Discovering the true source of a pin on Pinterest can be a daunting task, especially when it appears to have originated from multiple accounts. However, there are subtle clues that can help you determine who saved the pin first and unravel the mystery of its origin. Understanding these signs will empower you to give credit where credit is due, fostering a respectful and collaborative environment within the Pinterest community.
One telltale sign is the “Saved from” link. If you hover over a pin, you’ll notice a small line of text beneath the pin description. This link provides valuable information regarding the original source of the pin. By clicking on it, you’ll be taken to the profile of the user who initially saved the pin. This user is the rightful owner of the pin, and you can be confident that they were the first to save it on Pinterest. In some instances, the “Saved from” link may lead to a broken or deleted account. In such cases, it’s likely that the original pinner has deactivated their profile or deleted the pin from their account.
Another clue to consider is the pin’s age. Pinterest displays the date when a pin was first saved on the platform. This timestamp can provide valuable insights into the pin’s origin. If you encounter a pin that has been saved multiple times, the one with the earliest date is likely the original. However, it’s important to note that Pinterest users can edit the dates of their pins, so this method may not always be foolproof. If you suspect that a pin’s date has been altered, it’s best to rely on other indicators to determine its true origin.
Examining the Pin’s Original Source
Inspecting the source of the pin can provide valuable clues about its age and authenticity. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Original Website or Platform
Determine from which website or platform the pin originates. For instance, if the pin is from a reputable news source, it is likely to be more reliable than one from an unknown blog. Check the URL of the original source to verify its legitimacy.
Publication Date
If available, note the publication date of the original content. This information can help you establish a timeline for when the pin was created and shared on Pinterest. Older pins may have been subjected to multiple reshares, while newer ones are more likely to be recent additions to the platform.
Author or Publisher
Identify the original author or publisher of the pin. This can provide insights into the credibility and authority of the source. Look for reputable organizations, established authors, or verified accounts on social media platforms.
| Feature | Description |
|:—|:—|
| Original Website | The website or platform where the pin originated from |
| Publication Date | The date when the original content was published |
| Author or Publisher | The creator or organization responsible for the original content |
Exploring the User’s Profile Section
Navigate to the user’s Pinterest profile by clicking on their username. Once there, explore the various sections to gather insights into their pinning habits:
1. Profile Picture and Bio
Examine the user’s profile picture and bio for clues. A recent profile picture may indicate active usage, while a detailed bio with keywords related to the topic of your interest can suggest expertise.
2. Pinned Boards
Scroll through the user’s pinned boards. The number and variety of boards provide an indication of their interests and organization. Look for boards specifically related to the topic you’re researching.
3. Recently Saved Pins
Check the “Recently Saved” section to see the user’s recent pinning activity. The frequency and content of these pins can offer insights into their current interests and engagement level.
4. Pinned Pins
Dive into the user’s pinned pins to uncover valuable information:
- Quantity: The number of pins a user has saved can indicate their level of interest in the topic. A larger number of pins suggests increased engagement.
- Pin Details: Examine the titles, descriptions, and images associated with the pins. Note any keywords or hashtags used, as they provide insights into the user’s perspective and understanding of the topic.
- Engagement: Check the engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and repins. Higher engagement indicates that the pin resonated with the user and their followers, which can validate their expertise or authority on the topic.
Utilizing the Pinterest Search Functionality
Pinterest’s search functionality provides a powerful tool for discovering when a pin was saved. Follow these steps to harness its capabilities:
1. Access the Pinterest Search Box
Locate the search box prominently displayed at the top of the Pinterest interface.
2. Enter Relevant Keywords
Input keywords related to the content of the pin you’re trying to find. Include relevant terms, such as topic, subject, or keywords.
3. Filter by “Pins” Category
From the drop-down menu below the search bar, select the “Pins” category to ensure you’re searching specifically for pins.
4. Use the “Saved” Filter
Click on the “Filter” button on the right side of the search bar and apply the “Saved by Others” filter to narrow down your results to pins that have been saved by users.
5. Refine Your Search with Time Range
To further narrow down your search, consider filtering by a specific time range. Pinterest offers various options, including “Last Hour,” “Last Week,” “Last Month,” or “Last Year.” Customize the time frame to match the estimated date when the pin may have been saved.
| Time Range | Relevant for Finding Pins Saved: |
|---|---|
| Last Hour | Pins saved in the past hour |
| Last Week | Pins saved within the past week |
| Last Month | Pins saved within the past month |
| Last Year | Pins saved within the past year |
How to Tell When a Pin was Saved in Pinterest
Unfortunately, Pinterest does not provide a built-in feature that allows users to track the exact date and time when a pin was saved. Instead, it displays only the relative time elapsed since the pin was saved, such as “Saved 2 days ago” or “Saved 3 months ago.” Since this can be inconvenient for users who want to access more specific information about a pin’s history, there are a couple of workarounds that can provide an approximate estimate of the save date.
Firstly, users can check the “Created” date of the pin. This refers to the date when the pin was originally uploaded to Pinterest by its creator. By comparing the “Created” date with the approximate save date displayed on the pin, users can get an idea of how long it has been since the pin was saved. For example, if a pin was saved 2 days ago and the “Created” date is 3 months ago, it can be assumed that the pin was saved approximately 3 months and 2 days ago.
Another workaround involves using a third-party extension or tool. Some browser extensions and online services allow users to track the history of their Pinterest activity, including the dates and times when pins were saved. While these tools are not officially endorsed by Pinterest, they can offer additional functionality and provide more precise information about the save dates of pins.
