Pinning Strategy: Which Posts to Highlight and Why

If your social feed is your storefront, your pinned posts are the display window. They're the first thing people see when they visit your profile—and in a world where attention spans are short, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. So yeah, pinning the right content matters. A lot.

But with so many videos, how do you know which ones deserve that top spot? And what kind of content actually works as a pin?

Let’s break it all down so you’re not just pinning your favorite videos—but the ones that actually help your profile grow.

Why Pinning Matters More Than You Think

Pinned posts don’t just “sit there.” They shape how new visitors perceive your content, decide if they’ll follow, and choose whether to keep scrolling or tap out.

Your pinned content acts like your trailer reel. It should answer three things right away:

• What do you make?
• Why should someone follow?
• What kind of vibe do you give off?

It’s not about showing your most viral post—it’s about showing your most representative and engaging content.

How Many Posts Can You Pin?

As of 2025:

• TikTok: Up to 3 pinned videos
• Instagram Reels: Up to 3 pinned posts (including Reels or photos)
• YouTube Shorts (via channel layout): You can pin playlists or featured Shorts

That’s not a lot of real estate. So every pin has to earn its place.

What Types of Posts Should You Pin?

Think of your three slots like this:

1. Identity Post
   This is your “About Me” without actually saying “Hi, I’m...” It might be a funny video that screams your style or a clip that shows what you regularly post. Someone should instantly get your niche and tone.

2. Conversion Post
   This one’s meant to get follows, comments, or saves. It could be your most helpful tip, a relatable moment, or something that builds connection with your audience.

3. Credibility Post
   This is your social proof. A post that’s gone viral, has lots of shares, or got a notable comment (even better if you screen-recorded it). It tells new people: “Others love this—I bet you will too.”

You don’t have to follow this formula, but it’s a solid start if you’re unsure what to pick.

Content Formats That Make Great Pins

• Explainer videos that define your niche
• Storytime content with strong emotional hooks
• Before/after or transformation clips
• Funny hits with high comment interaction
• “Best of” content that viewers love to rewatch
• Your personal origin story (if you’re the brand)
• Collabs or duets that showcase reach

Whatever you choose, make sure the hook hits within 2–3 seconds. This isn’t the time for slow burns.

Mistakes to Avoid When Pinning

• Pinning a one-off viral hit that doesn’t match your usual content
  Sure, it’s tempting to show off a post with 500K views—but if it’s a fluke, it may attract the wrong followers who bounce quickly.

• Leaving outdated or irrelevant pins for months
  Update your pinned content every few weeks, or when your brand, niche, or style shifts.

• Pinning without a plan
  Three random pins don’t tell a story. Think of them as a curated showcase, not a highlight reel.

• Using inside jokes or references that need context
  Pinned posts should be immediately understandable to new visitors, not just loyal fans.

How to Know If a Pinned Post is Working

Keep an eye on these metrics:

• Follower growth after profile visits
• Saves and shares on the pinned post
• Average watch time (especially compared to your other content)
• Comments like “Just followed because of this” — gold.

If a pinned post has strong hook retention and encourages interaction, it’s doing its job.

Rotate or Refresh: What’s Better?

Here’s a strategy that works for a lot of creators:

• Keep 1 anchor pin that always performs and defines your brand
• Rotate 1 trend-based or seasonal post
• Test 1 experimental post—something new or timely

This mix lets you keep familiar touchpoints while still being relevant and curious. It also helps you test what kind of pinned content converts best.

Bonus Tips for Better Pinning

• Use strong thumbnails—don’t let your best post die with a blurry frame
• Pin from recent uploads (platforms tend to boost new content more)
• Mention your pinned content in stories or live streams
• Include a CTA in your caption (“Follow for more like this” or “This one still cracks me up every time”)

Also: check how your pins look on desktop and mobile. Formatting weirdness or cut-off captions can kill the effect.