I keep trying to upload my own photos to Pinterest and keep having to download a file instead that reads: {"status": "fail", "message": "That is not a valid image."}

What am I doing wrong?

Jen, I've found that Pinterest is sensitive to going through the upload steps too fast. Specifically, click on "upload an image", select the image, then wait until its thumbnail appears on the window that lets you enter a copy and specify which board before you click "Pin It". Otherwise it seems to fail the upload, which is a bit weird, but my theory is that the image actually uploads simultaneous to you being shown the add comment window. If you leave it too fast, you disrupt the upload itself.

In terms of image formats, I am seeking clarification but I have used JPEG and PNG format without a problem, and uploaded fairly large images without a hiccup.

I am having uploading jpegs to pinterest from my PC using IE. When I select the jpeg on my hardrive to upload, I get a pop-up that says IE has blocked a file that pinterest is trying to download. When I click the pop-up it gives me the option to download. When I download it, nothing happens and I have to start over. Then, when I select the jpeg, a new window comes up asking me to open or save a file. When I open it, it says the MIME file cannot be recognized and asks if I want to search the internet to find the right program to open the file. I uploaded several pictures to pinterest yesterday and had none of these problems. I even tried to reload a jpeg I successfully uploaded yesterday, and today I cannot. I have changed nothing on my computer settings since yesterday. What is happening? What is wrong?

Marilyn, hmmm... two things come to mind: first, do you have any toolbars that you've added to IE? Disable them and see what happens. Second, I'd try a different browser. Frankly, I'd strongly recommend you switch to a diff browser. I use Google Chrome, but Firefox is an excellent option too.

I'm having the same problem as marilyn. Nothings working :( xxx

I have a problem, I just can't upload any picture from my computer on Pinterest.
I click on Add, then Upload a pin, I select a file, choose the board and write a description, then "pin it"(everything you describe).
It starts uploading for like 3 seconds then stops and nothing happens (I'm using Chrome btw).
Why ??? I'm getting crazy with that stupid uploading thing !

to M. Nelson, I am having that exact same problem...have been experiencing it all day today. Also using Chrome, however I also tried it in Safari with same results. Frustrating. I have previously had no problems uploading images before today

As far as I can tell, it's a Pinterest problem, nothing to do with our computers. I think that they're getting busier than their computer servers can handle and we're the victims of an overly popular site. As usual. :-)

Love,you're site, adding to my fav. I have had the same problem all weekend with my first attempt at up loading pins. thought it was me, using chrome with lap top and my desk top. Then tried my iPad. Glad to know it is the site.

hey... i got d same problem as M.Nelson...
i'v already uploaded the pic...but it z taking eternity to PIN it...
is it 'coz u guys check the content of d image..or is there some problem wid d browser...

using Chrome,
Jpeg image--size = 130 KB

BTW...i love Pinterest...<3
plz help

The firsts days I upload correctly some images from my computer but from last saturday I have a problem, I just can't upload any picture from my computer on Pinterest
I click on Add, then Upload a pin, I select a file, choose the board and write a description, then "pin it"(everything you describe).
It starts uploading for like 3 seconds then stops and nothing happens (I'm using Safari).

Why?

thanks for your answer Dave ! I'm relieved to see it's a website problem. Guess all I have to do then is wait and see !

I am having the EXACT same problem and it is driving me crazy!

I am trying to pin pictures from my photos on my iphone to Pinterest. I can click on the add, upload pin but am not able to select the file. Do you know how I can upload my pics? Thanks!

I get as far as upload a pin. Chose file is greyed out and not selectable. I'd reeeely like to upload my own stuff to some boards. This is maddening

Sandy, you're logged in at the time? Not sure what else to suggest... ?

same thing, really frustrating. I've tried three browsers so far. I imagine its my settings somehow but idk. anyone figures this out I'd appreciate it.

I'v uploaded pictures succesfully on pinterest that have the number 480 next to the pin button but the pictures with 500 next to the button wont upload why is this

I'v uploaded pictures succesfully on pinterest that have the number 480 next to the pin button but the pictures with 500 next to the button wont upload why is this

I am just trying to upload a picture for my profile. The number associated with the picture flashes in the box and then dissappears and nothing happens. What is blocking it? It would take a picture from Facebook but not from my computer.

Was having the MIME screwup on IE.
Google Chrome sorted it out. yippee

Ever since I joined Pinterest, I have also had issues uploading a pin from "My Pictures". As Marilyn stated back in Feb "I am having uploading jpegs to pinterest from my PC using IE. When I select the jpeg on my hardrive to upload, I get a pop-up that says IE has blocked a file that pinterest is trying to download. When I click the pop-up it gives me the option to download. When I download it, nothing happens and I have to start over."
I have exactly the same response & then it then just bounces back to my main board page. I've asked Pinterest several times for help over the past 2 months as this function has never worked & no reply - very disappointing & very frustrating as I have my own photos I want to upload rather than from a website. I guess I'm not the only one with this problem. I would love for someone to be able to offer a solution- strange that it uploads ok from a website but not from my PC.

