The ideal Instagram reel cover size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This size ensures the cover displays properly across all devices and screen orientations. The cover is the static image shown before the reel video begins playing. Choosing the right cover size helps grab attention and gives viewers a preview of the video content.
Why the 1080 x 1920 Pixel Size Works Best
Instagram designed its reels feature for mobile devices. Most smartphones have an aspect ratio of 9:16 vertically. This tall, narrow orientation reflects how users naturally hold their phones. Instgram reels play inline while scrolling the feed. The 1080 x 1920 pixel size fits this vertical layout.
Horizontal rectangles or squares would not work as well. They would get cropped into smaller areas and lose impact. Vertical rectangles in 1080 x 1920 take advantage of the entire reel space. All areas of the cover are visible when playing the reel.
The 1080 pixel width also matches up with most smartphone displays. Screens around 1080 pixels wide are very common. This ensures the cover renders crisply and does not appear blurry or pixelated. The extra 1920 pixel height creates more vertical space to showcase visuals.
Creating a 1080 x 1920 Reel Cover
Designing artwork in 1080 x 1920 size may feel unusual at first. Most image and graphics tools default to wider horizontal layouts. But creating vertical compositions has creative advantages. The height allows for more interesting arrangements not possible in squares or horizontals.
Here are some tips for making engaging 1080 x 1920 Instagram reel covers:
- Use the entire frame. Spread visual elements to all edges instead of centering in the middle.
- Layer images and text vertically. Stacked components are more natural than horizontal arrangements.
- Make text short and large. Vertical space limits lengthy headlines, so keep wording brief and font sizes big.
- Try solid color backgrounds. Filling the frame with a vibrant solid color makes images and text pop.
- Include the key subject. Showcase the main person, product, or concept the reel depicts.
Many design programs like Photoshop and Canva have 1080 x 1920 templates to streamline creating properly sized covers. No resizing or cropping is needed after designing artwork in this vertical format.
Ways to Add a 1080 x 1920 Cover
Instagram offers a few options for setting a reel’s 1080 x 1920 pixel cover:
- Upload when posting: Add the cover when initially sharing the reel to your profile. Instagram allows uploading a cover image from your computer or smartphone camera roll.
- Change later: Edit an existing reel’s cover by tapping the three-dot menu on the reel, then selecting “Change Cover.”
- Auto-generate: Let Instagram auto-populate a cover from a frame in the reel’s video. This adds a relevant image, but may not be as eye-catching.
Uploading your own custom 1080 x 1920 pixel cover tends to work best. This guarantees an appealing, intentional image that complements the reel’s content.
Cover Recommendations for Different Reel Goals
Choosing a reel cover that supports the video content and desired outcome boosts performance. Consider these cover strategies for different reel objectives:
Driving Views
- Bright colors and high contrast grab attention
- Feature a key person’s recognizable face
- Include intriguing text prompts like “You won’t believe what happens next!”
- Avoid too many distracting elements competing for focus
Brand Building
- Showcase logos, products or services
- Maintain brand color scheme and fonts
- Use consistent imagery from marketing campaigns
- Include inspirational quotes or slogans
Promoting Products
- Hero shot of the product in action
- Text naming the product and key benefits
- Clean background to keep focus on product
- Match aesthetic of product photos on shopping pages
Driving Conversions
- “Shop now” text and relevant emoji like shopping bags
- Discount codes or sales announcements
- Urgent calls-to-action like “Limited time only!”
- Branding and contact info so viewers can purchase
Tools to Create Vertical 1080 x 1920 Covers
Specialized tools help design polished, professional 1080 x 1920 reel covers:
Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the top choice for advanced image editing and graphic design. It includes templates for vertical Instagram stories and feeds. These are easy to adapt for reels covers.
Canva
Canva provides pre-sized Instagram reel templates. The platform has a huge library of fonts, images, and design elements. Covers can be dragged and dropped into place.
