Having a blank or empty cover photo on Facebook has become an increasingly common occurrence over the past few years. With over 2.9 billion monthly active users on Facebook, users’ profile pictures and cover photos are often the first impression that others get of them on the platform. So what message might someone’s blank or empty cover photo send? There are a few potential meanings behind a blank Facebook cover that are worth exploring.
It Could Mean Someone is Temporarily Away
One of the most common reasons users may have a blank or empty cover photo is that they are temporarily away from Facebook and social media. With the ability to actively stay connected through Facebook, some users prefer to symbolically “step away” by removing their cover photo when they are on vacation, taking a social media break, or just reducing usage for a period of time. Removing or making blank the cover photo sends a message they are not actively posting or engaging on Facebook during that time period.
Related to this, some users remove old cover photos before posting a new one, so a blank cover may just mean they are in between cover photos. It can signal the user is in the process of deciding on a new cover photo to upload and set as their background image.
It May Reflect a Minimalist Aesthetic
Apart from being away, some users opt for a blank or empty cover photo as part of a minimalist aesthetic choice for their profile. Just as some prefer plain, solid color backgrounds on other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, the same idea can apply to the banner-like cover that spans the top of one’s Facebook page. A blank background creates a very clean, uncluttered look compared to a highly designed or photographic cover image.
Relatedly, some users feel cover photos are distracting or take attention away from their profile picture and updates, so they remove them purposefully to place focus on their posts and interactions instead.
To Increase Privacy
Another motivation behind a blank cover is privacy and reducing the personal details that are shared publicly on one’s Facebook profile. While profile pictures tend to be reserved for actual photos of the user, cover photos are often used for imagery, quotes, designs, travel photos, etc. that reveal more about someone’s hobbies, interests, views, and lifestyle. Removing the cover photo limits these personal insights for others who visit their profile.
Some users are comfortable sharing profile pictures of themselves but prefer not to share potentially identifying background images or details. The blank cover photo allows them to maintain some privacy while still personalizing their profile with a profile picture.
Making a Statement or Protest
In some cases, users may choose a blank cover photo to make a statement or protest regarding Facebook itself. Just as users protest on the platform via status updates, the blank cover can signal dissatisfaction with Facebook policies, terms of use, advertising practices or even just personal objection to using Facebook without fully deleting their account. The lack of a personalized cover photo can be a symbolic protest against normal use of Facebook by that individual.
Technical Issues or Problems
Sometimes a completely blank or empty cover photo is unintentional and appears due to technical problems or issues with the website or app. Bugs, glitches, or errors in the system can cause cover photos to revert to blank for some users against their wishes. Similarly, in cases where a user uploads an invalid image file format or distorted image, Facebook may fail to display it and default to a blank cover instead.
If someone notices their own cover is suddenly missing, it likely indicates a technical problem rather than an intentional change on their part.
How Common Are Blank Cover Photos on Facebook?
Overall, having a blank or empty Facebook cover photo is still significantly less common than having a customized and personalized cover photo. According to multiple reports and surveys of Facebook usage:
- Approximately 75-80% of Facebook users have some type of cover photo
- Only 20-25% have a completely blank cover
However, the incidence of blank cover photos has increased over the past 3-5 years, rising from around 15% to 20-25% today based on observed user behavior studies.
Demographics also play a role – younger users especially teens and college students are more likely to have blank covers than older users. Geographically, U.S. users are more prone to customized covers than blank ones compared to users in some other countries.
Are Blank Covers More Common on Certain Days?
Analyzing when users tend to display blank cover photos the most can also provide insight into motivations and meanings. Across the user base, blank covers tend to spike on the following days:
- Mondays – As people return from weekends, removing old cover photos or protesting the start of a workweek is more common.
- Fridays – With the impending weekend, some begin removing existing covers in preparation for time off of work.
- Summer Fridays or Holiday Weekends – Removing covers in anticipation of multi-day breaks from work and social media.
Meanwhile, decorative and personalized covers tend to increase at the start of weeks or on weekends when people have more free time to update and customize their profiles.
How to Tell if a Blank Cover is Intentional or Not
When encountering a friend or connection’s profile with a blank cover photo, how might you discern the meaning or intent behind it? Here are some clues that can reveal if it is unintentional or part of a purposeful choice:
- Length of Time Blank – If the cover has been blank for several weeks or months, it likely reflects an intentional aesthetic choice or privacy decision. A more recent blank cover may indicate a temporary break.
- Other Profile Activity – If the user has recently posted updates, changed their profile photo, or is actively commenting, a blank cover is more likely an aesthetic choice than inactivity. No other changes can signal a break from the platform.
- User Demographic – As noted above, younger users are more prone to intentional blank covers than older demographics.
- Contacting the User – Messaging the user directly to ask why they removed their cover photo can provide a definitive answer in questionable cases.
Should You Follow the Trend of a Blank Cover?
Is a blank or empty cover photo a good choice for your own Facebook profile? Here are some pros and cons to weigh when considering removing your cover photo:
Pros
- Allows you to temporarily disconnect or take a break from constant social media use.
- Gives your profile a clean, minimalist look if that is your style.
- Removes distractions from your posts and information.
- Increases privacy by eliminating potentially identifying background images and details.
- Lets you signify dissatisfaction or protest social media practices.
Cons
- Some users assume blank covers mean inactivity and that you have abandoned your account.
- Can make your profile seem incomplete or indistinct from others.
- Eliminates the ability to share visually appealing or personal background images.
- Potentially reduces personalization and customization of your presence if you prefer that.
Tips for Alternatives to a Completely Blank Cover
If you want a simpler cover photo but are unsure about going completely blank, some alternatives include:
- A solid color background that matches your profile or brand colors.
- An abstract geometric pattern or texture.
- Partial images and close-up visuals rather than wide shots.
- Motivational quotes or inspiring text images.
- Cropped versions of previous cover photos.
These options allow you to simplify your cover image while still personalizing it beyond a fully blank and empty cover photo.
Conclusion
A blank or empty Facebook cover photo has a wide range of potential meanings, from temporary absences to minimalist aesthetics to protests and more. While blank covers are still fairly uncommon compared to customized covers, they have become more prevalent in recent years. If encountering a blank cover on someone’s profile, context clues like user activity, demographics, and length of being blank typically reveal whether it is intentional or not. The trend of blanking out cover photos can give profiles a simpler look, but also carries drawbacks like seeming incomplete. With a mix of pros and cons to evaluate, the ideal cover photo comes down to personal preferences and priorities for each user's Facebook presence.