Pinterest Creator Day 2026 Recap: Tools, Tips & Monetization

The Pinterest Creator Day 2026 event was on October 20, bringing together company executives and creators to discuss growing an audience, generating website traffic, and making money with content. I attended the presentation, which featured everything from affiliate marketing and brand partnerships to Pinterest’s growing emphasis on original, evergreen content.

Were there groundbreaking announcements? Not particularly. But there were some interesting statistics, useful tools, and strategies worth knowing about. And since Pinterest spent much of the event discussing how creators can make money while they’re sleeping, I figured I’d better pay attention. That sounds like a schedule I could get behind. Here’s what we learned.

What Was Announced at Pinterest Creator Day 2026?

Pinterest Creator Day 2026 focused on helping creators build an audience, grow their traffic, and earn money through affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and their own businesses. The presentation highlighted several Pinterest tools and opportunities:

• Amazon Storefront integration and automatic affiliate links
• Pinterest collages and product tagging
• The Pinterest Creator Directory
• Brand partnerships and sponsored content
• Pinterest Trends, analytics, and Creator Hub
• Evergreen content strategies for long-term discovery

An important distinction, though. Most of these weren’t brand-new features launched during the event. Pinterest was highlighting its existing creator tools and discussing how creators could put them to work. I was hoping for some new features or actual hands-on demonstrations, but no such luck. So, no giant surprise announcement or anything. But there was plenty here worth discussing.

How Many People Use Pinterest in 2026?

Pinterest reported 640 million monthly active users in the second quarter of 2026, with approximately 80 billion searches conducted on the platform each month. Lauren Glaubach, Pinterest’s VP of Global Content Partnerships, shared several additional figures during the presentation.

According to Pinterest:

• More than 50% of searches have commercial intent.
• 83% of consumers surveyed in Pinterest-commissioned research said content is informed by expert opinions.
• 73% feel inspired to buy.

The company attributed the consumer research figures to a May 2026 study commissioned from Kantar. What makes these figures interesting is the difference between someone casually scrolling through social media and someone actively searching for a solution. A person searching for pumpkin carving ideas, handmade gift inspiration, or instructions for creating a particular design may already have something specific in mind. That creates opportunities for creators whose content answers those searches.

Of course, 640 million users don’t mean 640 million people are waiting to buy your products. But wouldn’t that be nice? I would love to have a 10th of those buying from me, lol.

How Does Pinterest’s Amazon Storefront Integration Work?

Pinterest allows eligible Amazon creators to connect their storefronts, tag products in Pins, and automatically apply qualifying Amazon affiliate links. Vicky Gkiza, Pinterest’s VP of Product Management, highlighted the Amazon Storefront integration during Creator Day. Pinterest displayed screenshots illustrating how creators can connect their storefronts and tag products, but the presentation didn’t include a live demonstration or walk viewers through the setup process.

I think this was a missed opportunity on Pinterest’s part. They spent much of the event talking about the tools available without actually showing how to use them. A few hands-on demonstrations would have been considerably more useful, in my opinion.

To connect an Amazon Storefront to Pinterest, creators need a Pinterest business account, participation in the Amazon Influencer Program, and an Amazon Storefront. That means the integration isn’t available to every Pinterest user. Learn more about connecting Amazon and Pinterest.

Why Are Pinterest Collages Getting So Much Attention?

Pinterest reported that collages are being saved at approximately twice the rate of other Pins, with the format particularly popular among Gen Z users. Collages allow creators to combine visual elements into a single piece of content, making them useful for showcasing ideas, themes, and coordinated products.

For example, an Etsy seller could use a collage to showcase several products around a holiday theme rather than creating an individual Pin for each item. A blogger might use the same format to showcase project inspiration, seasonal decorating ideas, or related tutorials.

It’s an interesting opportunity, although Pinterest’s reported performance doesn’t guarantee that every collage will outperform traditional Pins. Still, twice the save rate is enough to make me curious. And thankfully, testing a collage sounds considerably less painful than editing another half-hour video. As I dive more into Pinterest tutorials, setting up collage pins is definitely on my radar.

What Is the Pinterest Creator Directory?

