Do you want to post reels on Instagram but are not sure how to make Instagram reel covers? Whether it’s branding reels or reels for your personal profile, we are here to guide you through creating them. But before we understand how the reel cover images are created, let’s understand why they are important.
Understanding Short-Form Video Cover and Its Importance?
A short-form video cover, also called a reel thumbnail or a front cover, is not merely an image for your reel. It’s the reflection of your brand, aesthetics, and most importantly, what you want to convey through your reel. A custom-made, well-designed cover with clear text, fonts, and quality images makes your main grid appear professional and organized. Such a professionally created feed with consistent and engaging covers draws users to click, enhancing engagement and reach. However, creating a reel cover is not about how your profile appears but also about strengthening a brand identity. High-quality and attractive covers increase views, reach, and even assist with quick search. It allows viewers to easily find the content on the feed that is of their interest. So, creating reel covers is important and must not be overlooked.
Important Resources for Free Reel Cover Templates
If you are someone posting the reel for the first time or have no prior experience with creating the cover page, we have a tip for you. You can now instantly make reel covers using free templates on
- Canva
- Freepik
- The Figma Community
Thousands and thousands of users use these resources to get free and quality templates for their brand. However, while there are free reel cover templates available, they can limit control and flexibility over the designs. If you want to make complex edits or want the cover images to be fully customised, then you can subscribe to their paid plans. However, if you don’t want to use any of these resources and are more interested in creating the entire cover page from scratch, then you can even consider using software like Photoshop. This software has advanced tools and some of the best design features, using which you can create highly attractive and engaging reel covers.
Do you know you can even make reel covers on Instagram itself?
You already know that there are various resources, including Canva and Photoshop, which you can use to create custom reel covers. But do you know you can even create cover images on Instagram? Although you don’t get such advanced tools for the edits, the available features are sufficient to create simple yet quality visuals. To create covers on Instagram, you can use the story feature> add image from the camera roll> add text, graphics, and multiple other elements using contents and creative tools. Once done, you can save the image to your camera roll and upload it as a cover page at the time of posting the reel.
Process to make Instagram Reel Covers Photo
Creating attention-grabbing reel cover images is no longer about choice but a complete necessity, especially if you want to build a brand identity. By creating custom photos, let your viewers know what they can expect from the content and how your content is different from others. Also, whether you are planning to post standalone reels or a series of reels that show the continuation of parts, cover images are important throughout.
Understanding the process to make Instagram reel covers:
Selecting the design software or tool
The first step to make instagram reel covers is selecting the design software or tool. You can select any of the design software or tools that you find comfortable to use. You can select Canva, Adobe Express, or any other software of your choice. Explore the tool and check if it suits your current design requirements, and then start designing.
Start by first using the reel cover template
Instead of designing the cover image right from scratch, we suggest exploring reel cover templates first. When you are creating a cover image, you might have hundreds of ideas or inspirations, and deciding which one to use or what to create can seem overwhelming. That‘s where templates give a good start and help you collect your ideas. It provides you with a base and allows you to better implement your ideas. However, before you begin, make sure the aspect ratio is 9:16 or 1080 x 1920 pixels. This is the standard and accepted size for a reel cover image.
Keep your important design in the center
If you have ever noticed, you might know that the cover size on the reel grid is different from the cover size in the main post grid. To ensure your reel cover’s content is accurately and clearly visible in both formats, you must keep the important design in the center. Whether it’s an important text, the name of the topic, or any important design elements, try keeping them in focus. This will prevent important elements from getting cropped. Learn the tips to crop images in Photoshop.
Make your cover images reflect your brand
To make your cover images reflect your brand, you must add your brand’s logo, colors, and fonts to them. Make sure all the cover images you create have a consistent tone. Consistency matters a lot in making your brand recognizable.
Reel covers must give an instant clarity about the content
Merely adding branding or using consistent color tones and fonts is not enough. You must create a clear design that instantly gives viewers clarity about what the reel is about. You can even use a still from your video and add a title to the image.
Reach Plexail to make Instagram reel covers
So, this is how you can create the cover image for your reel. However, if you are a fashion designer, a wedding photographer, a realtor, or someone requiring high-quality image edits to create professional cover images, you can contact our team. At Plexail, we can provide you with premium image edits that you can further use for marketing and advertising.
