Pinterest Unveils Key In-App Trends at Cannes Manifestival

Pinterest is hosting its fourth annual Manifestival showcase at Cannes this week, where it will present some of the key creative and engagement trends currently gaining momentum on the platform. The presentation is designed to help marketers better understand the app's relevance to their outreach efforts.

Pinterest's Manifestival offers an interactive display of key trends, aesthetics, and ideas, with a focus on how the app continues to drive real-world experiences based on cultural trends. This has become a key differentiator for Pinterest as it seeks to separate itself from other social media apps through its “Less URL, More IRL” branding approach.

As explained by Pinterest: “Through personalized, unplugged experiences, the Pinterest Manifestival brings guests inside a real-life Pinterest board that turns inspiration into something they can see, taste, wear and make their own.”

The activation will also include a tattoo parlor, “offering trend-inspired tattoos that have become one of the most talked-about permanent souvenirs on the Croisette.” Additionally, the event will feature a Pinterest patisserie inspired by trending recipes, and a visual search studio, created in partnership with Adobe, which invites guests to “visually discover their personal aesthetic by using handheld scanners,” per the company. On-site designers will then use Adobe Express to transform their selections into a custom-printed journal.

Pinterest has also partnered with Sephora on a new beauty activation. As per Pinterest: “Attendees explore bold, personal approaches to color and styling, from hair to clothing, turning this year’s Pinterest Palette colors into wearable self-expression. Think: frosted tips, bold brows, expressive hair stenciling and bleach-painted clothing, taking trends off the screen and into the real world.”

So there is a considerable amount of activity at the Pinterest booth as the platform looks to expand its cultural influence and position itself at the center of the key trends driving inspiration and engagement. Of course, that only relates to those attending the Cannes Lions event. However, with so many influential creatives and decision-makers present, this could be a valuable opportunity for Pinterest to boost awareness and win over more ad business.

Pinterest has seen solid growth over the past year. The platform now has 631 million users, most of whom come to the app with a shopping mindset. The more Pinterest can link its branding with the latest trends, the more likely it will be able to build on this momentum. As such, its focus on Cannes could be a significant element in its broader growth efforts.