Introduction
Are your Instagram Reels not getting the attention they deserve? You might be overlooking one crucial element: the cover image. The first thing viewers see isn't your carefully edited content or perfect transitions—it's your Reel cover. This thumbnail is your one shot at capturing attention in a crowded feed.
Many content creators spend hours perfecting their Reels but neglect the cover image, resulting in fewer views and engagement. With the right cover, you can increase your click-through rate dramatically and get your content the visibility it deserves.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to change your Instagram Reel cover both before and after posting, along with expert tips to create thumbnails that stop scrollers in their tracks.
Why Your Instagram Reel Cover Matters
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why Reel covers deserve your attention:
- First Impressions: Users decide whether to watch your Reel in less than a second, often based solely on the cover image
- Profile Aesthetics: Well-designed covers create a cohesive, professional-looking profile grid
- Increased Discoverability: Eye-catching thumbnails improve click-through rates, signaling to the algorithm that your content is engaging
- Brand Recognition: Consistent cover styles help followers instantly recognize your content
Instagram's algorithm favors Reels with higher engagement rates, and your cover image is the gateway to getting those initial clicks. According to recent studies, Reels with custom covers receive up to 30% more views than those using random frame selections.
How to Add & Edit Cover Photos on Instagram Reels Before Posting
The easiest time to set your perfect Reel cover is during the creation process. Here's a detailed, step-by-step approach:
Method 1: Select a Frame from Your Reel
- Create your Reel as usual by recording content or uploading from your gallery
- Tap "Next" after you've finished editing with effects, audio, and text
- Look for "Cover" on the editing screen (it appears at the bottom)
- Tap on "Cover" to open the cover selection screen
- Slide through the timeline to select your preferred frame from the video
- Adjust the positioning by moving the image within the frame
- Tap "Done" to confirm your cover selection
- Complete the caption, location, and sharing options
- Share your Reel with its new custom cover
This method works best when your Reel already contains a perfect frame that represents the content well.
Method 2: Use the Preview Option
Sometimes the perfect moment in your Reel happens too quickly to capture in the standard cover selection screen. Here's a workaround:
- Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1
- Instead of using the cover selector, tap on "Preview"
- Pause the preview exactly when you see the perfect frame
- Take a screenshot of this frame
- Return to the cover selection screen
- Tap "Add from Camera Roll" (this option may appear as a gallery icon)
- Select the screenshot you just took
- Adjust and crop as needed
- Finish publishing your Reel
This technique gives you more precise control over capturing fleeting moments in your Reel.
How To Add A Cover Photo To Your Reels Using Gallery Images
Want to use a completely different image as your Reel cover? Perhaps a professionally designed graphic or edited photo? Here's how:
- Prepare your custom cover image in advance (recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels)
- Begin creating your Reel as normal
- Progress through editing to the cover selection screen
- Look for the gallery icon or "Add from Camera Roll" option
- Select your prepared custom image from your device's gallery
- Adjust positioning and cropping to fit the cover frame
- Confirm your selection and continue publishing
Pro Tip: Create your custom covers with a consistent style to build brand recognition. Use the same colors, fonts, or layout elements to make your Reels instantly recognizable.
How to Change Instagram REEL Cover Image After Posting
Realized your cover isn't working after you've already published? No problem! Instagram allows you to change your Reel cover even after posting. Here's how:
- Navigate to the Reel you want to modify
- Tap the three dots (⋮) in the bottom right corner of your Reel
- Select "Edit" from the menu that appears
- Tap "Cover" to access cover options
- Choose a new frame from your video or tap the gallery icon to upload a custom image
- Adjust as needed
- Tap "Done" to save your changes
It's worth noting that changing your cover after posting won't affect your Reel's performance metrics or placement in the algorithm.
Important Limitation: Instagram occasionally restricts the ability to change covers on older Reels. For best results, try to change your cover within a few weeks of posting.
