There are a few reasons why you may not be able to change your Facebook cover photo to only yourself. The main requirements for Facebook cover photos are that they must represent you or something you’re interested in, can’t be misleading, offensive or violate someone’s rights. Some specific reasons your solo cover photo may not be allowed include:
It focuses too closely on one person’s face/body
Facebook cover photos are intended to represent your interests, causes or personality more broadly. Close-up photos focusing on a single person’s face or body parts can be perceived as inappropriate and are often disallowed. Make sure your solo cover photo shows your full figure or focuses outward, rather than an extreme close-up of your face or other body parts.
It violates Facebook’s Community Standards
Facebook has guidelines to maintain a respectful community. Photos containing nudity, graphic violence, hate speech and other offensive content are prohibited. Make sure your photo abides by Facebook’s Community Standards.
The photo or your post text ask for Likes/shares
Facebook prohibits cover photos that explicitly ask people to like, comment, share or take other actions to interact with your post. For example, “Like this if you love my new hair!” or using text overlays asking for shares. Remove any text or captions from your photo that solicit likes or other actions before uploading it.
It contains other branding/text not related to you
Facebook cover photos should be personal and represent your own interests or causes you care about. Photos containing branding, logos or other text unrelated to you are often rejected. For solo shots, make sure the photo is focused entirely on you without any distracting branding or text.
It looks digitally altered or like an advertisement
Facebook aims to provide an authentic community experience. Cover photos that appear excessively photoshopped or clearly professionally produced like an advertisement are likely to be disallowed. Use photos that look natural and showcase the real you. Overly altered solo shots may get rejected.
Examples of Problematic Solo Cover Photos
Here are some examples of solo cover photos that could get rejected by Facebook:
- Extreme close-up selfie of your face/cleavage
- Tourist photo where you’re blocking a public landmark
- Glamour shot with heavy makeup/editing
- Sexually suggestive pose
- Photo asking for Likes or Shares
- Selfie with logo shirts or branded products prominently displayed
- Image overlaying text like “Love me” or “Click Like”
These types of photos are all focused on yourself, but break Facebook’s rules around appropriate and authentic content.
Tips for an Acceptable Solo Cover Photo
To increase your chances of a solo cover being approved, keep these tips in mind:
- Show your full body, rather than just face/cleavage close-ups
- Pose naturally rather than seductively
- Wear clothes that meet Facebook’s policies and cultural norms
- Use minimal editing and filtering so it looks authentic
- Take up less than 20% of the frame so background is visible
- Ensure no branded logos or text are prominent
- Express your personality or interests through style/setting
Having a non-offensive, real representation of you within the cover image dimensions will increase the chances of approval.
Here are some examples of acceptable solo cover photos:
| Good Solo Cover Photo | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Full body shot outdoors showing genuine interests/style | |
| Waist-up shot indoors styled appropriately without visible branding |
Exceptions for Approved Close-Up Photos
In some cases, more close-up solo shots may get approved if:
- It’s an obvious caricature or illustration rather than realistic photo
- You’re a public figure or celebrity
- It aligns with your brand as a photographer/artist
Public figures and those with an established brand that includes stylized self-portraits may get more leeway for tight face shots. But for everyday users, closer shots are likely to be disallowed.
Appealing Rejected Covers
If your solo cover photo gets rejected by Facebook, here are some options:
- Crop or zoom out from a close-up shot to meet guidelines
- Try a different selfie or solo photo that follows requirements
- Appeal the decision if you feel it was made in error
To appeal, click on the “Ask for Review” link that should appear after your cover is rejected. Explain clearly why you feel the image abides by Facebook’s policies and should be allowed. Provide added context if needed.
However, keep in mind appeals are not always successful if the image clearly violated a rule like nudity or hate speech. You may need to edit the photo or try a different option to get approved.
Using Other Images Besides Solo Photos
If you’re set on having a particular close-up selfie or don’t want to change a rejected solo shot, some alternatives are:
- Make it your profile picture instead of the cover image
- Use it as a post image in your timeline rather than the cover
- Create a photomosaic cover with small tiled photos including the selfie
- Make a collage mixing the selfie with other interests/photos
This allows you to still use the selfie in your profile, without breaking Facebook’s cover image rules. Explore apps that generate photomosaics or collages if you want both in one cover.
Conclusion
Facebook aims to maintain an authentic, inclusive community. Solo cover photos need to meet guidelines around respectful content and representation. Close-up selfies often get rejected for overly focusing on one person or appearing suggestive. For the best chance of approval, use full body shots that showcase your genuine interests and personality, without excessive editing or branding. If your cover still gets rejected, try cropping, appealing or using the image elsewhere than your cover photo. With creativity and understanding Facebook’s rules, you can find ways to appropriately feature yourself while also complying with community standards.