary Takeaway

Kate Ahl delivers a measured, authentic snapshot of Pinterest marketing in 2026, acknowledging frustrations but providing practical optimism. Listeners get both a realistic assessment of current challenges and an invitation to community and continuous learning. Her main message: don’t give up, keep evaluating, and adapt with intention.