How to Use Pinterest for a YouTube Channel

The Pinterest community is still very much alive, but they lurk quietly in the shadows of the Internet. Even if you're not an active Pinner or DIY master, you can still use Pinterest to reach new potential viewers. Let's break down how to use Pinterest for a YouTube channel.

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Pinterest reported over 250 million users from all over the world by the end of 2018. The platform can be accessed through the web or an app. Click here to learn about the basics of Pinterest. You may stumble across their Pinterest Analytics. Take some time to read about it, but no need to fully jump in. The business-side will take time to learn, and you may not ever use all the features depending on the time you can invest as a small content craetor.

How to Use Pinterest for a YouTube Channel

Create an Account - Make sure that your Pinterest username matches your other social media platform for branding purposes. I suggest not signing up for their general email list unless one specifically exists for business purposes. I mean, do you want a weekly email of recommended pins??

Set Up Business Analytics - This feature can be accessed under Settings. If you set this up right away, do not be concerned if the dashboard cannot show you numbers. It takes a few months for the system to find analytics and begin a chart.
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Install a Browser Pin Feature - There's probably a better name for this, but basically it allows you to Pin features on other websites. This will allow you to Pin your YouTube videos (and blog posts). More instructions can be found here.

Let's begin with step-by-step tips to get you set up. You may already have done this. If so, please continue to scroll for additional helpful tips.

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I will admit that I've neglected Pinterest for many months, but I've still set myself up for success by Pinning a lot of YouTube material. These are my stats. Pretty good numbers for a passive activity that I've stepped away from, eh?

Oh my gosh, wait! Before we get to tips, you want to see what my profile LesleyyX1 looks like? Well, I guess that's fine since you really want it! ;) My cover art is something Pinterest now automatically creates unless you want to upload your own. I like the look. My profile picture is from freshman year of college when I went to a 3oh!3 concert and wanted to rock my inner Ke$ha. 

Helpful Tips

• Create a variety of boards like a YouTube playlist. Some of your boards will cover a spectrum. For example 'Storytime Videos' because some of your stories will be funny, others serious, some from your childhood, but others are from work experiences. But then you will want to make niche boards like 'Middle School Horror Stories.'
  
• Remember that people can choose to follow a particular board, a feature that I wish YouTube would set up. Yes, you can save a playlist on Youtube, but I wish you could follow one and be notified when new videos were added. So, you may want to remind your follows of that if they seem to only enjoy a portion of your content.
• Whatever you create (board or pin), take the time to add a description. You want to be concise with a touch of clickbait. Depending on the type of pin, you can't always add a detailed description.
• Find opportunities to create multiple Pins per video. If your video includes beautiful aesthetic, screenshot and upload another Pin. If you took pictures along with your journey, like what you might do as a travel vlogger, upload them. 
• Try to create a routine that you create at least one Pin during your video's launch process, but you can also set aside time every week or month to maintain your boards. Some of my recommended steps take extra time, but try your best to make a habit out of everything I suggest.
• Engage in the community. Create boards for personal use or for building your brand. For example, if you post organizational tips, pinners may roll their eyes if you have a board that consists of only your tips. Be helpful and include everyone's top advice. 

There are still a lot of points to cover when it comes to incorporating Pinterest with your YouTube business. If you have any requests for what to include in a Part Two, sound off in the comments.