When most brands in India think of social media marketing, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube often dominate the conversation. Yet, quietly in the background, Pinterest has been transforming into one of the most powerful discovery platforms for shopping and brand discovery. For D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brands, the opportunities are immense. While most brands run after Instagram reels or paid ads, very few explore Pinterest marketing for D2C brands—making it an untapped growth channel with less competition and higher intent-driven users.

In India, where the D2C market is expected to touch $100 billion by 2025, channels like Pinterest cannot be ignored. According toPinterestreports, Pinterest has over 482 million monthly active users, with over 80% of them actively using the platform to make purchase decisions. For D2C brands, this is not just another social platform—it is a shopping-first visual search engine.

This guide will show you how Pinterest marketing for D2C brands can unlock exponential growth, why it’s still overlooked in India, and practical strategies to help your brand thrive.

1. Why Pinterest is an Untapped Channel for D2C Brands

1.1 Pinterest as a Visual Search Engine

Unlike Instagram, which is built for entertainment, Pinterest operates like a visual search marketing tool. Users don’t just scroll mindlessly; they actively search for ideas, inspiration, and products. This intent-driven behavior makes Pinterest different from other platforms. A study shows that 97% of searches on Pinterest are unbranded, which means D2C brands have an equal chance of discovery as established corporations.

For Indian D2C startups in fashion, wellness, beauty, or home décor, Pinterest provides an even playing field. Users type in queries like “affordable skincare for dry skin” or “minimalist ethnic wear” and discover new D2C brands they may not have heard of before.

1.2 Untapped Indian Market Potential

While Pinterest is popular in the US and Europe, Indian brands have barely scratched the surface. Out of India’s 820 million internet users, only about 8% are actively onPinterest. This small but growing community is highly engaged, especially in categories like food, fashion, and lifestyle. Since competition is low, Pinterest marketing for D2C brands in India is a cost-effective way to reach new audiences.

2. The Consumer Behavior on Pinterest

2.1 Intent-Driven Users

One of the strongest reasons why Pinterest marketing for D2C brands works is because of the consumer behavior on Pinterest. Unlike Instagram, where people follow celebrities and friends, Pinterest users come to discover products. In fact, 85% of users say Pinterest is where they start a new project or purchase journey.

2.2 Shopping-Oriented Platform

Pinterest has invested heavily in Pinterest shopping features. These include “Shop the Look” pins, product catalogs, and integration with e-commerce platforms. For example, if a user searches “sustainable kitchen items,” Pinterest not only shows images but also direct shopping links. This means brands can drive sales without even relying on external websites initially.

3. How Pinterest Fuels E-commerce Growth for D2C Brands

3.1 Pinterest as a Growth Engine

When we talk about e-commerce growth through Pinterest, it’s not just about visibility. A survey in 2024 revealed that 70% of Pinterest users discover new brands weekly, and 45% claim they made a purchase after seeing a pin. This is significantly higher than discovery rates on other platforms.

3.2 Driving Long-Term Traffic

Unlike Instagram or TikTok where content dies in 24–48 hours, Pinterest pins live much longer. A single pin can drive traffic for months or even years. For IndianD2C brandsinvesting in SEO and organic marketing, Pinterest is like an extension of Google search, but with visuals.

4. Practical Pinterest Growth Strategy 2025 for D2C Brands

4.1 Optimize for Visual Search

Since Pinterest is built around visual search marketing, optimizing pins is crucial. Use keyword-rich descriptions, high-quality images, and branded visuals. For example, if your brand sells Ayurvedic skincare, instead of uploading “face cream,” use specific keywords like “Ayurvedic anti-acne cream for oily skin.”

4.2 Consistency and Volume

Pinterest rewards regular posting. Experts recommend 10–15 fresh pins daily for maximum visibility. Brands can repurpose Instagram posts into Pinterest pins by adapting vertical formats.

4.3 Data-Driven Insights

Pinterest Analytics provides valuable insights on what’s trending. For instance, in 2025, searches for “eco-friendly gifts” grew by 34% year-over-year, while “DIY Indian recipes” surged by 41%. D2C brands can use these trends to plan campaigns.

