Quick Answer
Yes, Facebook pages can have cover videos instead of static cover photos. Cover videos allow page owners to showcase short, eye-catching videos to engage visitors and convey their brand personality. Videos must be under 20MB and 20 seconds long.
What is a Facebook Page Cover Video?
A Facebook page cover video is a short, looping video that plays automatically when someone visits your Facebook page. It appears in the cover photo area and acts as the background for your profile picture and page name.
Cover videos operate similarly to cover photos – they represent your brand visually and are one of the first things people see on your page. However, videos add motion and sound to grab more attention.
Facebook rolled out support for cover videos in 2016. Since then, they have become a popular way for businesses and public figures to make their Facebook pages more dynamic.
Requirements for Facebook Cover Videos
If you want to upload a cover video for your Facebook page, it must meet the following requirements:
- File Size: Less than 20MB
- Length: 20 seconds or less
- Dimensions: 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall
- File Types: MP4 or MOV
The 20 second length ensures your video loops seamlessly when played. The specific dimensions are tailored for the Facebook cover area.
Meeting these requirements ensures your cover video looks and performs well across different devices and screen sizes.
How to Upload a Cover Video
Uploading a cover video for your Facebook page is easy:
- Go to your Facebook page
- Click “Update Cover Photo” from the cover photo menu
- Select “Upload Video”
- Choose your video file from your computer
- Position and trim the video as desired
- Click “Save Changes”
Your cover video will now be set. It will play automatically when people visit your page.
Here are some tips for uploading optimal cover videos:
- Use high-quality videos for best results
- Pick a memorable opening and closing scene since it will loop
- Make sure your brand, logo, or text stands out against the background
- Trim longer videos to only the most engaging 20 seconds
Cover Video vs. Cover Photo
So should you use a video or photo as your Facebook cover? Here is a comparison:
| Cover Video | Cover Photo |
|---|---|
| Motion and sound engage visitors | Clean, still image presents brand |
| Conveys energy and personality | Easier to design with branding |
| Pops when auto-playing on load | Viewable at-a-glance when scrolling |
| More likely to go viral organically | Loads faster than video |
In general, cover videos have greater stopping power, while cover photos offer flexibility in presentation. Evaluate which better aligns with your page goals and audience preferences.
You can also alternate between videos and photos, or use different ones on separate pages you manage. Test different approaches to see what performs best.
cover video Ideas
Here are some great ways to use cover videos for specific purposes:
Promote a Product or Service
Show your product or service in action in an appealing lifestyle context. For example, a restaurant could showcase their signature dish being served.
Introduce the Team
Let customers meet you! Quick clips of team members waving or sharing fun facts is a personable touch.
Tease an Announcement
Build intrigue for a launch or event with a vague date. This hooks visitors to stay updated.
Share Customer Testimonials
Pull inspiring quotes from video testimonials to put your happy customers center stage.
Spotlight CSR Initiatives
Getting involved in social causes? Share clips of your team volunteering or donations being made.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Offer an inside look at your company culture and operations to build familiarity.
Best Practices
Follow these best practices when creating and implementing cover videos:
- Pick engaging opening/closing scenes since it loops
- Keep your branding/logo visible throughout
- Add text overlays to convey key messaging
- Use high-quality and well-lit footage
- Match the video style to your brand personality
- Keep it short – under 20 seconds
- Test different videos to see what resonates best
Well-executed cover videos that align with your brand and audience can be a boon for Facebook engagement and reach. Measure the results and optimize over time.
Advertising with Cover Videos
You can also promote your cover videos by running ads on Facebook. Cover video ads gain added attention in the News Feed.
When making a cover video ad, you can upload a new video or select an existing cover video from your page.
Here are tips for optimizing cover video ads:
- Use eye-catching opening/closing visuals
- Convey your value proposition clearly
- Include a strong call-to-action overlay
- Target relevant demographics and interests
- Monitor clickthrough rate and cost per result
Cover videos ads let you turn your top content into more viral impressions. Test cover video ads against image/text ads to compare performance.
Conclusion
Facebook cover videos are an immersive, engaging addition to brand pages on the platform. They allow you to showcase branded videos to visitors in a prominent position.
Cover videos must be under 20MB and 20 seconds long. Pick clips that represent your business and grab attention as they loop. You can upload cover videos right from the page editor.
Compare cover videos to traditional cover photos based on your goals, audience, and content. Using cover video ads can further amplify your reach.
Follow Facebook’s specifications and best practices when implementing cover videos for optimal viewing and engagement. Measure performance over time to refine your video strategy.
With dynamic cover videos that align with your brand story, you can create more memorable, shareable Facebook pages.