The Pinterest Creator Directory is a searchable collection of more than 13,000 creators that helps brands discover potential partners based on niche, audience, and content. Alexa Levine, VP of Sales at Pinterest, explained how brands can browse creator profiles and contact creators about potential collaborations.

Pinterest reported that creators participating in its Creator Directory showed stronger performance across several metrics compared with creators outside the directory. However, these figures represent reported differences between groups, not evidence that joining the directory will automatically improve a creator’s results.

Metric	Reported difference
Save rates	20% higher
Outbound click rates	4× higher
Pin impressions	4.6× higher

Pinterest also reported that campaigns featuring creator content achieved 133% higher return on ad spend compared with campaigns without creator content. These are Pinterest’s reported comparisons, not promised results. The presentation didn’t provide enough methodological detail to determine how much of the difference comes from the directory itself.

How Do You Apply to the Pinterest Creator Directory?

One question Pinterest didn’t answer during Creator Day was how smaller creators can get listed in the Creator Directory. So I did a little digging. I found an official Pinterest Creator Directory application form that allows interested creators to submit their information for consideration.

Pinterest recommends putting together a portfolio board containing at least 20 Pins that showcase your content. The first four Pins serve as a preview for brands, so you’ll want to put your best work first. The form also requires creators to follow Pinterest’s Terms of Service and have the appropriate rights to their content. I couldn’t find a published minimum follower requirement, although Pinterest may have additional selection criteria.

One thing to know: The application form I found is in Spanish, and I couldn’t locate an English-language version. If you’re using Google Chrome, you can right-click the page and select “Translate to English.” Also, submitting the application doesn’t guarantee inclusion or brand partnerships. But it’s a useful lead for smaller creators, and I’ll be keeping an eye on how the directory develops.

Can Creators Make Money on Pinterest Without Brand Deals?

Yes. Pinterest creators can potentially earn through affiliate links, traffic to monetized websites, and sales from their own online stores without securing traditional brand sponsorships. The presentation highlighted several monetization opportunities, including product tagging, affiliate partnerships, and directing visitors to external websites. For bloggers and small business owners, that last option is particularly important.

A Pin doesn’t necessarily need to generate a sale directly on Pinterest. It could send someone to an article, tutorial, product listing, or other resource on your website. Whether that visit generates revenue depends on what happens afterward.

Personally, I’m particularly interested in Pinterest as another discovery channel for the articles and tutorials I already publish. If I’m spending hours researching and creating something useful, I’d certainly like that content to keep bringing in visitors after publication. Preferably while I’m sleeping. Pinterest brought it up first, not me, lol.

How Can Pinterest Trends Help Creators Plan Content?

Pinterest Trends helps creators research popular and emerging searches so they can create content around topics people are already interested in. During Creator Day, Pinterest highlighted its Trends tool, explaining how creators can research popular searches, compare topics, and explore regional trends. Although screenshots of the tool appeared during the presentation, viewers weren’t given a walkthrough of how to use it. The company also encouraged creators to use Creator Hub and analytics to understand which Pins generate impressions, saves, and outbound clicks. Again, this was more of a “tell”, not a ‘show”.

Featured creator Amber Mayfield Hewett shared how she plans content approximately three months ahead of major holidays using Pinterest’s Trends tool and content calendar. That’s particularly relevant for people selling seasonal products or publishing holiday tutorials. By the time everyone is thinking about Christmas, Pinterest users may have been gathering gift ideas for months. You can explore creator resources at Pinterest Create.

What Content Strategies Did Pinterest Creator Day 2026 Recommend?

The featured creators emphasized searchable descriptions, original content, topic-focused boards, repurposing existing material, and tracking meaningful engagement instead of chasing viral popularity. Several examples stood out.

Dahana – Evergreen Fashion Content and Pinterest SEO

Dahana is a Copenhagen-based artist, fashion creator, and art director whose content combines personal style, color combinations, and creative expression. During Pinterest Creator Day 2026, she explained how a video about five color combinations continued attracting attention months after she published it. Because people were still searching for outfit inspiration and color ideas, the content remained relevant long after its initial release. She also explained how she uses descriptive keywords, Pinterest saves, and the boards people save her content to as clues about what her audience wants. She’s even turned outfit collages into opportunities to generate affiliate commissions. You can explore more of Dahana’s work and social channels here, including her fashion content, artwork, and shoppable outfit collections.

