Who Is Behind Pinterest Predicts 2026
As we head into 2026 and celebrate nearly ten years of the Simple Pin Podcast, I wanted to kick off the year in a meaningful way. That meant going straight to the source. I sat down with Sydney Stanback, the head of global research and content at Pinterest, for a behind the scenes conversation about Pinterest Predicts 2026. Rather than a polished corporate interview, this was an honest look at the people, passion, and process behind one of Pinterest’s most anticipated reports. Sydney has been part of Pinterest Predicts since its launch in 2020, and her love for research, culture, and creativity shines through every part of this work.
Related: Pinterest Predicts 2026 Report
What Makes Pinterest Predicts Different
Pinterest Predicts is not a recap of what already went viral. It is a forward looking report built to spotlight trends before they hit the mainstream. That distinction matters. Instead of reflecting on the past, Pinterest uses its unique position as a future focused platform to identify what people are searching for, saving, and planning long before those ideas show up everywhere else. With 88 percent of past predictions coming true, this report has proven to be more than inspiration. It is a credible glimpse into what consumers are gravitating toward next.
Related: How to Create Content from the Pinterest Trends Tool
When and How These Predictions Come Together
One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Sydney was just how long this process takes. While the report launches at the end of the year, planning begins months in advance and never really stops. The team starts refining methodology early in the year, then dives deep into data and brainstorming in the summer. They analyze search behavior, visual trends, materials, colors, and aesthetics using machine learning, then layer in human insight through collaborative sessions called Insights Making Week. This balance of data and discussion is what helps Pinterest identify trends that will last rather than short lived fads.
Related: How the Pinterest Algorithm Works
Where Global Data and Human Insight Meet
Pinterest Predicts is built using global data, and that global perspective is intentional. Trends are evaluated not just for growth, but for relevance across cultures, regions, and generations. A trend like Cabbage Crush works because it can show up differently around the world, from home cooking in the US to traditional dishes in other countries. The team also looks closely at which generations are driving each trend, recognizing that adoption often starts in one group and expands over time. This layered approach ensures the report reflects how people actually live, plan, and create.
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Related: Content Planning Using Pinterest
Why and How Businesses Can Use Pinterest Predicts
For business owners, creators, and marketers, Pinterest Predicts is meant to be a creative starting point. It is not about using all 21 trends at once, but about choosing the ones that align with your audience and letting them inspire your messaging, visuals, and product ideas. I see this report as a sandbox for creativity, especially for anyone feeling stuck or unsure how to plan their marketing for the year ahead. These predictions can guide content across platforms, not just on Pinterest, and help you feel more confident that you are building for where your audience is going next, not where they have already been.
Related: How to Use Pinterest Predicts Weekly
Disclaimer: This interview was created in partnership with Pinterest. I am a part of the educator program and it was a delight to work with their team to make this podcast interview happen.
For More Pinterest Marketing Resources:
Shop: Pinterest Content Planning Guides
Watch: How to Use the Weekly Trends Report
