Pinterest tests Top of Search ads to capture high-intent shoppers

Pinterest is rolling out Top of Search ads, a new ad format that places brands directly in the first 10 slots of search results and Related Pins, where nearly half of user clicks occur.

Shopping on Pinterest is inherently visual, and most searches on the platform (96%) are unbranded according to Pinterest. That makes the top of search results a prime spot for discovery – and for brands to reach consumers who are open to new products.

Why we care. Pinterest’s Top of Search ads put your products in front of shoppers at the most valuable moment: when they’re actively browsing but not yet brand-committed. With nearly all searches unbranded, the format offers a powerful way to win new customers and outperform competitors. Early testing shows significant performance lifts, making it a high-return opportunity for brands looking to drive both visibility and conversions.

How it works. Top of Search ads ensure a brand’s products are featured where shopping journeys often begin. The new format also includes a brand-exclusive ad unit that highlights an advertiser’s catalog, giving products prominent placement over competitors.

Early results. According to Pinterest:

  • Top of Search ads have driven a 29% higher average CTR compared to standard campaigns.
  • Top of Search ads are 32% more likely to attract new clickers.
  • Wayfair, an early tester, reported a 237% CTR lift in just two weeks compared to its typical campaigns.

Between the lines. For advertisers, Top of Search ads offer a way to intercept undecided shoppers earlier in their journey, effectively turning Pinterest’s visual-first search into a new performance channel.

Search Engine Land is owned by Semrush. We remain committed to providing high-quality coverage of marketing topics. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.

About the Author

Anu Adegbola

Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and more. In 2008, Anu’s career started with delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side. Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event – PPC Live and host of weekly podcast PPC Live The Podcast.
She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US, UK, Munich, Berlin), Friends of Search (Amsterdam, NL), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.


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