Can you add a cover photo to a Facebook event?

Quick Answer

Yes, it is possible to add a cover photo to a Facebook event. The cover photo appears at the top of the event page and helps set the tone or theme for the event. Adding a cover photo can make an event page look more complete and professional.

Steps to Add a Cover Photo to a Facebook Event

Here are the steps to add a cover photo to a Facebook event you created:

Go to your Facebook event page

Click “Edit Event” at the top right
Click “Add Photo” under the Event Name
Upload a photo from your computer or select a photo you’ve already uploaded to Facebook

Click “Save”

The horizontal photo you upload will now appear as the cover image at the top of your event page.

Cover Photo Dimensions

For best results, upload a horizontal photo that is at least 720 pixels wide. Cover photos on Facebook event pages have an aspect ratio of 16:9. Some ideal dimensions include:

720 x 405 pixels
1080 x 608 pixels
1600 x 900 pixels

Facebook will automatically crop and resize your photo to fit the cover space. But uploading a photo at the proper size will ensure it is not distorted or pixelated.

Tips for Choosing an Event Cover Photo

Here are some tips for selecting a compelling, relevant cover photo for your Facebook event:

Show what your event is about – Is it a music concert, charity run, conference? Choose a photo that conveys the theme or purpose of the event.

Use an eye-catching image – Bold colors, interesting shapes, and textures can help your cover photo stand out in the news feed.
Include text if needed – You can overlay your event name, date, location, or other text on the image.
Feature your venue or location – Help people visualize where the event will take place.

High resolution is best – Upload the highest quality version of your photo for maximum clarity.
Enhance with graphics or effects (optional) – Some light editing can go a long way.
Represent your brand or sponsors (if applicable) – This is valuable real estate to showcase your organization.

Adding a Cover Photo Improves the Event Experience

Taking the time to upload an engaging, high-quality cover photo for your Facebook event can greatly enhance the experience for guests. Here’s why it matters:

Makes a strong first impression – The cover photo is the first thing attendees see when visiting your event page. A compelling image can capture interest and attention right away.
Conveys important details – The cover photo can communicate crucial event information like dress code, activities, venue, theme, or purpose at a glance.

Sets the tone – Along with your event name and description, the cover image establishes expectations for the look, feel, and ambiance of your event.
Adds visual interest – Large photos break up blocks of text and make your page more eye-catching and scannable for visitors.
Looks polished and professional – An optimized cover photo demonstrates you put time and care into planning a quality event.

Brands the experience – For ongoing events or event series, a consistent cover photo template ties all your events together.

In short, cover photos increase engagement, provide context, and create anticipation for your event.

Cover Photo vs. Profile Picture

The cover photo and profile picture are two separate photographic elements on a Facebook event page.

Cover photo appears at the top of the page and spans the entire width of the page.
Profile picture is circled, appears prominently next to the event name, and identifies the host/organizer.

While your profile pic represents your personal or organizational brand, the cover photo should specifically relate to the event. Having both photos customized adds personality as well as professionalism to your event page.

Changing the Cover Photo

You can change your Facebook event’s cover photo at any time by following the steps to add a cover photo. The new photo will replace the existing cover photo immediately after saving.

Consider updating the cover image periodically leading up to your event to generate excitement or communicate new information. You may want to change it after the event concludes to share highlights or recap photos as well.

Cover Photo Visibility

The cover photo will be visible to anyone who visits your Facebook event page. If the event was created on a Personal profile, the cover photo will only be seen by your friends and followers. For events created on Facebook Pages, the cover photo will be public and viewable by anyone on or off Facebook.

Keep in mind when selecting an image for a public-facing event that it appropriately represents your brand or organization to a broad audience.

Other Facebook Event Photo Options

In addition to the cover image, you have a few other options for incorporating photos into your Facebook event:

Carousel: Upload up to 10 photos that will appear in a horizontally scrolling carousel at the top of the event page, below the cover image.

Photo albums: Create event-specific photo albums to share photos from the event before, during, and after it takes place. These appear in the left column of the event page.
Timeline photos: Post photos directly to the event timeline. These posts will show up in chronological order on the main center area of the event page.

Strategically utilizing all the photo modules available can take your event page from bland to bold!

Cover Photos for Ticketed vs. Free Events

Should you approach cover photos differently for free events vs. paid/ticketed events? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Ticketed Events

For events like conferences, concerts, or fundraisers requiring purchased tickets, you want high-converting cover photos that compel people to learn more and register to attend.

Show exciting moments from past events to generate FOMO (fear of missing out)

Feature your speakers or performers to showcase who attendees will get to see live
List ticket prices or early bird deadlines to create urgency
Promote limited available seats to encourage sign-ups

Free Events

For free events like networking mixers, open houses, or community fairs, you want cover photos that make the event look welcoming, fun, and inclusive.

