Video has quickly become an essential part of any Instagram Strategy. With the ability to boost engagement and add value to your feed, using video content like Reels and IGTV cover photos is one of the best ways to make the most of your Instagram content.
When you’re optimizing your final video to share to your feed, one of the most important steps is creating a branded cover photo that explains what the video is about. Here are three tips for designing an engaging cover photo for your Instagram videos.
How to add a cover to your Instagram videos
After uploading an Instagram Reel and adding any text within the native editor, you’ll tap Share To and see the Cover preview in the top left. By selecting it, you’ll have the option to select a still from your video. Instead, tap Add from Camera Roll to access your cover photo design.
Similarly, when finalizing an IGTV video or Live Replay, you’ll see the same option to add a cover. Once you’ve selected the cover photo and tapped Next, you’ll see another option to
Edit Profile Cover to ensure it’s perfectly centered on the grid preview.
This step is important because choosing a still from the video won’t match your grid aesthetic or boost engagement on your videos. These stills tend to be blurry and not using your brand colors and filters.
Now let’s dive into the steps for creating an engaging cover for your videos.
3 Tips for designing a template using styled stock
By creating a cover, not only will it speed up your editing process but it will also create a cohesive look on your grid and video tabs on your profile. In your cover, you want to include.
Tip One: Add a section for a title to make your video easy to find on the feed.
You want this to be the title of your video or a hook that incentivizes people to watch more. Add this to the center of your video so it’ll be easy to view on your feed.
Tip Two: Incorporate your brand colors and fonts so it matches your grid.
When designing these templates, you can include 2-3 variations of this design so it creates a balanced mix of your brand colors on your grid.
Tip Three: Add a frame to insert a styled stock photo for a more professional look.
Choose a stock photo that visually shows what the video will be about.
By including all of these elements, your covers will communicate what the video is about on your grid to increase views and engagement.
Need help with your covers and graphics for Instagram? I’ve got you! Check out my Instagram Video Canva Design Templates in the Sunshine Shop!
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