Key takeaways
- Organic video Pins: 4 seconds to 5 minutes (Pinterest Pin specs).
- Video ads: 4 seconds to 15 minutes, up to 2 GB (Pinterest ad specs).
- File types: MP4, MOV or M4V, in H.264 or H.265; MOV uploads from the apps.
- Shape: 9:16 for full-screen video; 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5 or 1:1 also work.
- Pinterest recommends 6 to 15 seconds for video ads, a good guide for organic Pins too.
On this page
How long can a Pinterest video be?
An organic video Pin runs 4 seconds to 5 minutes; a video ad up to 15 minutes. Pinterest’s two spec pages:
| Spec | Video Pin (organic) | Video ad |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 seconds to 5 minutes | 4 seconds to 15 minutes |
| File size | Not stated | Up to 2 GB |
| File type | MP4 or M4V on the web; MP4, MOV or M4V in the apps | MP4, MOV or M4V |
| Encoding | H.264 or H.265 | H.264 or H.265 among others |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 recommended; 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5 or 1:1 | Between 1.91:1 and 1:2; 1:1, 2:3, 4:5 or 9:16 recommended |
| Recommended length | Not stated | 6 to 15 seconds |
What is the best length for a Pinterest video?
Short. Pinterest recommends 6 to 15 seconds for video ads, and the same reasoning holds for organic Pins: people scroll Pinterest to find ideas, so a video that shows the idea in its first seconds, with a clear cover image, gets the point across before the scroll moves on. Keep a longer tutorial within 5 minutes, and pick a cover that works on its own in the grid. The Pinterest Pin size guide has the shapes that fill the feed.
Why can a Pinterest video fail to upload?
Usually because of length, size or shape: a clip under 4 seconds, longer than the Pin or ad allows, a file over 2 GB, a format other than MP4, MOV or M4V, or a frame outside the ratios above. A video Pin also carries the video alone, with no images beside it, and it has to be saved to a board. Check the title and description with the Pinterest character counter.
How do you schedule a video Pin?
With SkedCast, once your Pinterest account is connected:
Upload the video
An MP4, MOV or M4V of 4 seconds to 15 minutes and up to 2 GB, the ad-spec limits; keep an organic Pin within 5 minutes.
Pick the board
A Pin is always saved to a board, so choose one (or a board section).
Add the title, description and link
The first line of the caption becomes the title when you leave it empty; add the destination link.
Schedule it
Pick a time, alone or beside the same clip on your other networks, and SkedCast publishes the Pin then.
Schedule Pinterest Pins
See the Pinterest scheduler for boards, board sections and every other option.
Sources
FAQ
- What is the maximum length of a Pinterest video?
- 5 minutes for an organic video Pin, per Pinterest’s Pin specs, and 15 minutes (up to 2 GB) for a video ad.
- What is the minimum length of a Pinterest video?
- 4 seconds. A shorter clip cannot be posted as a video Pin.
- What is the best length for a Pinterest video?
- Pinterest recommends 6 to 15 seconds for video ads; short videos with a clear cover suit organic Pins too.
- What format should a Pinterest video be?
- MP4, MOV or M4V in H.264 or H.265, vertical 9:16 for full-screen video, or 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5 or 1:1.
- Can I schedule video Pins?
- Yes. Upload the video in SkedCast, pick the board, add the title and link, and set the time; SkedCast publishes the Pin then.