There are a few common reasons why you may be having trouble uploading a new cover photo on Facebook:
The photo doesn’t meet the cover photo requirements
Facebook has specific cover photo requirements that must be met for the photo to be accepted:
- Size: The ideal cover photo size is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall. If your photo is not around this size, it may get rejected.
- File size: Cover photos need to be under 100MB in size. Larger files will get rejected.
- File type: Facebook only accepts JPG, PNG, GIF and BMP files for cover photos. Other file types like TIFFs or PSDs won’t work.
So double check that your new cover photo meets these requirements – if not, try resizing, optimizing or changing the file type and try uploading again.
Your photo contains banned content
Facebook has rules against certain types of content in cover photos. Some examples of banned content include:
- Nudity or other sexually suggestive imagery
- Hate speech, threats or pornographic material
- Graphic or violent content
- Copyrighted images you don’t have rights to use
If your new cover photo contains any prohibited content, Facebook will reject it. Carefully choose a new cover photo that follows Facebook’s rules.
There’s a temporary technical issue
Sometimes Facebook may have a temporary glitch that prevents uploading new cover photos. Some common issues include:
- Uploading problems when using the mobile app
- Uploading getting stuck at a certain percentage
- The upload not completing and reverting to your old cover photo
Issues like these are usually intermittent Facebook bugs that get resolved in time. Trying uploading again later often helps. You can also try restarting your device or using a different device if it persists.
Your account or cover photo posting is restricted
In some cases, there may be restrictions on your account that prevent uploading a new cover photo. This can happen if:
- Your account is temporarily blocked from posting
- You’ve violated Facebook’s terms in the past
- You’ve reached a limit on how often you can change cover photos
Check if you have any restrictions on your account by going to Settings > General > Account Restrictions. If there are restrictions in place, you’ll need to resolve them before being able to update your cover photo again.
The cover photo cropping isn’t working
Facebook lets you crop and position your cover photo after uploading it. If this cropping/positioning isn’t working properly, it can prevent you finalizing your new photo.
Try allowing Facebook time to process the new photo and see if cropping starts working after a few minutes. If not, download your photo and try editing it to the right dimensions outside of Facebook before re-uploading.
You recently changed your cover photo
Facebook limits how often you can change your cover photo. If you’ve changed it very recently, you may be temporarily blocked from changing it again so soon.
To avoid this, try to limit cover photo changes to once every couple of weeks or less often if possible.
How to troubleshoot and fix common Facebook cover photo upload problems
If you’re struggling to upload a cover photo on Facebook, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- Check the photo meets Facebook’s size, dimensions and file type requirements.
- Make sure the photo content is allowed and doesn’t breach Facebook’s rules.
- Try compressing or changing the file type if it is over the file size limit.
- On mobile, close and restart the Facebook app and try again.
- On desktop, refresh the browser and try a different browser if needed.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software which can sometimes interfere.
- Check for any account restrictions blocking you from uploading.
- If cropping isn’t working, edit the photo offline first before re-uploading.
- Wait a few hours and try again later if there seems to be a temporary glitch.
Following troubleshooting steps like these will help identify and fix the problem so your new Facebook cover photo uploads successfully.
Why Facebook Cover Photos Are Important
Facebook cover photos serve an important purpose: they allow you to customize the top portion of your Facebook profile and showcase a visual that represents you or your interests. Here are some key reasons Facebook cover photos are so important:
- Allows self-expression – The cover image is a great way to visually express your personality or what you care about.
- Makes your profile stand out – With so many Facebook profiles out there, a good cover photo makes yours pop.
- Represent your brand – For Facebook business pages, the cover photo presents your brand visually.
- Complements your profile picture – Your cover and profile pics work together to create your image.
- Engages viewers – Cover photos with strong visuals encourage viewers to stop and look.
- Updates your look – Changing your cover photo lets you freshen up your profile when needed.
In many ways, your Facebook cover photo is just as important as your profile picture. Together they create the very first impression people will get when viewing your profile.
Tips for Creating a Great Facebook Cover Photo
Follow these tips to make a Facebook cover photo that looks fantastic:
- Use high-quality images only – Don’t pixelate or distort the image when resizing.
- Choose eye-catching visuals – Opt for interesting scenes, subjects or designs.
- Align elements carefully – Position focal points strategically.
- Use the right dimensions – Size it for 820 x 312 pixels.
- Balance text and negative space – Don’t clutter the image or make it too busy.
- Match it with your profile photo – Coordinate the look and feel of both.
- Represent your brand accurately – For business pages, stay on-brand.
- Rotate new images in periodically – Change it up sometimes with fresh visuals.
Taking the time to create a stunning, engaging cover photo that properly represents you or your business will help your Facebook profile really stand out.
Common Questions about Facebook Cover Photos
What are the best dimensions for a Facebook cover photo?
The recommended dimensions for Facebook cover photos are 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall. Photos uploaded at around this size will fit the cover photo area perfectly.
What is the file size limit for Facebook cover photos?
Facebook has a file size limit of 100MB for cover photos. Any photo larger than 100MB will be rejected and fail to upload.
How do I customize how my cover photo appears?
After uploading your cover photo, you can customize it by zooming, panning and positioning it so it displays exactly how you want.
How often can I change my Facebook cover image?
Facebook limits you from changing your cover image more than once every 2 weeks. This is to prevent people from changing it too frequently.
Why does my new Facebook cover photo keep reverting back to the old one?
If your cover photo keeps reverting, it likely means there was an error uploading the new one. Double check the file meets Facebook’s requirements and that there are no upload restrictions on your account.
| Cover Photo Size | Ideal Width | Ideal Height |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Cover Photo | 820 pixels | 312 pixels |
| Facebook Mobile Cover Photo | 640 pixels | 360 pixels |
This table summarizes the recommended width and height dimensions for Facebook cover photos to help create properly sized images.
What types of images are not allowed as Facebook cover photos?
Facebook prohibits certain kinds of images from being used as cover photos, such as:
- Nudity, pornography or sexually suggestive content
- Violent, graphic or disturbing imagery
- Hate speech, threats or bullying behavior
- Copyrighted images used without permission
- Misleading or false information
Review Facebook’s Community Standards to ensure your cover photo complies with their requirements.
Conclusion
Uploading a new Facebook cover photo hits a roadblock when the photo doesn’t meet size requirements, contains banned content, experiences glitches, or your account has restrictions. Carefully check the photo itself and troubleshoot any technical issues. Ensure your account is in good standing and you haven’t changed cover images too recently. With a stunning cover photo that represents you or your brand, your Facebook profile will stand out while engaging your audience.