How to Send Private Messages on Pinterest

Share ideas with friends quickly and easily

By
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Ontario
  • George Brown College
Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others.
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Updated on October 20, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

When you come across a recipe, craft, inspirational quote, or beautiful design on Pinterest, it's easy to send it to a friend without ever leaving the platform. If you have a Pinterest account, you have an inbox where you can send and receive direct messages to and from other Pinterest users, or even send pins via email or social media to any of your contacts. Here's how it works.

Pinterest icon illustration with users held up by person

How to Send a Direct Message on Pinterest on the Web

To start a conversation with someone on Pinterest, here's what to do:

  1. From anywhere on Pinterest, select the speech bubble from the top right.

    Select the speech bubble from the top right.

  2. Select the Compose icon, which looks like a pen.

    Select the compose icon (looks like a pen).

  3. Start typing the name of the user you want to message, and then select it from the options Pinterest presents.

    Type and select the name of the person you want to message

    You can enter the names or email addresses of up to 10 friends.

  4. Type your message in the message box at the bottom where it says Send a Message, and then select the red Send button.

    Type your message in the message box at the bottom where it says Send a Message, and then select the red Send button.

  5. To send a pin with your message, select the Pin icon next to the plus sign.

    To send a pin with your message, select the pin icon next to the plus sign.

  6. Select a pin to add it to a message.

    Select a pin to add it to a message.

  7. Add a message if you like, and then select the red Send button.

    Add a message if you like, and then select the red Send button.

How to Send a Message Directly From a Pin

If you come across a pin that's perfect to share with someone, here's how to send it directly when you're using Pinterest via a desktop browser:

  1. Select a pin to open it and then select the Share icon (small arrow).

    Select a pin to open it and then select the share icon (small arrow).

  2. Search through names and contacts, or enter someone's email in the search box.

    Search through names and contacts, or enter someone's email in the search box.

    Pinterest will suggest contacts based on people you've interacted with on Pinterest. If you've shared your Facebook friends list with Pinterest, Pinterest will also suggest your Facebook friends who are on Pinterest.

  3. Choose your recipients and then select Send.

    Choose your recipients and then select Send.

    Send Boards and Pinterest user profiles the same way.

Send Messages With the Pinterest Mobile App

It's also easy to send direct messages and share pins if you're using Pinterest's mobile app.

  1. Open the Pinterest app and tap the speech bubble from the bottom menu.

  2. Tap the Messages tab.

  3. Tap New Message.

    Send a message using the Pinterest mobile app

  4. Select a suggestion, or enter someone's name or email address in the search box, and then tap Next.

  5. Type a message in the Add a message box. Optionally, tap the Pin icon to attach a pin to the message. Tap the red Send button when you're ready.

    Send a message using Pinterest's mobile app

Send a Message Directly From a Pin in the App

If you come across a pin that's perfect to share with someone, here's how to send it directly when you're using Pinterest via the Pinterest mobile app:

  1. Select a pin to open it and then select the Share icon (small arrow).

  2. Search through names and contacts, or enter someone's name or email in the search box.

    Pinterest will suggest contacts based on people you've interacted with on Pinterest. If you've shared your Facebook friends list with Pinterest, Pinterest will also suggest your Facebook friends who are on Pinterest.

  3. Hit Send to send the pin. Once you've sent someone a message, you'll be able to view your chat history.

    Send a pin to a friend on Pinterest
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