I've had the same problems with adding my own photos on PinInterest as Therese above. I see today my daugher got one through on her computer. I will ask her what she did differently and repost when I find something out.

I switched to Google Chrome from Internet Explorer and am now able to upload my own photos to PinInterest.

I want to upload a ohoto on my board in Pinterest
i see i only have Add a Pin or create a board.
Were i can change this? so i can upload a pin?
Hope you have the right answer for me

Can you please explain: I am uploading to Pinterest and SharePublish but not getting in the category section. I name my own board, say "OUTDOORS", but when I check the category "Outdoors" from these sites, it is not there. HELP!!

I get the add pin or create board, there is no Upload. What am I doing wrong?

For those of you receiving the message, "That is not a valid image" just ignore it and continue to select the category, etc. The picture will upload once you click on Pin It.

Hi Dave,

I am trying to upload jpeg images from my files and none of them are working- it continuously says this is not a valid image- they are all low res and jpeg and did what you suggested at the top of this page and still not working... any brainwaves?

thanks

tilly

Downloaded app which resulted in no tool bar (using iPad) then went to mobile version online had the tool bar but when I clicked on add the choice to upload was missing. Any suggestions?

I just joined the site today. It looks like a lot of fun.

I was getting the 'not a valid image' message too. I tried saving the image to the desktop and uploading from there. I still got the error message but found I was able to overrride it from there whereas I couldn't before.

It seems you are describing how to add a photo to a BOARD, not a Pinterest "Category." For example, if you click on the "Pinterest" logo at the top/middle of the page (or some pages anyway), it takes you to the main Pinterest page, right? Then right below the clickable logo, it says: "Following Categories." And if you hover over "Categories," it opens a drop down menu allowing you to go to any of many categories. These are the "Categories" I'm talking about. When I add a photo to one of my "Boards," what Pinterest "Category" does it end up in? How do I send it to a particular Category? This is my question.

Pinterest doesn't really have categories, per se, but they let you categorize your pin boards. Are we talking about the same thing, Metrov?

Thanks Moi (August 5) - just ignoring the "not a valid image" message works! I've uploaded my own photos easily now.

I do not get the upload pin option. What's up with that??

Mia, are you sure you're logged in to your Pinterest account at the time? If so, very odd. Try again with a different Web browser?

When I try to upload a pic to pinterest from my iPad the upload screen shows for split second and then the screen goes black and hangs up. Anyone else having this problem?

Can you provide info on sending multiple images for a single pin. I know it can be done somehow as I have seen it in Pinterest.

Thankyou

That was awesome info! thanks!!!!

I'm having issues with my picture showing up. I've used a link from another site, it looks like it uploads fine because it finishes download and shows up completely. However, when I then click on my board, all I get is the text I wrote under the picture, without the picture actually being displayed. I've uploaded a few things after that picture and they all showed up. I refreshed the page and even tried using different links for the picture and it still doesn't show up. When I click on the text I wrote, it looks like the picture uploaded, but it's all scrunched up and you can't even tell what it is. Any idea what the problem is?

Hi recently when i have tried to upload photos from my computer some of the pictures upload fine and others are on the board but the square where the picture should be is blank with a question mark in the middle what does this mean ?
thanks

On my iPad I can't find the add button in order to add my own photos to my Pinterest board.

Since the iPad doesn't have a "file system" in the same way a Mac or PC does, that's not an option. There is, however, a Pinterest iPad app you might check out...

I'm having the same problem as Rosemary and Katelyn. I upload the picture and pin it, but on the board I get the frame and the description, but the picture itself is blank. I have posted other photos from the same file,tht worked. I've trued dufferent formats (psd, png, jpg) and sizes, but some photos just won't take.

Some others when I upload, they just don't upload. The little wheel just keeps spinning.

Ideas? or do you think it's just Pinterest overload?

Hello, Hope this finds you well.
I'm having pinning a photo. I can download the photos but when I pinn the only things that shows up is the info and description.
Thanks in advance.
Rina Marie

I'm having the same problem as Rosemary and Katelyn and John. Can you help please?
Cheers, Andrew.

I have an iPad.. I would like to upload my own photo but my only to choices are Add a Pin or Create A Board.
There is no option o upload a photo/image. Please help! Thank you, Cindy

Dave, I want to upload a photo and add a recipe. How can I do that? Thanks for your help.

I am having the same problem as Rosemary, John and Katelyn...please help..its frustrating. I have tried all different servers

I would like to know why some/most of my picture do not show on my boards. The box is there with description & space where picture should be. What is weird is that they are all from my computer and are identical in properties & some of the pictures showed up. I have even tried to re-upload several. I email Pinterest and they did even try to help.

