How do Pinterest Ads differ from Facebook and Google Ads?

📌 Big Picture Differences
Platform   Mindset of Users   How Ads Feel   Best At
Pinterest   Planning mode ("I'm looking for ideas for the future")   Ads blend into organic Pins (soft, inspirational)   Discovery, future purchases, visual inspiration
Facebook/Instagram   Social mode ("I'm scrolling friends, memes, brands")   Ads interrupt feeds (obvious sponsored posts)   Disruption, impulse buys, retargeting
Google   Intent mode ("I know what I want right now")   Ads match search queries (text or shopping ads)   Direct intent, urgent buying needs
🎯 Key Differences Explained:
1. User Intent
Pinterest:

People come to plan — vacations, outfits, weddings, home remodels, fitness journeys, recipes.

They're not always ready to buy today, but they're gathering ideas for future decisions.

Facebook/Instagram:

People come to be social — not necessarily to shop.

Ads are often interruptions (you hope your ad is interesting enough to grab attention).

Google:

People are searching because they want something now.

High urgency, super transactional ("buy red running shoes near me").

2. Ad Format and Style
Pinterest:

Ads look exactly like Pins (organic content).

They are inspirational first, salesy second.

Focus is on aesthetic, storytelling, and ideas.

Facebook:

Visual ads (photo, video, carousel).

Attention-grabbing hooks and headlines matter.

Often direct call-to-action ("Shop Now", "Sign Up").

Google:

Mostly text ads (Search), or product photo ads (Shopping).

Hyper-focused on matching keywords and urgency.

3. Targeting Options
Pinterest:

Interest targeting ("loves DIY", "into fitness").

Keyword targeting (search terms inside Pinterest).

Actalike audiences (like Facebook Lookalikes).

Strong on behavior-driven targeting (what people Pin/save).

Facebook:

Insane detail — demographics, behaviors, detailed interests.

Retargeting based on almost any activity.

BUT after iOS 14, Facebook lost some data accuracy.

Google:

Intent targeting (based on search keywords).

Retargeting via display network (banner ads).

Audience expansion options like Similar Audiences (phasing out in favor of AI models).

4. Buying Funnel Stage
Pinterest:

Top-to-middle funnel ("dreaming and planning" phase).

Your ads need to nurture them along the way.

Facebook:

Middle-to-bottom funnel.

You can push for faster actions if your creative is strong.

Google:

Bottom funnel.

People often already know what they want. You just need to offer it.

5. Ad Costs (usually)
Platform   CPM (Cost per 1,000 Impressions)   CPC (Cost per Click)
Pinterest   Lower than Facebook (cheaper brand awareness)   Often very affordable
Facebook   Mid to high (depends on niche)   Getting more expensive post-iOS 14
Google   High (for competitive keywords)   CPCs can be very expensive depending on niche
✅ Pro Tip: Pinterest is VERY cost-effective for niches like beauty, home decor, food, fitness, wedding planning, DIY, etc.

🧠 Summary Table:
Pinterest   Facebook   Google
User Intent   Future planning   Social browsing   Immediate action
Ad Style   Inspirational Pins   Disruptive posts   Search-based
Best For   Discovery, inspiration, brand building   Engagement, impulse buys   Direct response sales
Average Cost   Lower CPMs, cheaper clicks   Higher CPMs after iOS14   High CPC for hot keywords
⚡ TL;DR:
Pinterest = "I'm planning my dream life."

Facebook = "Distract me with cool stuff."

Google = "Give me exactly what I want now."

If you tell me your business type or product,
I can even recommend which ad platform you should lean into more heavily — and sketch out a sample campaign strategy 👀🎯

Would you want that? 🚀