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With the growing popularity of Instagram Reels, content creators and brands are constantly seeking new ways to capture their audience's attention.
Yet, one of the most often overlooked elements is the Instagram Reel cover. As the first thing viewers see, your Reel cover needs to be both eye-catching and relevant to your content.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create stunning Instagram Reel covers using the popular photo-editing app, YouCam Perfect.
What Are Instagram Reel Covers?
Instagram Reel covers are the static images that represent your video on your profile and in the explore feed. Think of them as the “face” of your Reel, which can either invite people to click on it or scroll past.
A good cover not only makes your feed look cohesive but can also increase your chances of being noticed by new viewers.
A well-designed cover stands out in crowded feeds and search results, encouraging people to view your content.
Instagram Reel Cover Size
When creating Instagram Reel covers, getting the size right is crucial for a polished and professional look.
The recommended reel cover size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, which is the same as the dimensions for the Reel itself. However, the center 1080 x 1350 pixels will be cropped for the Instagram feed preview, so it's important to keep key elements like text and images within that safe area to ensure they display correctly on all screens.
Properly sized covers not only help your content stand out but also enhance your overall brand aesthetic on Instagram.
How to Create Instagram Reel Cover Using YouCam Perfect
Like we already mentioned, creating an eye-catching Instagram Reel cover is a key step to grabbing attention and making your content stand out.
With YouCam Perfect, the process is quick and easy, allowing you to design stunning covers that reflect your style and theme.
Step 1: Download YouCam Perfect
Step 2: Choose the Right Image
Start by selecting an image that resonates with the theme of your Reel. It could be a snapshot from the video itself or a related, high-quality image.
Step 3: Edit Your Image in YouCam Perfect
Open YouCam Perfect and upload your chosen image. Begin with basic edits like cropping to get the sizing right and adjusting brightness to make the photo pop.
Also, with YouCam Perfect's diverse styles of reel cover templates, you can easily design Instagram reel covers that stand out. Choose from a variety of stylish themes, from minimalist to vibrant, and customize them to match your personal brand or content style.
These templates ensure your Reels attract more attention while keeping your feed looking polished and cohesive.
Step 4: Add Effects and Text
YouCam Perfect offers a variety of effects and font options to personalize your cover. Choose colors and fonts that reflect your brand or match the theme of your Reel.
Step 5: Save Your Final Cover Design
Once satisfied with your design, save your aesthetic reel cover to your gallery in high resolution, ready to upload to Instagram.
Optimizing Your Instagram Reel Cover for Personal Branding
Consistency is crucial when building a brand on Instagram.
Make sure your Instagram reel thumbnails have a similar look and feel, using matching colors, fonts, and imagery that align with your brand identity.
1. Avoid Clutter: Simplicity is key. Too many elements can make the cover look messy.
2. Use High-Quality Images: Grainy or low-resolution images won’t capture attention.
3. Think Mobile-First: Ensure that your cover looks good on mobile devices, where most people will be viewing it.
Create Instagram Reel Covers with YouCam Perfect
Creating an Instagram Reel cover with YouCam Perfect is a simple yet effective way to enhance your Reels' visual appeal.
With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can design covers that not only look great but also help boost your engagement. Try different styles and techniques until you find what works best for your brand.
Instagram Reel Cover FAQs
How to do an Instagram Reel cover?
Creating an Instagram Reel cover is super easy! When you're about to post your Reel, Instagram lets you select a thumbnail. You can either choose a frame from your video or upload a custom image.
Pro tip: go with a high-quality shot that teases the best part of your Reel or represents your brand! You'll find the option to add or change the cover under the "Cover" section before hitting post. Get creative and make it eye-catching!
What is the size of Insta reel cover?
To nail your Insta Reel cover dimensions, you'll want to go with 1080 x 1920 pixels. That’s the ideal size for keeping your cover sharp and professional-looking.
But keep in mind that Instagram crops your Reel cover to 1:1 in your profile grid, so try to center the most important parts within a square frame to avoid any awkward trims. Double the impact by designing your cover with both the full portrait and square crop in mind.
How to change Instagram reel cover after posting?
Good news, Instagram allows you to change the cover of your Reel even after it’s posted. Simply go to your Reel, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, and choose "Edit." From there, you'll be able to select a new cover either from your video or upload a custom image.
Do Instagram reel covers matter?
Absolutely! Think of your Instagram Reel cover as the movie poster that draws people in. A well-designed, catchy cover grabs attention as users scroll through their feed or visit your profile.
It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, so make sure your cover reflects the vibe of your content. Even if your Reel is a viral masterpiece, a boring or blurry cover might cause people to skip over it.
What cover to use for Reels?
The best covers for Reels are clear, vibrant, and enticing. You can use a visually striking moment from your video, a custom graphic, or a combination of both. Text overlays work wonders too—adding a short, bold description can help viewers instantly know what your content is about.
Whether it’s playful, edgy, or informative, make sure your cover stays true to your content's tone while standing out in the sea of Reels.
