The creator economy is booming right now, and social media sites such as TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest are all dishing out money to recruit you!
While these are all great platforms to grow your business, the Pinterest Creator Fund is providing essential financial help and tools to accelerate your growth.
Here’s everything you need to know before you apply!
What is the Pinterest Creator Fund
The Pinterest Creator Fund is a 5-week program focused on educating and equipping rising creators in underrepresented communities with tools, training and financial resources to succeed on the Pinterest platform.
The creator fund is not to be confused with Pinterest Creator Rewards / Creator hub. Both offer creators a way to make money on Pinterest, but they each have their own set of criteria and requirements.
Pinterest Creator Fund Requirements
Pinterest has not formally announced a set of eligibility requirements to join, but we do know a few general things from previous creator fund rounds.
Who Can Join the Creator Fund?
- Must have a Pinterest Business account
- Be a rising creator from historically underrepresented communities such as: people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Have more than 1,000 and less than 10,000 followers
- Have created Idea Pins on Pinterest
We can also assume that you must be 18 years of age or older, since this is also a requirement for the Pinterest Creator Rewards program.
Monetization Eligibility Requirements
In the Pinterest Business Community forum, a Pinterest Community Manager answered questions related to monetization eligibility requirements.
According to Pinterest Community Manager, Jazmin:
“For those asking about the monetization eligibility requirements, if you do not normally monetize content or have not had the ability to do so on a consistent basis, we encourage you to apply!”
– Pinterest Business Community Forum
How to Apply for the Creator Fund
Each application cycle will focus on different verticals, such as: fashion and beauty, wellness, lifestyle and food. So make sure to watch out for the next cycle and its focus area before you apply.
If you meet the requirements, then you can fill out an application via a google doc to apply.
The Pinterest Creator Fund application process is currently closed. Stay in the loop by signing up to the creator newsletter to get email alerts.
What to Expect When You Join
The creator fund cycle originally started as a 4 week program, but has since expanded to a 5 week cycle. That’s great news since it means creators will be getting even more training from Pinterest and niche industry experts!
You’ll not only learn how to create Idea Pins that inspire and attract your audience, but you’ll also learn how to use Pinterest trends to create timely content.
As a Pinterest creator, you’ll be expected to attend five virtual educational sessions, and create content as part of the fund. Weekly office hours will also be available and creators are encouraged to attend.
As part of the fund, you’ll also be required to sign an agreement.
Learn How to Build a Profitable Affiliate Website
(Free Step-by-Step Video Tutorials to Making Money with a Blog!)
How Much Does the Creator Fund Pay
Creators accepted into the program will receive $25,000 in the form of a cash grant, ad credits, and an equipment stipend. It’s a hefty reward amount to really up your game as a content creator!
Additionally, your participation can lead to potential brand sponsorship opportunities.
Just imagine if you were part of the Pinterest Creator Fund 2022 cohort focused on Fashion and Beauty. This cycle was sponsored by L’Oreal.
According to Pinterest, creators would hear directly from L’Oreal about potential partnerships. In addition to this, they received complimentary beauty products to use in their content (if they so chose to).
Have Past Participants Found Success?
Past fund participants, health and fitness pro Wendy Traylor and skincare creator Chesca Ortiz, experienced significant increases in their views and follower count upon completion of the program.
Wendy Traylor – gained 75% more followers in 7 months
Chesca Ortiz – saw her monthly views increase by 47%
Need Help Creating and Designing Idea Pins?
Pinterest Marketing Expert, Nadalie Bardo, created a shortcut guide just for you! Nab the Idea Pin Starter Kit here, and use coupon code: PILAR25 at checkout for 25% off!
When is the Next Pinterest Creator Fund
Creator Fund cycles are announced quarterly.
The most recent Pinterest Creator Fund application was opened on July 25th, 2022 and closed for new applicants on August 3, 2022. Make sure to sign up for the creator newsletter to stay up to date on the next opening.
Pinterest Creator Fund Countries
The fund is currently open to creators in the US, and most recently the program opened to UK Creators.
The first UK Creator Fund cycle will focus on LGBTQIA+ creators who create fashion and beauty-related content. The application for this cycle is currently closed.
According to Pinterest, the creator fund is also set to launch in Brazil soon! So keep an eye out for that if you live in this area.
Other Ways to Make Money on Pinterest
Not everyone will be eligible to apply for the Pinterest Creator Fund program. It’s competitive to get into and only around 10 creators are accepted per cycle.
Though, the creator fund is just one way to monetize on Pinterest. So don’t feel discouraged if you aren’t able to join. There are plenty of other ways to earn money pinning on Pinterest, including the ones mentioned below.
Pin Affiliate Links on Idea Pins
Pinterest Creator Rewards Program
Monetize on Pinterest without a Blog
Make sure to check those out and start pinning on Pinterest today!
Next Steps
One necessary requirement to join the Pinterest Creator Fund is to have Idea Pins created and pinned on your profile. Idea Pins are the evolution of Story Pins and for some creators, this can feel like a daunting task.
But as the saying goes, “great things happen outside of your comfort zone.”
In this case, those great happenings can be lucrative brand sponsorship deals, more creator rewards money, brand recognition and so much more!
Needless to say, if you want to get ahead on Pinterest, then you need to be creating Idea Pins!
My friend and Pinterest Marketing Expert, Nadalie Bardo, created a Pinterest Idea Starter kit just for this reason. And for a short time, she’s giving my readers a 25% discount on her popular tutorial.
You can check out the Pinterest Idea Starter Kit here. Use promo code: PILAR25 at checkout for additional savings. You can also watch this video to see how to apply the coupon code.
Happy Pinning!
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