InShot
InShot’s online and mobile apps offer templates and editing features for reels covers. Tools like cropping, filters, and text overlays help polish images.
Over
Over focuses on short-form vertical content design. The app has professional layouts and fonts optimized for Instagram reels and stories. Covers can be exported and uploaded to Instagram.
Adobe Spark
Spark Post provides templated posts in perfect Instagram sizes, including reels covers. Photos can be customized with effects, overlays, and text.
Ideal Image and Text Styles
Certain visual styles tend to work well in the tall, narrow 1080 x 1920 reel cover format:
Portrait Orientation
Vertical portrait images make natural fills for the space. Landscape
horizontal photos will get cropped into smaller areas.
Minimalism
Clean, simple designs keep the focus on one or two key elements. Too many competing items look cluttered.
Bold Typography
Large, thick fonts stand out within the tall canvas. Small text gets lost and is hard to read in a quick glance.
Vibrant Color Schemes
Saturated, contrasting colors attract the most attention in the feed. Dark or drab palettes blend in too much.
Solid Color Backgrounds
Vibrant blocks of color provide bold backdrops for text and other visuals. They create focus and impact.
Matching Reel Content
The strongest reel covers directly reflect the actual video content inside. Some ways to match cover and content:
- Feature the same person, scene, or product
- Use the same colors, fonts, and effects
- Include verbiage that describes the content
- Showcase a key moment people will recognize
- Tease or set expectations for the full video
Consistent branding and visual identity across the cover and reel boosts familiarity. Users who enjoy the video will make an instant connection back to the representative cover.
Testing Different Covers
There is no one “best” reel cover for every situation. The ideal cover depends on the specific goal and target audience. The only way to know what works is to test different options.
A/B testing different covers while keeping the reel video the same provides data on what imagery and text converts best. Try these steps for an effective test:
- Create 2-3 different 1080 x 1920 cover images for the same reel with different visuals and text
- Upload the same reel using each cover option over separate posts
- Promote all the reel posts to the same target audience
- Let the reel posts run for 1-2 weeks then compare metrics on each
- Judge which cover drove the most views, shares, follows, or sales
- Stick with the top performing cover going forward
Repeated testing overtime can help refine both the cover design and content approach to maximize response. Analytics insights form Instagram and third-party tools provide data to act on.
Tools to Optimize Reel Covers
Analytics and optimization platforms give data to perfect reel cover designs:
Instagram Insights
Instagram’s built-in analytics show impressions and reach metrics to gauge how attention-grabbing each cover test is in the feed.
iconosquare
This Instagram analytics suite tracks detailed data on reel views, likes, comments, saves, and audience demographics to inform cover decisions.
Facebook Ads Manager
Run reel cover variants as A/B ad tests here. The platform shows which cover images, captions and promo text drive the most conversions from paid traffic.
Influencer Marketing Platforms
Partner with influencer platforms to compare how different covers affect content performance across creators.
Design Inspiration from Top Brands
Researching reel covers from successful brands provides design inspiration:
- Netflix: Teaser graphics that intrigue viewers to watch the full reel
- Tasty: Vivid food photos optimized for vertical orientation
- Nike: Bold logos and captions against solid color backgrounds
- Louis Vuitton: Product imagery matched with stylish fonts and color schemes
- MTV: Bright graphics with celebrities who match the video content
Study reels in your niche to discover what cover strategies resonate most with your target audience. Draw inspiration from the top performers.
Key Takeaways
Optimizing Instagram reel covers takes experimentation to determine what attracts your specific audience. Keep these tips in mind to maximize results:
- Design covers in a 1080 x 1920 pixel vertical format
- Use compelling imagery, typography, colors, and text
- Align covers directly with the video content
- Test different options by regularly changing up your cover approach
- Choose the cover that consistently generates the most engagement
With a strategic, optimized cover that complements your reel, you will grab more attention and views in the Instagram feed.