5. Direct-to-Consumer Brand Marketing via Pinterest

5.1 Leveling the Playing Field

For many Indian D2C startups, competing with large FMCG or fashion giants on Instagram is difficult due to influencer dominance. Pinterest, however, focuses more on content relevance than follower count, making it ideal for direct-to-consumer brand marketing.

5.2 Social Media Marketing for D2C

When integrated with Instagram and YouTube, Pinterest acts as a silent but powerful driver of social media marketing for D2C. While Instagram builds engagement and UGC videos, Pinterest drives purchase intent. This combination ensures higher ROI compared to just running paid ads.

6. Pinterest Advertising Strategies

6.1 Promoted Pins and Shopping Ads

Pinterest ads work like Google search ads. You can target keywords, demographics, and even interests. Since competition is low in India, Pinterest advertising strategies are far cheaper than Instagram ads. Reports show that Pinterest ads have 2.3x more efficient cost per conversion compared to other social channels.

6.2 Retargeting and Shopping Carts

D2C brands can integrate Pinterest ads with product catalogs, ensuring users who save pins get reminders of purchase. Retargeting campaigns see higher success because Pinterest users are already in the “shopping mindset.”
Want to learn how to schedule pins on Pinterest?Read herefor Hobo.Video’s guide.

7. Case Studies: D2C Brands Winning with Pinterest

7.1 Fashion and Lifestyle

A US-based D2C fashion brand reported a 40% increase in sales within six months of using Pinterest shopping features. Similar opportunities exist in India, especially for ethnic wear and jewelry brands.

7.2 Food and Wellness

Globally, wellness brands have seen 3x higher engagement rates on Pinterest than on Instagram. For Indian D2C wellness startups offering Ayurveda-based supplements, Pinterest can be a growth goldmine.

8. Role of UGC and Influencer Marketing on Pinterest

8.1 Power of UGC

UGC videos and authentic images play a major role on Pinterest. Users prefer real-life product use cases rather than polished ads. For instance, a customer showing how to style a saree will get higher savings than a studio model shoot.

8.2 Influencer Marketing on Pinterest

Pinterest creators are growing in India. Partnering withtop influencers in Indiawho already create lifestyle or DIY content can give D2C brands credibility. Hobo.Video, as a top influencer marketing company, connects D2C brands with the right creators for long-term Pinterest campaigns.

9. How Hobo.Video Helps Brands Win on Pinterest

9.1 Why Hobo.Video?

Hobo.Video is the best influencer platform in India helping brands scale with AI UGC, influencer collaborations, and creative content. For D2C brands confused about where to start with Pinterest, Hobo.Video offers customized campaigns backed by AI influencer marketing insights.

9.2 Services Tailored for Pinterest Growth

From AI UGC to influencer tie-ups, from product testing to community building, Hobo.Video helps D2C startups unlock the whole truth about marketing on untapped platforms. Whether you are figuring out how to become an influencer or searching for famous Instagram influencers, the platform bridges creators and brands seamlessly.

Conclusion and Key Learnings

Summary of Key Tips

1. Use Pinterest as a visual search marketing tool, not just social media.
2. Leverage Pinterest shopping features to reduce friction in buying.
3. Focus on consumer behavior on Pinterest, which is intent-driven.
4. Use analytics to identify e-commerce growth through Pinterest.
5. Explore Pinterest advertising strategies early while competition is low.
6. Partner with Hobo.Video to integrate influencer marketing and UGC for faster results.

Partner with Hobo.Video to Grow Your Brand

If you are a D2C brand looking to grow beyond Instagram and Facebook, it’s time to explore Pinterest marketing for D2C brands. With intent-driven audiences, long-lasting content, and cost-effective ad options, Pinterest is your untapped growth channel. Partner with Hobo.Video today to unlock the full potential of influencer-driven, AI-powered campaigns that make your brand unforgettable.

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Video is India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it offers end-to-end campaign management designed for brand growth. The platform combines AI and human strategy for maximum ROI.

Services include:

• Influencer marketing
• UGC content creation
• Celebrity endorsements
• Product feedback and testing
• Marketplace and seller reputation management
• Regional and niche influencer campaigns

Trusted by top brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath, and the Good Glamm Group.

Ready to scale your brand the smart way? Justfill out the form—we’ll handle the rest.
Start your journey as a savvy influencer with Hobo.Video.Register here