How to Choose the Right Image File Name for Pinterest Pins

When optimizing your images for Pinterest SEO, every detail increases your chance of making your pin viral. Most miss this detail—naming the image files wrong!

Don’t overlook this simple step; the right file name can significantly impact your visibility on Pinterest and drive traffic to your blog or business. In this guide, I’ll discuss how you can choose image file names to improve Pinterest SEO.

Why Does an Image File Name Matter for Pinterest SEO?

Pinterest is more than just a visual discovery platform; it’s a search engine in its own right. Just as Google uses file names as part of its image search algorithm, Pinterest does the same.

Your image file name contributes to your pin’s overall SEO, making it easier for Pinterest to understand what your image is about and how to categorize it.

By optimizing your image file names with relevant keywords, you increase the chances of your pins being discovered.

How to Choose Image File Names for Pinterest Pins

There’s no absolute right or wrong when choosing an image file name. Here are six things to remember to make sure your pin image file names are Pinterest SEO-friendly.

1. Use Relevant Keywords

Start by identifying the primary keywords you want to rank for. These keywords should be related to the content of the pin and the board it will be posted on.

For example, if your pin is about “vegan breakfast recipes,” the image file name should include this keyword phrase.

Example:

• Wrong: IMG_1234
• Right: vegan-breakfast-recipes or Vegan Breakfast Recipes

The right keywords help Pinterest and search engines like Google understand your content. Focus on search intent and trending keywords so that your image resonates with your target audience.

2. Be Specific and Descriptive

Pinterest thrives on specificity. Being vague with your file names—like using terms such as “food” or “recipe”—won’t help your pin stand out.

Instead, add more context and detail to make your image file name more searchable.

Example:

• Wrong: pancakes.jpg
• Right: easy-vegan-pancakes-recipe.jpg

Being specific doesn’t mean cramming too much information into the file name, but it’s essential to strike a balance between clarity and keyword optimization.

3. Use Hyphens Instead of Underscores

When creating image file names, use hyphens (-) to separate words instead of underscores (_). Hyphens are recognized as word separators by search engines and Pinterest, while underscores are not.

Example:

• Wrong: vegan_breakfast_recipes.jpg
• Right: vegan-breakfast-recipes.jpg

This small detail makes a big difference in how search engines read your file name.

4. Keep It Short and Sweet

While it’s important to be descriptive, avoid overly long file names. Aim for a concise and clear format that reflects the core topic of the image. Lengthy file names may get cut off and reduce the clarity of your content for search engines.

Example:

• Wrong: this-is-my-delicious-and-amazing-vegan-breakfast-pancakes-recipe.jpg
• Right: vegan-pancakes-recipe.jpg

A short and keyword-rich file name is easier for search engines and Pinterest’s algorithm to digest.

5. Match Your File Name with Your Pin title and Description

Consistency across your image file name, pin title, and description helps reinforce your Pinterest SEO efforts.

In PinOperator, we create Pinterest strategies for our clients by ensuring that the primary and secondary keywords are used strategically across all these elements to create a cohesive message for Pinterest’s algorithm.

Example:

• Image file name: vegan-breakfast-recipes.jpg
• Pin title: “Delicious Vegan Breakfast Recipes You Can Make in 10 Minutes”
• Pin description: “Looking for quick and easy vegan breakfast recipes? Try these simple dishes that are perfect for busy mornings.”

6. Avoid Keyword Stuffing

While it’s important to include keywords, avoid overloading your file names with too many. Keyword stuffing can make the file name look spammy, which may hurt your SEO efforts.

Example:

• Wrong: vegan-recipes-vegan-breakfast-easy-vegan-food.jpg
• Right: easy-vegan-breakfast-recipes.jpg

Keep the file name natural and readable while still using your primary keyword.

Optimizing your image file name may seem small compared to the extensive Pinterest SEO landscape, but it’s a small action with a larger impact.

A well-chosen file name helps your pins rank better, reach more people, and drive traffic to your website or blog.

By using relevant keywords, being specific, and maintaining consistency across your pin titles and descriptions, you can maximize the impact of your image file names and improve the visibility of your Pinterest pins.