Pinterest TV is a live streaming platform for creators to host live episodes and connect with their audience.
PinTV launched in November 2021, but is recently growing in popularity, as all creators are now eligible to apply. You can watch live episodes of Pinterest TV on your iOS or Android mobile device, or online.
There are two main episode formats: Hosted and Immersive! Both of these are 30 minute or 60 minute sessions.
- Hosted is talking to the camera while engaging with the audience via chat, whereas
- Immersive is for those who want to go live but focus on creating, without using the chat feature to interact with the audience.
Pinterest TV episodes do what Pinterest does best: Provide inspiration!
It's not the same as Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or TikTok Live. On PinTV, only one creator can go live at a time.
Think of it like a real television experience – with a majority of the creators having a series where users can tune in every week or so.
PinTV episode categories
Episodes include a variety of topics including:
- Beauty
- Food
- Shopping
- Fashion
- DIY
- Good vibes
- Home
- Holidays
- ...and more!
How to watch episodes
If tuning in on your phone, be sure to update the Pinterest app to the latest version. Then log into your account and tap the TV icon in the top-left corner.
Tap Watch on a live episode to ask a question or engage in the chat, tap a product to shop, or save the video to a board. After the episode has finished airing, the episode will become a video pin and can be replayed on-demand.
Check out my previous live episodes here!
Within Pinterest TV, you'll be able to browse upcoming episodes. Tap Remind Me to get a push notification when the creator goes live! They are fun to watch and allow you to interact with other users in real time.
Pinterest TV hosts are allowed to enable shoppable links during their shows. These sometimes include new products, sales, or limited-time offers.
How to go live on Pinterest TV
Apply for Pinterest TV to host an episode or series!
To create a new episode you will need to have your episode title, category/categories, a cover image, along with your preferred date and time. From there, submit your episode for approval.
Once approved, you will upload a preview video teasing what your episode will be about. You will have the capability to link affiliate links, product links, or links to your website. Then it's time to prepare.
Best practices
I suggest outlining your episode so it flows naturally and you're able to hit the main points. Additionally, come prepared with a handful of questions you can easily answer to provide your audience with valuable or entertaining information.
Don't forget to introduce yourself. Explain a bit of your background, what type of content you create, and why a user should follow you.
Let users know how to find your profile, follow your account, and leave comments in the chat.
Lastly, encourage your live audience to utilize the chat feature! Ask where they're tuning in from, if they have any questions about what you're creating, etc.
What you need to go live
Currently creators go live virtually. You will need a laptop to access your Virtual Creator Studio, as well as your phone to take you live using the free Pinterest TV Studio App.
- The Control Room within Creator Studio is where you can highlight products to feature, see the live chat comments, and a preview of yourself.
- The PinTV Studio App connects to Creator Studio, so you can use your phone's camera to capture the live recording.
Episode insights
After your live episodes ends, it will get processed into a video pin. In the backend, you'll be able to access insights such as watch time, total viewers, total comments, total reactions, and audience demographics.
Review
There are several benefits of hosting Pinterest TV live episodes! As a blogger or creator, PinTV should be on your Pinterest strategy radar.
As a user, they are easy to access and exciting to join! The links included open while the creator continues to livestream. It's all very seamless and enjoyable.
Here are advantages of hosting a live episode:
- Connect with an audience in real time!
- Reach a new, broad audience on Pinterest to gain new followers.
- Drive traffic to your blog or website by linking to a post.
- Review and sell products with easy linking capabilities.
- Gain experience as a host in a live video format.
Got questions? Leave them in the comments!
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