Pinterest VS Pinterest lite? Which one is better? Which one should you use? Let’s put an end to this debate today.
Pinterest has been around for many years and has half a billion active users but most of them are from the US. To expand their reach they announced the Pinterest Lite a few years back.
Pinterest lite is just like Pinterest but consumes less data and storage. The purpose of Pinterest Lite is to reach people who have slow internet connections or low-end devices.
They will still be able to enjoy most of the features that the original Pinterest app has. But the question that arises here is which of these is better?
What are the features of Pinterest lite and what is the difference between Pinterest and Pinterest lite?
So, let’s explore and see the difference.
What is Pinterest Lite?
You probably already know about Pinterest so I am not going to talk about that here.
Pinterest lite was introduced around 2020 and the main aim was to get to those people for whom data usage and storage were the primary concerns.
To deal with these they made Pinterest Lite which offers fast speed at low data usage and storage.
This allows Pinterest to spread to more underdeveloped populations and increase its user base.
The primary features of the Pinterest lite app are:
- Basic Pinning: You can pin images with Pinterest Lite just like you would with the main Pinterest app.
- Faster loading times: The app is optimized for low-end devices and thus the loading speed of the Pinterest pages is fast.
- Low data Usage: Pinterest lite consumers less data and can even work with weak internet connection.
- Simple Interface: The app has a simple and self-explanatory interface which is the reason for its low data and storage usage.
Target Audience
The Pinterest lite app is designed for users who have:
- limited data plans or slower internet connections.
- Use older or lower-end devices with less storage capacity.
- Prefer a faster, more streamlined app experience with essential features.
Key Differences Between Pinterest and Pinterest Lite
We discussed some of the major key differences already which are low data and storage usage but these are not the only differences between the two apps.
To make it more easy to understand I will provide you a side by side comparison to better understand.
| Feature | Pinterest Lite | |
| App Type | Social Media, Image Sharing | Light Version of Pinterest |
| App Size | ~100 MB | ~1 MB |
| Data Usage | Higher | Lower |
| Platform | Android, iOS, Web | Android Only |
| Performance | More Resource Intensive | Less Resource Intensive |
| Availability | Worldwide | Limited to Certain Countries (e.g., Brazil, India, Mexico) |
| Updates | Frequent | Less Frequent |
| Pinning Options | Images, videos, GIFs | Images, videos |
| Creating and Managing Boards | Advanced options, including secret and group boards | Basic board creation and management |
| Search and Discovery | Advanced search, personalized recommendations, visual search | Basic search, limited recommendations |
| Social Features | Following users, commenting on pins, direct messaging | Limited social interaction, no direct messaging |
| Integration | Integration with apps like Instagram, YouTube, and websites | Minimal integration |
| Analytics | Detailed analytics and insights for business accounts | Basic or no analytics |
| Media Experience | High-quality images and videos | Basic image and video support |
| User Interface | Feature-rich, complex interface | Simplified, streamlined interface |
| Storage Requirements | Requires more storage space | Optimized for low storage usage |
| Load Times | Slower on older devices | Faster load times on low-end devices |
| User Feedback | Extensive features appreciated, but resource-intensive | Faster performance appreciated, limited features |
Features Not Available On Pinterest Lite
I like to call Pinterest Lite a trial version of Pinterest and you usually don’t get all the features in a trial app, do you?
Here are some features that are not available on Pinterest lite:
- Gif’s.
- Advanced Analytics.
- Visual search based on lens feature.
- Integration with social media and website.
- Group boards.
- Secret boards.
Who Should Use Pinterest Lite?
If you are using Pinterest for marketing or earning money then Pinterest lite is not a choice for you.
Pinterest lite is ideal for those people who just want to explore different ideas and kill their free time.
If you are in a country where data plans are not affordable or you have a low-end Android device then you can go for Pinterest lite.
Pinterest lite is ideal for those people who want a simple user interface with basic features like pinning and discovering new pins.
Pros and Cons Of Pinterest Vs Pinterest Lite
| Pros | Cons |
| Full set of features | High data usage |
| Rich media experience with high-quality images and videos | Larger app size |
| Advanced search and discovery tools | More resource-intensive |
| Detailed analytics and insights for business accounts | May be slower on older devices |
| Integration with other apps and websites | Requires more storage space |
| Extensive social interaction options | Can be overwhelming due to its feature richness |
| Frequent updates |
Pinterest Lite
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster loading times | Limited features |
| Lower data usage | Basic search and discovery tools |
| Smaller app size | Minimal social interaction |
| Optimized for low-end devices | No advanced analytics |
| Simplified user interface | Limited integration with other apps |
| Available in regions with slower internet | Less frequent updates |
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Pinterest and Pinterest Lite?
Pinterest offers a full set of features including advanced search, rich media experiences, and extensive social interactions, whereas Pinterest Lite is a smaller, faster app with basic pinning and search functionalities designed for lower data usage and slower internet connections.
Is Pinterest Lite available for iOS devices?
No, Pinterest Lite is only available for Android devices.
Can I switch between Pinterest and Pinterest Lite on the same device?
Yes, you can install both apps on the same Android device and switch between them based on your needs.
Conclusion
So there you have a complete breakdown of Pinterest Vs Pinterest lite.
If you are planning on using Pinterest to grow your business or promote your website then I would recommend you go for the original Pinterest app.
On the other hand if you are someone who is looking to explore new products or services or you just want to find ideas for your next project then Pinterest lite would be the best choice for you.
Assess your needs and then choose between Pinterest or Pinterest Lite.