Pinterest Launches Secret Boards

Every brand needs to come up with something new to keep being under their customers’ spotlights. It’s the same thing with social media networks which have to improve their platforms by delivering interesting features to their users. Pinterest just launched such a new feature. It’s called Secret Boards and allows users to create boards and keep them to themselves.

“Secret boards give you a place for things you’re not quite ready to share yet, like a surprise party, special gift ideas, or even planning for a new baby. We’re testing out the feature by giving everyone 3 secret boards. You’ll find them at the bottom of your profile. We can’t wait to hear what you think!” the official announcement received via email said.

Speaking of this official announcement, I must admit that I liked it. It had a nice friendly touch, similar to the atmosphere the site wants to promote. It all started with a story:

“Hi Violeta-Loredana

I had two thoughts driving home from the hospital with my wife, Divya. The first was, “I can’t believe I’m a Dad.” The second was, “I hope I can get our new baby, Max, out of that new car seat when we get home.”

During the first couple weeks, we started to figure out all the little things that are second nature for experienced parents: changing diapers, swaddling a wriggly infant, and doing every household task with one arm. As usual, Divya was a few steps ahead of me. When our doctor suggested we buy a humidifier she said, “Oh, I already have one!” When I was getting Max ready for his first bath, she pulled out a neat homemade bath kit, complete with a tiny towel, comb and toothbrush. I felt like I’d forgotten to read a secret New Baby Instruction Manual. In an exasperated moment, I remember asking Divya, “How did you figure all this stuff out already?!” She looked at me and and cheerfully replied, “I just follow other parents on Pinterest!”

Told you it was cute. For cute is the perfect word to describe this network, right? I mean, how many photos with a simple “aww” did you see on your Pinterest feed? I have many of those on my feed – from organizing to animal items, from home to flowers, from incredible landscapes to jewelry.

True, it is rather funny how they are launching secret boards on a social network with women as a majority of users – and theoretically women can’t keep secrets, though I know some that contradict the saying, and I’m part of this category of people that keep it all to themselves.

Other than that it is an interesting feature, one that also responds to the need of privacy and intimacy, a personal space that it is not so common nowadays on these social networks.