If you’ve made the exciting decision to start a podcast, one of the first things on your to-do list is going to be to create some amazing podcast cover art. This part is exciting because you get to create something eye-catching, memorable, and something that perfectly represents you and your show.
Your cover art is likely going to be the very first exposure your potential listeners have to your show, so it is crucial that your art stands out.
While it can be tempting to dive right into the creation process (or hire it out if that’s more your style), there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind before beginning.
Here are some tips for making podcast cover art that stands out (and meets requirements):
Limit the number of words.
Your cover art should be simple and to the point. Limit the words to the title and host if desired. Adding extra text to your art will make it look crowded and difficult to read for your audience.
Add Personality.
This is the fun part! Think about the tone and mood of your show, and create cover art that represents that. For example, if your show covers serious topics, you may want to stick to a simple yet eye-catching color scheme and design.
Avoid typical podcast icons or photos.
Microphones, headphones, and certain stock photos may look great, but they are incredibly overused. To stand out, try something more original. This can be custom graphics, icons, or professional photos of you.
Make sure your artwork looks great wherever it’s displayed.
Something that looks amazing blown up on your screen may not have the same effect on a smaller scale when displayed on a phone. Tip: Use this tool to preview how your artwork will look in podcast apps. Is it eye-catching, simple, or memorable? If so, you’re on the right track!
Make sure it’s sized correctly.
Skipping this seemingly small step could lead to a headache later on when you’re ready for your show to go live and you find out you didn’t size your cover art correctly. The official requirement for Apple is 3000 x 3000 pixels. Additionally, it should be 72 dpi, use RGB colors, and should be a JPG or PNG file.
Keep your fonts simple.
Try to stick to 1 to 2 fonts. As tempting as it is to use beautiful, elaborate display or script fonts, you want your artwork to be easy to read, so a font that is clean and simple is ideal.
Your podcast cover art is going to be the visual representation of your podcast so it really is so important to spend time on it. By taking the time to ensure you follow these simple guidelines, you can create podcast cover art that represents you, your brand, and your show in a way that stands out in a sea of podcasts.
Are you interested in learning more about starting a podcast and growing it quickly? Read more of our favorite posts here:
9 Podcast Recording Tips Every Great Host Follows
The Best Productivity Tips for Podcasters
How to Create a Podcast CTA That Your Listeners Won’t Be Able to Resist