Highlight activities people can do at the event
Capture the vibe of the venue or location

Show people mingling and making connections
List who is invited to participate (the public, your fans, etc.)

While paid events aim to convert visitors to buyers, free events need to convert visitors to attendees. Keep this goal in mind when selecting free event cover photos.

Ideal Image Types

What kinds of photos tend to make good Facebook event cover images? Here are some popular options:

Crowd shots: Show previous attendees having a great time connecting and engaging.
Speakers/Performers: Help draw interest by featuring famous names or faces associated with your event.

Venue: Spotlight where the event will be held whether it’s outdoors, an arena, or a hotel ballroom.
Signage/Logos: Incorporate branded elements like your event name, date, location, or sponsor logos.
Theme props: Pictures of photo booths, decorations, food, and other details related to your event theme.

Location shots: For destination events, use imagery showcasing the host city or venue town.

Aim for photos that are bright, sharp, and eye-catching. If using a photo with people, ensure you have permission from photo subjects when possible.

Sourcing Quality Cover Photos

Where can you find awesome cover photos for your Facebook event? Consider these options:

Personal photos from past events you’ve hosted
Professional photos taken by event photographers
Relevant stock photos from sites like Unsplash or Pexels

Marketing images provided by your venue or location
Custom designed graphics created using Canva or Adobe programs
Event vendor photos featuring rental equipment, catering, entertainment, etc.

Photos from promotional image banks or influencer content

Ideally, you’ll want to use authentic photos from your own events. If that’s not possible, make sure any imagery looks natural and matches your specific event vibe.

Tools to Design Cover Photos

Don’t have photography skills but want to create a polished, customized cover photo? Try one of these easy design tools:

Canva: Provides professional templates and drag-and-drop editing options to create social media graphics and images.
PicMonkey: User-friendly photo editor with templates, graphics, fonts, and effects to enhance images.
Adobe Spark: Choose layouts, colors, and fonts to design highly-customizable social posts and banners.

Befunky: Make photo collages, apply photo effects, overlay text, and more to design unique cover photos.
Recite: Generates visually compelling marketing images by inputting a few keywords.
Snapseed: Mobile app from Google with advanced editing tools to tweak, filter, and adjust event photos.

Take advantage of layouts, fonts, filters, and editing features to create event covers that are polished, on-brand, and camera-ready.

Cover Photo Ideas and Inspiration

Need some inspiration for your next event’s cover photo? Below are cool examples showcasing different approaches:

Event name and logo over blurred crowd photo

Speaker photos collage with text overlay listing session names
Event schedule or itinerary graphic
Outdoor music festival venue shot

Event banners and swag featured on branded backdrop
Scenic cityscape representing destination event location
Vibrant patterned background with event date

Annual conference throwback or highlights from previous years
Event name formed by related props and other creative materials
Food and decor from theme parties or networking events

Think beyond basic headshots or stock imagery. Get creative with photos, graphics, colors, text, and more to make your cover photo unique.

Ideal Text and Graphics

When adding text or graphics to your event cover photo, follow these best practices:

Use high contrast colors that make text pop against the background. White or black text tends to stand out best.

Make sure text is large enough to read on both desktop and mobile. Use a font size of at least 32px.
Keep event name or major details near the center so they don’t get cut off on various screens.
Aim for around 20% maximum text overlay. Too much text crowds the image.

Incorporate branded fonts, colors, or other event design elements for consistency.
Add graphics like logos, icons, borders, or geometric shapes to tie the photo and text together.
Consider a semi-transparent color overlay (black, white, or colored) to boost contrast and make text more readable if needed.

Proper use of text and graphics overlays helps convey key information while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Cover Photo Checklist

Before finalizing your Facebook event cover photo, run through this checklist:

Photo is high resolution (at least 720px wide)

Aspect ratio works for cover photo layout (16:9)
Image is relevant to event theme and purpose
Minimal clutter in photo background

Photo is clear (not overly dark, grainy, or distorted)
Branding colors, fonts, logos appear if appropriate
Graphics and text are legible at small sizes

Copyright permissions obtained for photos if needed
Image file size below 100 MB (Facebook’s limit)

Reviewing these elements helps ensure your cover photo looks polished and professional.

Conclusion

Adding a customized cover photo is one of the best and easiest ways to level up your Facebook event page. Compelling, relevant cover imagery makes an instant visual impact on visitors. It conveys the event theme, vibe, location, and purpose at a glance.

With the cover photo displayed prominently at the top of the page, it’s valuable real estate you should take full advantage of to promote your event. Put thought and care into selecting or designing a photo that represents your brand and puts your best face forward. Then watch as your cover image makes a stellar first impression and creates excitement for your event!