Gui Correia and Rafa Franca – Repurposing Content and DIY Projects

Gui Correia and Rafa Franca are Brazilian DIY and home renovation creators who have built their content around transforming spaces, decorating on a budget, and helping others tackle creative projects themselves. During the event, they explained how they plan ahead when documenting a renovation, capturing vertical and horizontal video, photographs, different camera angles, and behind-the-scenes footage. That gives them enough material to turn one project into multiple pieces of content rather than constantly starting from scratch.

They also discussed organizing their Pins into topic-focused boards and using Pinterest Analytics to identify what their audience is saving and searching for. It’s a practical approach for creators whose projects require considerable time and money. You can check out Gui and Rafa’s projects, videos, and social channels, including their home makeovers, DIY tutorials, and product recommendations.

Amber Mayfield Hewett – Pinterest Trends and Seasonal Planning

Amber Mayfield Hewett is an event producer, founder of the To Be Hosted supper club, and author of Your Turn to Host, a book about planning memorable gatherings.

During Pinterest Creator Day 2026, Amber explained how she uses Pinterest Trends and a content calendar to plan approximately three months ahead of major holidays. She also shared how a dinner-party Pin featuring wine tags from the previous fall was still bringing visitors to her storefront.

Her approach focuses on giving people practical ideas they can actually use, rather than simply posting attractive pictures. She emphasized natural search terms, tracking outbound clicks, and creating content that people will save and revisit. You can explore Amber’s website and hosting resources, including her supper club, entertaining tips, and book.

Anthony O. Gomes – Long-Term Content Discovery

Anthony O. Gomes is a multidisciplinary artist and DIY creator whose projects include customized fashion, furniture painting, and handmade accessories. During Creator Day, he explained that some of his projects take weeks to complete, making the constant pressure to publish new content on traditional social media platforms difficult to maintain. Pinterest gives those projects a longer opportunity to reach people. Anthony specifically mentioned a DIY carpet bag project that continues attracting saves and interest long after he originally created it.

He also discussed how Pinterest helps him present his work to potential brand partners as something that can continue delivering value beyond a campaign’s launch date. I tracked down Anthony’s DIY carpet bag project on Pinterest, so you can see an actual example of the work he discussed during the event.

Is Pinterest Worth Using for Small Creators in 2026?

Pinterest may be worth exploring for smaller creators who produce searchable, useful content and want another way to attract visitors, promote products, or generate affiliate revenue over time. What I found most interesting about Pinterest Creator Day 2026 wasn’t the statistics or any particular tool. It was Pinterest’s repeated emphasis on expertise, originality, and the longer shelf life of content. Lauren Glaubach described a platform where creators don’t necessarily need to compete for short bursts of attention. Instead, useful content can continue appearing when people search for relevant topics.

That’s an appealing approach for independent creators who don’t have enormous audiences or unlimited time to publish something new every day. But there’s an important reality check here, too. Evergreen doesn’t mean guaranteed traffic, and visibility doesn’t automatically mean income. You still need content people want, descriptions that help them discover it, and a compelling reason for them to visit your website or purchase something.

Of course, Pinterest isn’t the right marketing platform for every business. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth investing your time, I’ve also written a more detailed guide explaining how Pinterest marketing works for businesses and whether it’s worth the effort, including the benefits, drawbacks, costs, and potential for website traffic.

My Disappointment With Pinterest Creator Day 2026

My biggest disappointment with Creator Day 2026 was the lack of hands-on instruction. Pinterest spent plenty of time highlighting its tools and explaining what creators could accomplish with them, but very little time actually showing how to use them. A few practical walkthroughs would have made the event considerably more valuable.

Still, the presentation reinforced something I believe is worth pursuing: making existing content work harder instead of constantly adding another project to the schedule. And considering how many projects I already have waiting, that’s a message I can appreciate. Although Pinterest telling me I can make money while sleeping might have been my favorite part of the entire event. For more information on Pinterest Creator Day 2026, visit the official Pinterest Creator Day 2026 page.