“Is that still a thing?” asked my GenZ team member when I told her that deer costumes were the most popular idea on Pinterest Trends right now. While I agree that it’s been a go-to DIY option for several years, it’s not surprising. You just need to wear brown, buy or make some antlers, and watch a super-cute makeup tutorial. It’s not sexy or scary by default so, you can wear it to any event — whether it’s a family-friendly festival or an adults-only party.

If you haven’t explored Pinterest Trends before, this tool offers a unique glimpse into what consumers are searching for and engaging on the platform. This feature provides valuable insights into the latest trends, helping businesses tailor their marketing strategies effectively to meet consumer demands.

How Pinterest Trends Works

Pinterest Trends is a feature that allows users to see what topics and themes are currently popular on the platform. It provides a real-time look at trending searches and ideas, offering insights into seasonal trends, regional interests, and emerging topics. The tool identifies these trends based on user activity, including pins, saves, and searches, making it a potent resource for understanding what your target audience is interested in.

  • Data Collection: Pinterest aggregates data from billions of pins, search queries, and user interactions. This data is then analyzed to identify patterns and spikes in activity, which signal emerging trends.
  • Trend Visualization: The tool presents these trends in an easy-to-understand format, often using graphs and charts to show how interest in specific topics has changed over time.
  • Search Functionality: Users can explore trends by entering keywords or browsing categories, allowing them to discover what’s currently gaining traction.
  • Regional Insights: Pinterest Trends also offers insights into how trends vary by region, enabling businesses to tailor their content to specific local markets.

Diving into this year’s top Halloween costume searches, we see a lot of classic characters that are easy for people to identify.

Oh Deer!

These deer costumes are still the top-searched DIY costume idea for women and as a couple’s costume. It’s such an attainable look, for any woman on any budget.

Bringing the Cattitude

These cat-themed costumes are trending up year over year.

Classic Meets the Screen

All of the top-ten Halloween costumes are either classic characters (pirate, fairy) or from movies and television (Strawberry Shortcake, Alice in Wonderland). Notably, all of these costumes have highly recognizable elements that are easy to recreate with DIY. It makes sense for this crafty crowd.

What to Watch

Movies like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Inside Out 2, Challengers, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, shows like Wednesday and Abbott Elementary, and pop culture icons like RayGun, Sabrina Carpenter, Cowboy Carter Beyonce, and Chappel Roan will make their appearance at parties. However, the total number of searches for these costumes is much lower on Pinterest.

One thing to keep in mind with Pinterest searches is context. Since this audience is looking for costume ideas on a visual, hands-on platform, they’re probably hoping to make some of it themselves, with pieces already in their closet or from altered thrift store finds.

Looking for More Inspiration

Using Pinterest Trends for Your Business

Marketers often talk about joining the conversation on social media. But what does that mean? It means talking about the same thing your customers are talking about at the same time. If you have a head start on their Halloween costume interests, you won’t fall behind on social media.

  • Content Planning: By understanding what’s trending, you can create content that resonates with your audience.
  • Inventory and Merchandising: Use trend insights to inform your inventory and merchandising. If you notice a surge in interest, highlight your related offerings.
  • Targeted Advertising: Pinterest Trends can help refine your advertising strategy. By focusing on trending topics, you can create more relevant ads that capture the attention of your audience.
  • Seasonal Campaigns: Trends often vary with the seasons. Utilize this information to align your marketing campaigns with seasonal interests, such as holiday decor ideas during the festive season.
  • Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on what’s trending to understand how your competitors might be leveraging these insights. This can offer ideas for differentiating your own strategy.

Pinterest can give an early glimpse into trending social media searches on other platforms (Instagram, TikTok) as well as consumer buying. Often, people start their search on Pinterest when they’re planning an outfit — in this case, their Halloween costume. Knowing what people are looking for will help you get in front of them faster.

Stay On Top of Trends

I’m Danielle, owner of The Shop Shop Marketing Agency in Lynchburg, Virginia. I regularly post about social media and SEO trends here and on social media. Sign up for my twice-a-year newsletter to stay inspired.

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