Few things interrupt the joy of scrolling through aesthetically pleasing boards and discovering DIY hacks like the constant appearance of ads on Pinterest. While these ads can sometimes be relevant, many users find them intrusive or simply want to enjoy ad-free browsing. If you're one of those users wondering how to get rid of Pinterest ads, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are a few effective strategies—both within and outside the Pinterest platform—that you can employ to reclaim your feed from promotional content.
Why Pinterest Shows Ads in the First Place
Before diving into how to remove or limit ads, it’s important to understand why they appear. Pinterest, like many other free platforms, monetizes by showing Promoted Pins—ads that businesses pay to display to targeted audiences. These are tailored using algorithms based on:
- Your search and browsing history
- Your pinned content
- Your demographic data
Because Pinterest ads are designed to blend into your feed and match your interests, they can be subtle—but they’re ads nonetheless. Knowing this makes it easier to figure out ways to opt out or reduce your exposure.
1. Adjust Your Pinterest Settings
Pinterest gives users a certain level of control over which types of ads they see. Though you can’t completely turn off ads using just Pinterest settings, here’s how you can minimize and personalize them:
- Go to Settings in your Pinterest account.
- Click on Privacy & Data.
- Find the section titled Personalization and toggle off options like:
- Use sites you visit to improve which recommendations and ads you see
- Use partner info to improve recommendations and ads
This won’t remove the ads, but it will stop Pinterest from using external data to tailor them to you, potentially making them feel less invasive.
2. Use an Ad Blocker
The most effective way to eliminate Pinterest ads is by using a reputable ad blocker. These browser extensions work by recognizing and blocking scripts related to advertising networks. Popular options include:
- uBlock Origin
- Adblock Plus
- Ghostery
Once installed, you may notice your Pinterest feed becomes significantly cleaner, with most if not all promoted content removed. However, note that Pinterest might occasionally update its code to bypass ad blockers, so you may need to keep your extension up to date.
3. Use Pinterest on Mobile Web Instead of the App
If you use the Pinterest app on iOS or Android, ads are nearly impossible to eliminate. However, a clever workaround is accessing Pinterest through a mobile web browser instead of the app itself. When combined with a browser-level ad blocker, you can get a significantly cleaner experience.
Here's what you can do:
- Uninstall or avoid using the Pinterest mobile app.
- Install an ad-block-enabled browser like Brave or use Firefox Mobile with add-ons.
- Log into Pinterest from the browser and enjoy a less-cluttered feed.
This way, you're not only bypassing the in-app ads but also blocking others that would load via the browser.
4. Hide Individual Ads
Sometimes, taking small steps can collectively improve your experience. Pinterest allows you to directly hide ads you find irrelevant or annoying by clicking on the three dots (…) on the Promoted Pin and selecting “Hide Pin”.
This helps Pinterest understand your preferences better and may reduce the number of similar ads shown. Although it won’t remove all ads entirely, customizing your feed with this method gradually leads to a less ad-heavy experience.
5. Opt-Out Using Your Ad Settings on Third-Party Websites
Pinterest partners with some major advertising networks that follow you around the web. You can manage these preferences through industry-standard tools like:
Following these links lets you view and disable targeted ads from many third-party services, including Pinterest. It’s not an all-in-one solution but adds another layer of control over what you see.
6. Use Developer Tools to Block Ad Scripts
This method is a bit more technical but effective for those who are comfortable with browser developer tools. You can manually block ad-loading scripts using browser tools or settings.
In Chrome or Firefox, for example:
- Open Developer Tools (Right-click > Inspect).
- Go to the Network tab.
- Locate the script responsible for loading ads.
- Use browser filtering tools or custom plugin rules to block those scripts.
This method is most suited for advanced users and developers, but it provides a highly customized ad-free experience if done correctly.
7. Consider a Pinterest Alternative
If you're truly bothered by the frequency of ads and none of the above methods satisfy your need for serenity, you might want to explore alternatives to Pinterest. Platforms like:
- Dribbble – Ideal for design inspiration
- Raindrop.io – For organizing and saving your favorite content
- Wakelet – Offers visual bookmarks with fewer distractions
Though they might not replicate Pinterest’s exact aesthetic or community, they offer cleaner, ad-free environments.
The Trade-Offs of Blocking Ads
It’s worth noting that advertisements help keep platforms like Pinterest free to use. Blocking ads reduces the revenue they earn, which could impact feature development and platform sustainability. Still, user experience is key, and many people believe a clutter-free feed improves their creative exploration and mental wellbeing.
Blocking or reducing ads isn't just about annoyance; it’s also about reclaiming control of your digital space. The choice is yours—Pinterest offers decent functionality out of the box, but users wanting a more peaceful experience have valid options to explore.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of Pinterest ads may take a combination of approaches, from adjusting internal settings to using specialized tools. While there’s no magic “turn off ads” button, a small effort goes a long way toward improving your browsing environment. Whether you're a casual user or a hardcore pinner, reclaiming your feed and banishing the noise of ads can make your time on Pinterest more meaningful.
Happy pinning—and enjoy your clutter-free inspiration board!
