01 · THE TEST
Design for the size people actually see
Most people first see your cover art as a small square in a search result or a list, often next to dozens of others. Shrink your design to the size of a thumbnail on your phone. If you cannot read the show name or recognise the image, simplify it.
02 · SPECS
The specs podcast apps expect
Directories have their own requirements and they do change, so check your host and Apple Podcasts' current guidelines before exporting. As a starting point, most shows use a square image of at least 1400 by 1400 pixels and up to 3000 by 3000, saved as a JPEG or PNG in RGB colour.
- Square, 1:1
- 1400 to 3000 pixels on each side
- JPEG or PNG, RGB colour
- No tiny text, no cluttered edges
- Check your host's current file size limit
03 · IDEAS
Ten cover art ideas that work small
Each of these keeps one clear idea at the centre of the square.
- Big type only: the show name filling the square in one bold typeface
- The host's face, cropped close, with high contrast behind
- A single symbolic object on a solid colour
- Two co-hosts side by side, cut out against a bright background
- A hand-drawn illustration with a limited palette
- An abstract shape or pattern that becomes the show's mark
- A bold colour block split with the title
- A vintage or retro style that matches the topic
- A photo of a place, for local or travel shows
- A simple icon plus the name, like an app icon
04 · LOGO
Podcast logo ideas
Your logo is the part of the cover art that travels: social posts, merch, a microphone flag. Keep a version that works without the background: just the name or a simple mark, in one colour.
05 · THUMBNAILS
Episode thumbnail ideas
If you publish video or share clips, each episode needs a thumbnail. Use the same layout every time and change one element: the guest's face, the episode number or a three-word hook. Consistency makes the show recognisable in a feed.
- Same layout and colours every episode
- Guest face or one striking image
- Three to five words maximum
- Show logo in the same corner
06 · AVOID
Common cover art mistakes
Too much text, a subtitle nobody can read, microphones and headphones that make every show look the same, and images you do not have the rights to use. Use your own photos, licensed images or original artwork.
Cover art done. Now publish the show.
Add your artwork, show notes and transcript and publish from Hilite.