“How does Pinterest pay me” (a brief history of making money on Pinterest)

Introduction

The topic of monetization on Pinterest is a frequently asked question among both new and seasoned users. Many creators and content suppliers—Pinterest's current term for what some people may know as "creators" or "influencers"—are uncertain about whether Pinterest actually pays them and how this process works. This article aims to clarify the mechanisms of monetization on Pinterest, tracing its history and explaining current practices.

The Origins of Pinterest

Pinterest was launched in 2010, initially as a simple digital pinboard where users could visually bookmark content of interest. By 2011, bloggers began to recognize Pinterest's potential for driving traffic to their blogs. The platform became an integral tool for blog monetization, leveraging the surge in user interest to funnel traffic to websites.

At this stage, most users were just trying to engage with an audience by pinning their blog posts. The focus was primarily on gaining views and driving traffic to websites, with monetization being secondary.

Evolution and Changes

Around 2014-2019, the use of Pinterest expanded, reaching various types of entrepreneurs, including digital and physical product sellers. Users began to see the platform as a viable source for promoting services and goods. During this era, Pinterest optimized its features to accommodate entrepreneurs, including those selling products and running service-based businesses.

However, it was in 2021 that Pinterest introduced a significant turn in monetization by launching the Creator Rewards Program. It was designed to court creators and influencers, especially those who had flocked to platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The Creator Rewards Program

The Creator Rewards Program launched in late 2021 and ended in late 2022. This program directly paid creators for content they produced on the platform, which was more than just typical traffic driving. To qualify, users needed to meet specific engagement metrics, including follower count and the number of saves their content generated. Many creators earned substantial amounts during this short-lived program, but it was fraught with issues, including declines on submitted content and the influx of spam.

Ultimately, Pinterest ended the Creator Rewards Program in November 2022, which led to a renewed focus on authentic content creation rather than monetization.

Current Monetization Methods

Presently, Pinterest is not directly paying creators as they did during the Creator Rewards era. The present monetization landscape comprises:

Brand Deals: Influencers and content suppliers may get paid by brands for creating sponsored content. However, this requires a pre-existing relationship between the influencer and the brand, unlike the previous rewards program.
Inclusion Fund: This program focuses on empowering underrepresented groups in the creator economy. Approved participants receive education, mentorship, and cash grants for content creation—distinguishing it from a direct payment-by-Pinterest model.
Branded Content Hub: Eligible creators can connect with brands, allowing them to pitch content. However, this isn't a direct payment from Pinterest; brands compensate the creators based on agreements made independently.

Conclusion

While Pinterest previously explored paying creators directly, the landscape has shifted towards recognizing brand partnerships and providing opportunities mainly for underrepresented communities. Consequently, while Pinterest may no longer offer direct payments, ample avenues for monetization remain, especially for those willing to market their services or collaborate with brands.

Keyword

Pinterest, content suppliers, monetization, Creator Rewards Program, brand deals, Inclusion Fund, digital products, physical products, influencer marketing.

FAQ

1. Does Pinterest pay creators directly?
No, Pinterest no longer pays creators directly as it did during the Creator Rewards Program, which ended in November 2022.

2. What is the Inclusion Fund?
The Inclusion Fund empowers underrepresented creators by offering grants, education, and mentorship.

3. How can I make money on Pinterest?
You can create brand partnership arrangements, pitch sponsored content, or utilize the Branded Content Hub to connect with brands.

4. What was the Creator Rewards Program?
It was a program from late 2021 to late 2022 that directly paid creators for producing content based on set engagement metrics.

5. Can I still get paid for my content?
While Pinterest does not pay directly anymore, you can pursue brand deals or participate in the Inclusion Fund for potential financial support.