Flash analysis: future opportunities for Pinterest

1. Summary

In late March GigaOM Pro conducted a survey of the GigaOM audience to get its opinion on Pinterest and its competitive prospects before the company gains widespread consumer adoption. Pinterest has become white-hot in early 2012, as growth in its user base has surpassed 10 million users faster than any website to date, an impressive feat in an era of Facebook, Google and Groupon.

This report examines the results of the survey. It includes an analysis of Pinterest’s demographic breakdown and future expectations, how the company should monetize its growth, and the larger competitive implications of Pinterest for other social Web giants.

Our survey respondents thought:

• Pinterest will gain adoption among men but will remain more popular with women.
• Pinterest should experiment with potential revenue streams but not at the expense of user experience. Marketing services and affiliate fees were the most promising opportunities.
• Pinterest will have the biggest competitive impact on Tumblr; Facebook will be another target.