Your Facebook cover photo is a defining element in your brand’s presentation on Facebook. It’s the first image visitors see, so making a lasting impression is key.
Explore the optimal Facebook cover photo dimensions, learn how to create an outstanding cover photo, and find inspiration with creative Facebook cover photo ideas and examples.
What’s the optimal Facebook cover photo size?
For best results, the ideal Facebook cover photo size is 820 pixels wide by 462 pixels tall. This uniform dimension applies to both personal and business Facebook Pages.
Facebook states that cover photos are displayed differently on mobile and desktop:
- Desktop: Displayed in a wide format at 820 pixels by 312 pixels
- Mobile: Presented slightly narrower at 640 pixels by 360 pixels
Thus, you should aim for a cover photo of 820 pixels by 462 pixels to ensure clarity on any screen size while avoiding extensive cropping.
Keeping an eye on Facebook’s cover photo guidelines can also be beneficial:
- Cover photos aren’t displayed on non-smartphones
- The minimum cover photo size is 400 pixels by 150 pixels
- Opt for a fast-loading sRGB JPG (JPGs with a standard color spectrum) that measures 851 pixels by 315 pixels and under 100 kilobytes
- To enhance images with text or logos, a PNG file might yield better quality
Additionally, utilizing a video as a Facebook banner can engage viewers more deeply and communicate your business message:
- Recommended at 820 x 456 pixels for smooth viewing on mobile
- 20 to 90 seconds in length
Pro tip: If your image or video dimensions are slightly off, use Facebook’s reposition feature, which automatically activates upon upload, to adjust your cover photo to fit optimally.
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How do Facebook cover photos adapt across mobile and desktop screens?
Facebook cover photos exhibit subtle differences when viewed on mobile versus desktop. For illustration, observe how a desktop header appears:
On mobile, it diverges slightly:
One key difference is the profile photo’s positioning. On mobile, it covers more space by encompassing 45% of the width, often overlaying the cover image. Therefore, avoid placing key content in that bottom left corner.
The similarities in photo appearance persist — except mobile versions are slightly extended at the top and bottom by 75 pixels unless repositioned. Red-highlighted areas are absent when viewed on desktop.
Luckily, Facebook doesn’t distort images — cropping maintains quality. By following the 820 by 462 pixels guideline, cropping occurs as such. After uploading, verify your Facebook cover image on both desktop and mobile to ensure nothing crucial is hidden.
Note: If you’re refreshing your Facebook profile picture as well, consider these dimensions:
- Profile pictures are 170 × 170 pixels on desktop, 128 × 128 on smartphones, and 36 × 36 on most feature phones
- They’re cropped to fit a circle
How to design and select your Facebook cover photo
Crafting an impactful cover photo goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about combining visual charm, brand messaging, and audience attraction.
Create your cover photo to captivate attention
Successfully shared images often share these features:
- Emotion: Evoke feelings that prompt action
- Relevance: Incorporate elements aligning with your brand’s focus
- Colors: Use color psychology to stir emotions or capture focus
- Typography: Choose fonts that convey your message clearly
- Hashtags and text: Select words that foster audience interaction
These elements can be included in your Facebook cover photo to express your brand story or galvanize customers. As an example, Burger King depicts a lively group enjoying their meal.
Their image embodies camaraderie and friendship, extending beyond mere product portrayals.
Provide visual cues for audience focus
Eye-tracking studies highlight that visual cues help guide viewers on where to focus.
For drawing viewers to specific areas of your cover photo, such as a call-to-action (CTA), consider adding arrows, circles, or gazes to draw attention.
Select your resources and tools
Here are some platforms and tools to design your cover photo:
- Photos: Choose an in-house photo or a stock photo. Edit them to reflect your brand using tools like Pablo, Canva, or PicMonkey.
- Canva: For custom graphics, try Canva, a straightforward design tool offering pre-existing templates with no design expertise required.