Best Practices for Creating Stunning Reel Covers
Now that you know how to change your covers, let's explore what makes a cover effective:
1. Clarity is Key
- Use high-resolution images – blurry covers appear unprofessional
- Avoid overcrowding with too many elements
- Ensure good lighting so details are visible
- Consider contrast between subject and background
2. Add Text Strategically
- Include a compelling headline that teases content
- Keep text brief – 3-5 words maximum
- Use readable fonts at appropriate sizes
- Ensure text contrasts with the background
3. Brand Consistency
- Incorporate your brand colors
- Use consistent styling across all Reels
- Include a small logo in the same position on each cover
- Develop a recognizable template you can adapt for each Reel
4. Human Connection
- Feature faces when relevant – content with faces typically performs better
- Show emotion related to your content
- Use authentic imagery rather than overly posed shots
Common Issues When Changing Reel Covers (And Solutions)
Even with the right steps, you might encounter some challenges:
Cover Option Not Appearing
Problem: The cover selection option is missing during creation.
Solution: Update your Instagram app to the latest version. If the problem persists, try closing and reopening the app.
Custom Cover Appears Cropped
Problem: Your uploaded cover image gets awkwardly cropped.
Solution: Prepare images in the correct aspect ratio (9:16) before uploading. Use dimensions of 1080 x 1920 pixels for optimal results.
Unable to Change Cover After Posting
Problem: The edit cover option isn't available on an older Reel.
Solution: Unfortunately, Instagram sometimes limits editing features on older content. For important Reels, consider recreating and reposting with the desired cover.
Cover Image Quality Loss
Problem: Your custom cover appears pixelated or low-quality.
Solution: Use high-resolution images and avoid excessive editing or resizing within Instagram. Pre-edit your images with professional tools before uploading.
How to Download and Save Instagram Reel Covers
Sometimes you may want to download Reel covers – whether they're your own for consistency across platforms, or for inspiration from other creators. Here's how:
Saving Your Own Reel Covers
- If you used a custom cover, you already have it in your gallery
- If you used a frame from your Reel:
- Navigate to your Reel
- Pause at the beginning (where the cover shows)
- Take a screenshot
Saving Other Creators' Reel Covers
Finding inspiration from other creators is common, but remember to never directly copy someone else's design. To save a Reel cover for reference:
- Visit the Reel with the cover you want to save
- Take a screenshot of the cover
For a more sophisticated approach to downloading Instagram content including Reel thumbnails, you can use specialized tools like GramFetchr's Thumbnail Downloader.
This tool allows you to:
- Copy the link to the Instagram Reel
- Paste it into the tool
- Download the high-quality thumbnail
Using GramFetchr ensures you get the highest quality version of the thumbnail without any quality loss. Learn more about why thumbnails matter in our dedicated guide on Reel thumbnails.
Advanced Tips for Professional-Looking Reel Covers
Want to take your Reel covers to the next level? Try these advanced techniques:
1. Create a Consistent Series
Design cover templates for different content categories. For example:
- Blue-themed covers for tutorials
- Red-themed covers for behind-the-scenes content
- Green-themed covers for product features
This visual categorization helps followers quickly identify the type of content they're most interested in.
2. Incorporate Movement Teasers
Create covers that hint at the movement in your Reel:
- If your Reel features a dance, show a mid-movement frame
- For transformation content, show a split "before/after" design
- For tutorials, show the final result alongside a "how-to" text overlay
3. A/B Test Your Covers
Can't decide between two cover options? Try this approach:
- Post the Reel with cover option A
- After 24 hours, change to cover option B
- Compare performance metrics before and after the change
- Use this data to inform future cover designs
4. Seasonal and Trendy Elements
Keep your covers fresh by incorporating:
- Seasonal colors and themes
- Elements from current trends
- Timely references that connect with what's happening now
Remember to update older, evergreen Reels periodically with refreshed covers to give them new life in the algorithm.
Conclusion
A compelling Reel cover is your content's first impression and can dramatically impact your engagement rates. Whether you're adding and editing cover photos on Instagram Reels before posting, learning how to add a cover photo to your Reels from your gallery, or figuring out how to change Instagram REEL cover image after posting, the techniques in this guide give you complete control over how your content appears to potential viewers.
Remember that your Reel cover is essentially advertising for your content. Invest the time to create eye-catching, branded covers that entice viewers to click and watch. With consistent practice and by implementing the strategies we've shared, you'll soon notice improved engagement on your Reels.
For more Instagram tips and tricks, explore our other guides:
- How to Download Instagram Reels with Audio
- Save Instagram Highlights Without Quality Loss
- How to Download Instagram Carousel Posts
What's your biggest challenge when creating Reel covers? We know you would've figured it out, that's why you are here :)