Does Pinterest Search Volume Matter? A Complete Guide for Bloggers and Content Creators

Pinterest is a powerful platform for driving traffic to blogs and websites, but understanding how to optimize your content can be tricky. One of the latest metrics Pinterest has introduced is search volume, which shows how many people are searching for specific keywords on the platform.

But does Pinterest search volume really matter? And if so, when should you pay attention to it?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

1. What Pinterest search volume is and where to find it
2. Whether search volume should dictate your Pinterest strategy
3. When high search volume matters (and when it doesn’t)
4. How to balance search volume with other key Pinterest ranking factors
5. Real examples of how search volume impacts traffic

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use Pinterest search volume to grow your traffic—without overcomplicating your strategy.

What Is Pinterest Search Volume?

Pinterest search volume is the number of times a keyword is searched on Pinterest within a given time frame (currently, it appears to be a rolling 30-day period).

Unlike Google, where search volume has been a core metric for years, Pinterest has historically kept this data hidden. Previously, marketers relied on:

• Pinterest Trends (which shows relative popularity but not exact numbers)
• Pinterest Ads data (often inaccurate for organic reach)
• Third-party tools (estimates based on scraping data)

Now, Pinterest displays search volume directly on Idea Pins pages (the pages that appear when you click on a keyword suggestion under a Pin). This is a game-changer because it gives us direct insight into what users are actively searching for.

Where Can You Find Pinterest Search Volume?

• Idea Pins Pages (accessible via Pin clicks or by clicking gray keyword links under Pins in logged-out view)
• Pinterest analytics tools (like Pinclicks, which tracks historical search volume)

Does Pinterest Search Volume Matter?

The short answer: Yes, but not in the same way as Google.

Here’s why:

1. Pinterest Search Works Differently Than Google

On Google, ranking #1 for a high-volume keyword can drive massive traffic because:

• ~40% of clicks go to the #1 result
• ~19% go to #2
• Traffic drops significantly after the top 3 positions

But Pinterest is a visual discovery platform, not just a search engine. Users scroll through multiple Pins, often engaging with several in one session. This means:

• Multiple Pins can rank for the same keyword
• Traffic is distributed more evenly (unlike Google’s winner-takes-all approach)
• Personalization affects rankings (Pinterest tailors results based on user behavior)

Key Takeaway: Even if you rank #1 for a high-volume keyword, you may not get all the traffic—because Pinterest spreads it out.

2. Search Volume Doesn’t Always Equal Traffic

Some high-volume keywords have low click-through rates (CTR) because they attract "savers" rather than "clickers." For example:

• "Divorce quotes" (76,000+ searches/month) → Likely high saves, low clicks
• "Easy pumpkin cake recipe" (lower volume) → Higher intent to click

Meanwhile, some low-volume keywords can drive high-value traffic if they align with user intent.

Key Takeaway: Don’t chase high search volume blindly—check if the keyword actually drives traffic.

3. Seasonal and Trending Keywords Fluctuate

Pinterest search volume updates every ~30 days, so:

• A keyword with 10,000 searches today might drop next month
• Seasonal trends (e.g., "Christmas cookies") spike and fall rapidly

Key Takeaway: Use search volume as a guide, but don’t rely solely on it for long-term strategy.

When Should You Care About Pinterest Search Volume?

✅ When Validating a Niche

If you’re deciding between two niches, search volume can help:

• High-volume niches (e.g., recipes, home decor) → More competition but more potential traffic
• Low-volume niches (e.g., parenting struggles, divorce advice) → Less competition, but may rely more on interest volume (people engaging without searching)

✅ When Prioritizing Keywords for a Blog Post

If you’re creating a listicle or targeting multiple keywords per post, search volume helps prioritize. Example:

"Pumpkin cake recipes" (high volume) vs. "Healthy pumpkin cake" (lower volume) → If both fit your post, prioritize the higher-volume one.

✅ When Targeting Keywords with High Click Intent

Some high-volume keywords also have high CTR. Look for:

"How to…" queries (e.g., "How to fix a leaky faucet")

Problem-solving keywords (e.g., "Toddler won’t sleep")

When Should You Ignore Pinterest Search Volume?

❌ If the Keyword Has High Saves but Low Clicks

Example: "Aesthetic dinner ideas" (3,000+ searches) may get saves but few clicks.

Solution: Use these keywords to build engagement (not direct traffic).

❌ If You’re in a Low-Search-Volume Niche

Some niches (e.g., parenting advice) have low search volume but high interest volume—meaning Pins get distributed via the home feed, not just search.

Solution: Focus on related high-volume keywords (e.g., "Picky eater solutions") to boost reach.

❌ If the Keyword Is Too Broad

Example: "Chicken recipes" (high volume but ultra-competitive) vs. "Air fryer chicken thighs" (lower volume but easier to rank for).

Solution: Mix high- and low-volume keywords for balance.

How to Use Pinterest Search Volume Effectively

1. Use a Pinterest SEO Tool

Tools like Pinclicks track:

• Search volume trends
• Keyword rankings
• Related interests

This helps you spot patterns over time.

2. Look Beyond Search Volume

Also consider:

• User intent (Is this a "click" or "save" keyword?)
• Related interests (How does Pinterest connect this topic to others?)
• Competition (Are top-ranking Pins from big brands or small creators?)

3. Track Your Own Data

If you rank #1 for a keyword but get low traffic:

• The search volume might be inflated (e.g., from guided searches)
• The keyword may attract savers, not clickers

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

Final Verdict: Does Pinterest Search Volume Matter?

Yes—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

• Use search volume to validate niches, prioritize keywords, and spot trends.
• Ignore it when keywords have low click intent or when you’re in a low-search, high-interest niche.
• Balance it with other factors like user intent, competition, and Pinterest’s unique algorithm.

Pinterest is not Google—traffic comes from both search and the home feed, so don’t fixate on search volume alone. Instead, focus on creating high-quality, engaging Pins that align with what your audience wants.