Video vs Image Pins: Revenue Comparison on Pinterest

Intro

When it comes to monetizing Pinterest, one of the most common questions creators ask is whether video Pins or image (static) Pins generate more revenue. The answer is not as simple as “video pays more” or “images convert better,” because Pinterest does not pay creators per view or per format.

Instead, revenue depends on how each format performs at different stages of the monetization funnel: discovery, engagement, clicks, and conversions.

This guide breaks down how video and image Pins compare in real-world monetization scenarios, where each format wins, and how top-earning creators use both strategically.

How Monetization Works on Pinterest

Pinterest does not offer ad revenue sharing or CPM payouts to creators. There is no higher rate for video Pins, no bonus for impressions, and no automatic earnings tied to format.

Creators earn money when Pins lead to:

• Affiliate sales
• Traffic to ad-monetized blogs
• Digital product or service sales
• Email signups and funnels
• Brand sponsorships

So the key question isn’t which format pays more, but which format produces higher-value actions.

Core Difference Between Video and Image Pins

Image (Static) Pins

• Quick to scan
• Clear value proposition at a glance
• Strong for keyword-based search results
• Often higher immediate click-through rate (CTR)
• Easier to scale in volume

Video Pins

• Higher engagement (views, watch time, saves)
• Better storytelling and demonstrations
• Stronger brand recall
• Often favored in feed-based discovery
• Slightly lower immediate CTR in many niches

Both formats can be profitable — but they earn money in different ways.

Revenue Comparison by Monetization Model

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate income depends heavily on click intent.

Image Pins

• Typically outperform video Pins for “best,” “review,” and “comparison” keywords
• Higher CTR because the offer is immediately clear
• Strong for buyer-intent searches

Typical effective revenue:

• Image Pins: $5–$30+ per 1,000 impressions
• Video Pins: $3–$20 per 1,000 impressions

Winner: Image Pins (most affiliate-heavy strategies)

Blog Traffic & Display Ads

For ad-monetized blogs, volume and session quality matter.

Image Pins

• Drive more search-based clicks
• More predictable traffic flow
• Easier to align with SEO-style content

Video Pins

• Can increase reach
• Often act as awareness content
• May drive fewer direct clicks

Typical outcomes:

• Image Pins usually generate higher pageviews per impression
• Video Pins support growth but convert indirectly

Winner: Image Pins (for ad-driven monetization)

Digital Products & Funnels

This is where video Pins often outperform.

Video Pins

• Better for education and pre-selling
• Build trust before asking for a sale
• Increase conversion rates for higher-priced offers

Image Pins

• Strong for direct offers and landing pages
• Work well when paired with strong copy

Typical effective revenue:

• Image Pins: $10–$50 per 1,000 impressions
• Video Pins: $15–$100+ per 1,000 impressions (when educational)

Winner: Video Pins (for products, courses, services)

Brand Sponsorships

Brands value engagement and storytelling, not just clicks.

Video Pins

• Showcase products in action
• Improve brand recall
• Support higher flat fees

Image Pins

• Useful for evergreen placement
• Often bundled with video content

Typical CPM-equivalent value:

• Image Pins: $5–$20
• Video Pins: $15–$40+

Winner: Video Pins (for sponsored content)

Distribution vs Conversion: The Real Trade-Off

One of the most important distinctions is this:

• Video Pins excel at distribution
• Image Pins excel at conversion

Video Pins often:

• Receive more saves
• Get surfaced more in feeds
• Extend reach over time

Image Pins often:

• Rank better in search
• Capture demand more efficiently
• Convert faster

Revenue increases when creators use each format for what it does best.

Long-Term Revenue Performance

Image Pins (Evergreen Earners)

• Rank for months or years
• Require less production effort
• Deliver consistent, predictable income
• Often higher ROI per hour invested

Video Pins (Growth Accelerators)

• Expand audience reach
• Build authority and trust
• Support higher-value offers
• Increase sponsorship leverage

High-earning Pinterest accounts rarely choose one format exclusively.

The Highest-Earning Strategy: Combine Both

Top creators use a layered approach:

1. Video Pins introduce, educate, or demonstrate
2. Image Pins target search-based buyer intent
3. Traffic converts through affiliates, products, or funnels

In this model:

• Video creates demand
• Image captures demand
• Revenue compounds over time

This combination consistently outperforms single-format strategies.

Common Myths About Video vs Image Pins

Myth: Video Pins pay more per view Reality: Pinterest does not pay per view at all

Myth: Static Pins are outdated Reality: Static Pins dominate search-driven monetization

Myth: Video always earns more Reality: Only when it improves conversions or sponsorship value

Final Answer: Video vs Image Pins for Revenue

Image Pins usually generate more direct revenue per impression, especially for:

• Affiliate marketing
• Blog traffic
• Search-driven content

Video Pins can generate higher total revenue when used for:

• Education and trust-building
• Digital products and services
• Brand sponsorships

The most profitable Pinterest strategies do not pick sides. They use video Pins to grow reach and image Pins to convert traffic into money.