Please Help!!! If someone could look at my Board/Page, look under “Beautiful Landscapes” or “Garden” or “Water fun”. A suggestions??

http://pinterest.com/carolynp970/

A) Thanks for the helpful post. B) You should have tried the bacon bark - salty+chocolate+crunchy=delicious!

Dave, have you heard of anyone having this problem with Pinterest? When I type in pinterest.com on Iternet Explorer 10 I see Pinterest Logo at the top, how many people are following me, and that I am following, but that's it I can't see my boards, or anyone elses, I can click on Humor but nothing pops up just the category Humor and below it is blank. My computer had been acting up and had to get a new one and the problem still exists. I have even turned of my firewall but that didn't help either. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Maria

Having used Pinterest for over a year, today I'm suddenly having the same problem as Carolyn P (21st Jan 2013). Photos uploaded from my computer are not displaying once they have been pinned to a board. http://pinterest.com/scrapstore/our-scrapstore/ I have never experienced this before. Can you help?

i started to pinterest recently, must have missed some step. when my friends log in to my pinterest they can see 'edit' insted of 'follows' below my board. they can see my profile and can change it too. this worried me. please help. thank you in advance. from malaysia

Hi Dave,
I am at my wits end! When I upload a photo from my iphoto(imac), the source bar on the pin says "uploaded by user" instead of my name. Can you please tell me what to do? As you know, Pinterest support is
non-existent so no help there.

When I upload pictures to Pinterst they are sideways. WHen I right click there is no option to rotate them. How do I rotate them?

I am new to pinterest...sometimes when I upload a photo on pinterest shows up and sometimes I just get a little picture icon and the actual picture will only show up if you click on the icon...I can't figure out what I do differently...help?

Hi,
How are you? I am trying to add a photo from my I pad to my Pinterest. I have followed your instructions. However when I click on the add button, I do not get the section that says upload pin. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks and have a great day!

Hello,
I am having the same problem as Lnrosy. I have tried rebooting my iPad, signing out and signing back in but still no Upload pin button. I cannot find any solution to this problem on the Pinterest help site. Strange how I don't have this problem when using my PC.
Thanks in advance for your help

Does anyone know how to rotate a picture on pinterest

Why are some of my pins sideways? How do I rotate???

I'm wondering if all images that are uploaded need to be in jpeg format or if they can be in png? I ask because every time I upload a png the image shows fine as I upload it but then it shows as a blank on my board. Thanks for your reply in advance :)

Cindy, you need to rotate your photos before you upload them: Pinterest has no photo editing tools, no cropping, no rotation.

Tammy, I definitely upload PNG images to Pinterest with good results. Are you sure your images are "web ready" from your graphics program?

Thanks Dave, for bringing this to my attention. I was using Microsoft Office Picture Manager, switched to save as jpg and now it works. Thanks!

RE: Tammy, I definitely upload PNG images to Pinterest with good results. Are you sure your images are "web ready" from your graphics program?

Dave,

I have posted two pictures on to pinterest one was as picture of my dog and the other an anklet. When I go to search to find the picture i posted i don't see it. I see that it is posted and it is on my activity but why can't i see in when i search?

Help! When I click on add a pin it only gives me the option to search the web for pictures! Did they recently update it that way? :(

Yeah, I need to update this article, John. Now on the top right menu it has the option "Add Pin". That's how you do it in the newer interface. :-)

Can't pin from ipad to Pinterest anymore. I use the camera option...search library but the pin button is disabled

For everyone who is struggling o upload from iPhone/iPad... I figured out how to do it. You have to do it through the app, though. If you look at the drop down menu on the left there is a "camera" option. Choose this, and you'll get a library icon in the bottom left corner of the camera screen. Then you can locate your photo library and upload a photo directly from your device. Hope this helps!

I'm having sporadic issues with pinning images to Pinterest. If I'm using Google Chrome and pin an image URL, many times the image does not appear. However, if I use Firefox, the image appears. Why is that?

Thank you so much for this well-explained tutorial. Once you do it, it becomes one of the easiest things!

You solved my dilemma --- thank you so much for being there for us computer novices.

i hit the pin to upload and when I click the image box I get a message that i need to enter a valid website URL?

I am a 75 year old grandmother that has very little computer knowledge. The information you gave on how to upload photos to pinterest worked. It worked the first time I tried it. So I did it again and the picture uploaded. Thank you for your information. I plan to upload from my iphone using your information. Thank you

Pinterest does NOT allow me to chose photos from my computer... it wants a web site. I have tried iPad & I have tried my computer with WIN7. I have been attempting this for MONTHS. Pinterest came back with an obscure message that had nothing to do with the question. how can this me so difficult? There is no option to chose a file from my computer - only a web site. Is anyone else finding this so difficult?

Ann, what computer are you using? What operating system? What browser? Are you going to pinterest.com and clicking on the menu on the top right?