At Pinterest’s Summer Party Tuesday, the big news of the night was CEO Ben Silbermann’s reveal of the site’s brand new mobile apps for Android and iPad, and an updated app for the iPhone.
But the life of the party was Pinterest itself. Through DIY activities, mason jar drinks, and twee party decorations, it was as if the platform had come to life.
Several hundred pinners assembled in the social network’s new San Francisco headquarters. (The company just relocated from its Palo Alto offices this summer.)
Pinterest gave attendees far more to do than sit quietly while Silbermann announced the apps. Attendees were invited to apply temporary tattoos, take photobooth shots, build terrariums in mason jars, and craft their own “Wish you were here” postcards. The object of the party was as much to announce big news as to show pinners a good time.
It’s the most social the company has ever been. As Pinterest shot to prominence this year, its audience grew faster than its staff, and for many months, Silbermann declined to hold press conferences. As late as March, Pinterest was so tight-lipped that it would only respond to user queries—for example, innocent copyright concerns—after they’d erupted into viral panic.
Now, Pinterest is embracing transparency. With 60 staff members (instead of a handful in March) and a $1 billion valuation, the company is growing to fit the needs of its enormous audience, estimated to be in the billions. This party marked a new epoch, where pinners are not only answered, they are welcomed.
Missed the party? Check out the Storify below to see how it went:
Photo by @emilychangtv/Twitter
