Pinterest Affiliate Marketing: How to Avoid the "Spam" Block
For Affiliate Marketers targeting the US market, Pinterest is not just a social network; it is a visual search engine with high buyer intent. Users go to Pinterest specifically to find ideas and things to buy (Home Decor, DIY, Fitness, Fashion).
However, Pinterest has one of the strictest anti-spam systems in the world.
If you try to pin a direct ClickBank hoplink, a WarriorPlus link, or even a generic Bitly link, you will often see the dreaded error message:
"Sorry, we blocked this link because it may lead to spam."
Or worse, your account gets "Shadowbanned" (your pins get 0 views) without warning.
To succeed on Pinterest in 2025, you need a smart linking strategy. Here is how to use VidBelow to safely share your affiliate offers.
Why Pinterest Blocks Your Links
Pinterest wants to keep its user experience safe. They block links for two main reasons:
-
The "Bad Neighborhood" Effect: If you use a public shortener (like
tinyurlorbit.ly) that spammers also use, Pinterest blocks the entire domain. -
Raw Affiliate Redirects: Pinterest dislikes "naked" redirects that bounce the user through multiple ad networks before landing on a page.
Why VidBelow is the Solution for Pinterest
VidBelow works differently, making it safer for Pinterest marketing:
-
Clean Reputation: We actively monitor our network. Because we ban spammers instantly, our domain reputation remains high with Pinterest's safety bots.
-
The "Visual" Trust: Pinterest is a visual platform. A domain like
vidbelow.comsuggests to the algorithm (and the user) that the destination is likely a video, a tutorial, or a media clip—content that Pinterest loves. -
Direct Resolution: We resolve links quickly, minimizing the "redirect chain" that often triggers spam alarms.
Strategy 1: The "Video Pin" Method (Highest Reach)
Pinterest is pushing Video Pins heavily to compete with TikTok. This is where VidBelow shines.
-
Create a Video Pin: Use Canva to make a short 10-second video demonstrating a product (e.g., "3 Yoga Poses for Back Pain").
-
Shorten Your Affiliate Link: Take your yoga mat affiliate link and shorten it on VidBelow.com.
-
Alias Tip: Customize it to
vidbelow.com/best-yoga-mat.
-
-
Post the Pin: Upload the video. In the "Destination Link" field, paste your VidBelow URL.
-
Why it works: The domain
vidbelowmatches the content format (Video Pin). It feels natural and compliant.
-
Strategy 2: The "Infographic" Method
If you are promoting ClickBank health offers (e.g., Keto Diet):
-
Create a tall Infographic: "7 Foods to Avoid on Keto."
-
The Call to Action: At the bottom of the image, write: "Watch the full recipe video at the link below."
-
The Link: Use a VidBelow link that redirects to the VSL (Video Sales Letter) of the affiliate offer.
-
Result: Users click because they expect a video, and the affiliate offer provides exactly that (a sales video).
-
Step-by-Step: How to "Unblock" a Link
If Pinterest has already blocked your raw affiliate link, follow these steps:
Step 1: Don't Panic. Do not keep trying to post the same link over and over. That will get your account banned.
Step 2: Use VidBelow. Copy the original long affiliate URL. Go to VidBelow.com and create a fresh short link.
Step 3: Add Context. When pinning, write a description that includes keywords.
Bad Description: "Buy this now!" Good Description: "I found this amazing video tutorial on how to organize your kitchen. Check out the storage hacks here."
Step 4: Test. Post the pin. If it goes through, you are safe. If it still gets flagged, it means the destination domain (the merchant site itself) is banned. In that case, you must use a "Bridge Page."
Pro Tip: The Bridge Page (Safest Method)
For aggressive niches (Weight Loss, Make Money Online), even a shortener might not be enough. The ultimate safety net is a Bridge Page.
-
Create a simple Google Doc or a Carrd.co page.
-
Put a video or an article on it.
-
Put your affiliate link inside that page.
-
Shorten the link to your Bridge Page using VidBelow.
-
Pin the VidBelow link on Pinterest.
This "double buffer" (VidBelow -> Bridge Page -> Affiliate Offer) is 99.9% safe on Pinterest.
Conclusion
Pinterest traffic is too valuable to lose due to a "Link Blocked" error.
Stop using generic shorteners that get flagged. Switch to VidBelow to present your links as trusted, video-centric content that Pinterest's algorithm loves.