Facebook allows users to customize their profile pages by setting a cover photo and profile picture. The cover photo appears as the background image at the top of the profile, while the profile picture is the small image that represents the user. Together, these two images allow Facebook users to express their personality and interests on their profile.
What is the Purpose of the Facebook Cover Photo?
The Facebook cover photo, also sometimes called a cover image or header photo, serves as the background wallpaper at the top of a user’s profile page. It provides space for users to get creative and set an image that represents their personality, interests, location, relationships, or whatever else they want to convey. The cover photo is one of the first things visitors will see when they land on someone’s profile, so it offers a major opportunity for self-expression.
Some common uses of Facebook cover photos include:
- Showcasing beautiful scenery from a recent trip or favorite place
- Featuring friends and family
- Displaying artwork or creative visual designs
- Promoting favorite music, movies, books, or other interests
- Raising awareness for a cause or organization
- Commemorating major life events like weddings, graduations, or birthdays
In short, the cover photo allows Facebook users to put their own personal stamp on their profile page. It sets the tone for the profile and gives visitors an idea of what the user is about right from the start.
What Are the Specifications for Facebook Cover Photos?
If you want to upload a custom cover photo for your Facebook profile, it must meet these specifications:
- Size: 851 pixels wide x 315 pixels tall
- File size: Less than 100 MB
- File type: JPG or PNG
Facebook automatically crops and resizes any image to fit the 851 x 315 pixel cover photo area. However, for best quality it is recommended to upload an image that already meets the ideal dimensions. Images with the 1.7:1 aspect ratio will fill the cover space without being distorted.
Keep in mind that desktop computers and mobile devices show different portions of the cover photo by default:
- Desktop view displays the middle 851 x 315 pixels
- Mobile view displays the top left 655 x 315 pixels (cropped from the original)
So it’s a good idea to choose a cover photo that aligns your main focal point close to the middle or left third of the image. That way the key details will be visible across desktop and mobile experiences.
How Do You Upload or Change the Facebook Cover Photo?
Uploading a new Facebook cover photo is simple to do:
- Access your Facebook profile page
- Click the camera icon located in the cover photo area
- Select “Update Cover Photo” from the dropdown menu
- Choose an image file from your computer to upload
- Position and adjust the photo placement
- Click “Save Changes” to set the new cover photo
You can also change the cover photo by hovering over the existing cover image. Click the pencil edit icon that appears under the photo to choose a new image to upload.
When selecting a cover photo to upload, you have the option to drag and resize the image to get the desired positioning within the frame. Facebook will prompt you to move and adjust the photo if any key parts are hidden by the profile picture or other page elements.
At any time, you can revert back to a previously used cover photo or remove the custom image to return to Facebook’s default blue background.
How Often Can the Facebook Cover Photo Be Changed?
Facebook does not limit how often users can change their cover photo. You are free to update it as frequently as you like. Some people enjoy refreshing it regularly to stay current, while others find one they love and stick with it for years.
However, it is important to note that when switching the cover photo, the previous image is not saved. Only your current cover photo will be displayed on your profile. The older versions are not archived anywhere, so if you end up wanting to revert to an old favorite, you will need to re-upload it from your computer or device again.
Can I Use Someone Else’s Photos as My Facebook Cover Photo?
You should only upload cover photos that you took yourself or have explicit permission to use from the original photographer or copyright holder. Using someone else’s photo as your own Facebook cover image without their authorization could potentially infringe upon their intellectual property rights.
Some examples of photos that would likely require permission include:
- Professional photographs watermarked with a photographer’s name/logo
- Images featuring recognizable brands, logos, products, or designs
- Public figures, celebrities, or persons whose likeness is protected
- Artwork, graphics, comics, or other creative visual content
Remember, even if an image is shared online elsewhere, that does not mean it is necessarily free for anyone to use. Always check the terms and confirm if authorization is needed before saving or sharing images that do not belong to you.
Using properly attributed images from sites like Unsplash that explicitly allow reuse for personal and commercial purposes would likely be acceptable. But be sure to double check the image licensing to avoid potential issues.
Can I Use Text Only as My Facebook Cover Photo?
You cannot set plain text as your default cover image. The cover photo must be an actual visual image file. However, Facebook does provide a few different options for adding text over top of your cover photo:
- Cover photo text: You can customize a short line of text (up to 95 characters) that will appear in a box overlaying the bottom left of your cover image.
- Location tag: Lets you list a city, state, or country that will show up under your name in the cover area.
- Stickers: Facebook offers a selection of stickers and emoji that can be layered on top of your cover photo.
So if you want your name, a quote, or any other text to appear on your cover photo section, you will need to upload an image first, then use one of the text tools to add topmost layers above the image.
Do Cover Photos Need to Adhere to Facebook’s Community Standards?
Yes, Facebook cover photos must follow the platform’s Community Standards just like all content. Images containing nudity, violence, hate speech, sensitive subjects, and other violations will be removed. Facebook prohibits false advertising, spam, scams, or misleading branding in cover photos as well.
Some specific guidelines for Facebook cover photos include:
- No offensive, suggestive, dangerous, or illegal content
- No promotions of drugs, alcohol, gambling, or adult products
- No impersonating an individual or organization
- No images of minors that are inappropriate
- No soliciting personally identifiable information from others
Keep in mind the cover photo may be the first thing visitors notice on your profile. Be thoughtful about the image you choose to represent yourself professionally and personally.
Conclusion
The Facebook cover photo offers a creative way for users to make their profile stand out. When optimized effectively, it can convey a lot about your personality and interests at a glance. Be sure any custom cover images meet the platform requirements for size, file type, and community standards. With the cover photo tools, you can refresh your profile background as often as you want to highlight special occasions, advocacy issues, new adventures, or favorite visuals.