- Photoshop: Experienced designers can use Photoshop for precise cover photo creation.
- AI: AI-generated visuals can serve as alternatives to stock photos. Tools like Midjourney and Canva’s AI image generator create images from text inputs. Always verify AI images for accuracy per your intent before use.
Adhere to best practices
Though each brand is unique, applying general best practices ensures an impactful Facebook cover photo:
- Adhere to Facebook’s image guidelines, including prescribed dimensions
- Focus on visuals with a distinct point of interest
- Adjust for compatibility across varied devices
- Ensure uniqueness by tailoring it to your brand’s character
11 Inspiring concepts for your Facebook cover photo
Not sure where to start with your cover photo design? Get your creative juices flowing with these 11 ideas from real-life brands excelling in their approach.
1. Capture your essence
Motion, a task management app, makes their function clear in their cover photo, eliminating ambiguity.
Like Motion, utilize your cover photo to emphasize your brand’s value proposition so fans immediately grasp your services.
2. Highlight your mission or values
Utilize your Facebook cover photo as a platform to showcase your values and rally support for your mission.
The Rainforest Alliance demonstrates its commitment to environmental protection through its cover photo messaging.
3. Showcase your core product or service
Prominently feature your services in a smart, professional manner within cover photo space.
Ferrari’s image speaks to its luxurious brand identity without words, making a distinct visual statement.
4. Introduce your team
Displaying your team members in your cover photo humanizes your brand, building trust with audiences.
It’s especially effective for service-oriented brands where employees engage frequently with clients, like Helix Sport and Spine:
The image gives prospective customers a preview of their professional interactions.
5. Reinforce your brand identity
Showcase your brand’s distinct look, feel, or tagline. Nike employs its iconic “Just do it” slogan within its banner.
It instantly resonates with their fans and cements brand values.
6. Unveil new products or features
Use cover imagery to announce new offers, ensuring your audience stays informed.
When Buffer launched its Start Page, the cover photo shared essential details of the new offering.
7. Advertise an event
Utilize your Facebook cover space as a promotional tool for upcoming events.
The UFC expertly shares information about upcoming matches, ensuring fans know when to tune in.
8. Celebrate holidays or seasons
Shift your cover image according to seasons, special events, or holidays. Applying seasonal hues or motifs like snowflakes for winter can be visually effective.
To welcome fall, Starbucks adorned their cover photo with creatively designed pumpkin-shaped disco balls.
9. Amplify your social media campaigns or hashtags
Increase engagement by featuring hashtags related to social media campaigns on your cover photo.
Lego successfully did this with their #SuperpowerOfPlay campaign to foster creativity and play.
10. Make a bold statement
A cover photo is an impactful space for statements, whether to underscore brand values or solicit audience action.
Skillshare employs an empowering message, “The world is full of surprises. But so are you.”
11. Enjoy the process
Don’t shy away from displaying humor or a lighter side of your brand in your cover image.
Middle Eastern restaurant The Chicken & Rice Guys display their unique personality by echoing The Beatles’ Abbey Road — staff decked out in costume. It’s a delightful nod to their brand’s playful aspect.
Begin designing
Now that you’re familiar with optimal dimensions for your Facebook cover photo and have drawn inspiration from various examples and concepts, it’s the ideal moment to start your design process.
Next, focus on ensuring your social media posts are optimized for Facebook feeds. Refer to the social media image sizes guide to create high-quality visuals that enhance your feed presence.
Additionally, Buffer offers tools to schedule and evaluate your Facebook posts — streamlining your efforts while increasing engagement and traffic on Facebook.
Additional Facebook resources
Eager to expand your Facebook audience? Here are our newest insights:
📚 How to Garner More Followers on Facebook: 13 Proven Techniques
📚 Creating a Facebook Group Your Audience Admires: The Comprehensive Guide
📚 Understanding the Facebook Algorithm in 2024: Essential Insights
📚 Best Times to Post on Facebook: A Complete Guide
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