Pinterest Content Types Explained: Pins, Idea Pins, Reels, Stories and More
Standard Pins, video Pins, Idea Pins, Reels, Stories, carousels and boards — what each Pinterest format is and which tool downloads it.
Pinterest looks simple from the outside, but it hosts several content formats that behave very differently — especially when you try to save them. Here is each type, how to recognize it, and the right Snapzia tool for it.
The standard Pin
The classic format: one image with a title and description, living permanently on a profile or board. Recognition is trivial — a single still image. Use the image downloader for it.
The video Pin
A permanent Pin whose media is a video instead of an image. It plays inside the Pin and stays on the profile indefinitely. Any aspect ratio qualifies. Use the video downloader; the MP4 converter helps when you need a clean file.
The carousel Pin
A Pin holding multiple images or videos you swipe through, marked by dots or arrows. Built-in saving keeps only the cover. Use the carousel downloader to get every slide.
The Reel
A short, vertical 9:16 full-screen video — Pinterest's answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. Permanent, but creators can disable downloads. Use the Reel downloader.
The Story
Ephemeral content at the top of the feed: it disappears after a limited time, which makes timing essential. Use the Story downloader while it is still live.
The board
Not a single piece of content but a whole collection of Pins. Use the board downloader to fetch its contents in bulk — currently the first 25 Pins per run.
The "animated Pin" (GIF)
What looks like a GIF is usually stored as a compressed video. When you need a true GIF file rather than a video, use the GIF downloader.
Related: For the permanent vertical format, see How to Download Pinterest Reels. For time-sensitive content, see How to Download a Pinterest Story. For the overall workflow, see How to Download Pinterest Videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of content does Pinterest have?
Standard Pins, video Pins, carousel Pins, Reels, Stories, boards, and animated Pins usually stored as video.
How do I know if a Pin is a carousel?
Look for dots or arrows on the Pin — they indicate multiple slides you can swipe through.
Which downloader do I use for a Pinterest Reel?
The Pinterest Reel Downloader, which saves the vertical 9:16 video as an MP4.
Do Pinterest Stories last forever?
No. Stories are temporary and disappear after a limited time, unlike permanent Pins.
Ready to download a Pinterest video?
Paste your Pinterest link and download the available video directly in your browser.