Pinterest rolls out performance ads in search results and pin closeups
Summary
Pinterest has introduced a new performance ad product that incorporates sponsored Pins directly into search results and pin closeups, aiming to enhance user engagement with ads. This development comes as 96% of top searches on the platform remain unbranded and early tests indicate a significant increase in click-through rates, showing a 29% improvement and attracting 32% more new clickers compared to standard campaigns. Additionally, Pinterest recently acquired tvScientific to further integrate audience data and performance tools into connected TV advertising, positioning itself in a competitive digital landscape dominated by Google.
Tokens
$PINS
Analysis
Google: Google is the leading provider of online search and advertising services, powering the majority of web search queries and related ad placements through its search engine and ad platforms. It maintains a dominant position in traditional search monetization. Pinterest is positioning its visual search features and new ad formats as a complementary discovery channel for shoppers. Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual discovery and social media platform that enables users to search for, save, and organize ideas through image-based content known as Pins. It is rolling out performance ad products that place sponsored Pins directly in search results and close-up views to reach high-intent shoppers during the discovery phase. The company recently acquired tvScientific to extend its performance advertising capabilities, including its Performance+ suite, to connected television. TvScientific: tvScientific is a connected TV performance advertising platform that automates media buying, uses AI optimization, and provides outcome-based measurement for advertisers across CTV inventory. Pinterest completed its acquisition of the company earlier in 2026 and integrated the technology to combine Pinterest's audience signals with CTV campaigns. It now operates as tvScientific by Pinterest, allowing advertisers to reach Pinterest audiences on third-party streaming platforms. Product Expansion: Pinterest launched Top of Search ads that integrate sponsored content directly into search results and Related Pins to target high-intent, unbranded queries. Competitive Landscape: Google continues to hold the primary position in search advertising while Pinterest focuses on visual discovery as a distinct performance channel. Acquisition Integration: Pinterest completed the acquisition of tvScientific and launched tvScientific by Pinterest to bring its audience data and performance tools to connected TV advertising.
Categories
tech
Related sources
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