How to Make a Podcast Cover: Design Tips, Size and Templates

You’ve checked your mic, polished the content, and chosen the perfect audio platform. You’re all set to upload your podcast, right? Not so fast! Have you considered your podcast cover? 

Let’s be honest: would you click on a podcast without a cover?  Probably not! But how to make a podcast cover within minutes? We will answer your query in this blog elaborately.

This blog is your comprehensive guide to podcast covers, covering everything from their definition to a step-by-step creation process. We’ll also delve into the key elements that make your cover picture stand out. Need specifics? We’ve covered you with size requirements for Apple, Spotify, and YouTube!

But that’s not all – get ready for expert design tips, complete with template examples that bring each tip to life. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned podcaster, these insights will help you create a cover that grabs attention and drives clicks. Let’s get started and make your podcast shine!

What is Podcast Cover Art

A podcast cover is a picture that appears along with other details like the podcast title, host, day, time, etc. Think of it as the cover photo of an album. It is the first thing that catches your attention when encountering a podcast, so make sure it leaves an unforgettable impression.

For example, look at this stunning design from DocHipo’s Podcast Cover Templates.

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What Should You Include in Your Podcast Cover Art

There is no hard and fast rule when designing your cover. However, there are key components that you can include to convey the information. These are:

• Title 
• Graphics
• Host name or brand name
• Timings
• Episode numbers

It is not essential to include all the information on the cover. However, the title is a must. You can also include the guest names and a brief subtitle for various episodes. 

Depending on your purpose, the podcast cover can be as minimalistic or attention-grabbing as you like. It can include pictures, illustrations, typography, icons, or CTAs. Here are two designs that display different content information to help you better understand podcast cover designs.

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Podcast Logo and Podcast Cover Art

Many people confuse podcast logos with cover art. A podcast logo is an integral part of your branding that remains constant, whereas a podcast cover represents the subject and theme to give a better idea of the content. 

Your podcast logo can be your cover art. However, you can also use the logo within the cover photo, for merchandise, and as a promotional asset elsewhere. Technically, you can start a podcast without a logo but cannot do so without a cover picture.

To give you a better idea, here are examples of podcast covers you will encounter when searching for podcasts on Spotify.

If you are still confused about the difference between the logo and the cover, consider this podcast cover, which has a logo design.

Why is Podcast Cover Art Important

Your cover design is a visual representation of your audio files. Since the first impression is the last, the cover tells much about your theme, tone, timing, and the person behind the mic. Especially when you invite a guest, the front picture creates hype for your podcast episode. Look at a variety of podcasts from Spotify in this picture. You can guess the theme and tone of each one easily.

A podcast cover is more than a choice; it is a necessity. Major directories like Apple and Spotify do not accept podcasts without a artwork photo, so a cover pic is a must to make your podcast more accessible to your listeners.

Besides creating your visual identity, an excellent podcast artwork design helps you intrigue your audience and stand out. For instance, this captivating design hooks the audience with the intriguing title and graphics. Think of your cover art as a sneak peek for your audience. Your listeners’ anticipation will lead them to listen to your podcast.

Look at this design from Business Podcast Cover Templates, which informs you about a special episode.

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What Makes a Good Podcast Cover Art

If you are wondering how to create a good podcast artwork, there are a few things you need to consider. First, the picture should convey essential details about your channel. So, what makes a podcast stand out?

It includes the brand logo, title, high-resolution image, and the correct design elements. A clean yet unique design drags more attention than an overly complicated one. In addition, you should also ensure the legibility of the pictures, as most people would view your cover art on small screens. 

So, what should a podcast cover look like to grab your listener’s attention? These are a few pointers you should keep in mind while creating a design:

• Brand elements or distinct visual identity.
• Legibility 
• Clear message
• Clean yet unique design

For inspiration, check out this cover photo from Music Podcast Cover Templates, which features stand-out graphics and a clean font style.

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Podcast Cover Art Size

Following the right podcast artwork size is essential for smoothly uploading your picture. Therefore, you should follow the dimensions from the beginning, even before you ask how to create a podcast cover design.

If you are wondering what format podcast cover art is or what is the best file type for a podcast cover, it largely depends on the directories or streaming platforms. 

This section covers the size of a podcast cover, the ratio for podcast cover art, and the suitable file type for Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Apple Podcast Cover Art Requirements

Apple Artwork Requirements suggest you use original, simple, legible photos. Plus, you should avoid using placeholder images, blurred or pixelated graphics, or explicit language. Let’s explore what size is the Apple podcast cover art:

• Size: 3000 X 3000 pixels. However, if you submit your show via RSS feed, the platform accepts sizes between 1400 X 1400 and 3000 X 3000 pixels.
• File Type: JPEG or PNG
• Ratio: 1:1

Spotify Podcast Cover Art Requirements

Spotify emphasizes using high-resolution pictures, and you should refrain from stretching small photos at all costs. So, what format is Spotify cover art in, or what are the requirements for Spotify podcast cover? Let’s explore Spotify podcast cover size:

• Size: 1400 X 1400 and 3000 X 3000.
• File Type: TIFF, PNG, or JPG
• Ratio: 1:1

YouTube Podcast Cover Art Size

On YouTube, podcasts are not limited to audio content; they include video. So, what is a visual podcast called? A vodcast! The cover art size for YouTube podcasts is:

• Size: 1400 X 1400 and 3000 X 3000.
• File Type: PNG or JPG
• Ratio: 1:1

Apart from the cover art, consider the ideal YouTube thumbnail size and make a YouTube thumbnail for every podcast episode to engage your audience. 

If you are wondering, ‘What size is the cover art for Google podcasts?’, you can follow the size specs for Apple. However, Google has discontinued the podcasts in 2024.

Tips to Create the Best Podcast Cover

Knowing the importance of cover art, you must be eager to create one. However, before you explore how to make a podcast cover, you must ensure that whatever you bring to the table should be one of the best podcasts art.

That’s why you should sail through some crucial design tips to make designing your cover art picture easy. Plus, with every tip, get cover examples in template form, acting as the launchpad for great designs.

Understand Your Audience

Before you jump on designing, know your audience first. It requires a bit of soul-searching, where you ask a few questions.

• Who are your potential listeners?
• What are the demographics? (age, sex, region, etc.) 
• What aligns your podcast with their interest?
• Where will you find them? (which platform)

Note down the answers to these questions in one place to gain clarity about your audience. To illustrate, here are two contrasting podcast covers for different types of listeners.

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The format and vibe of both podcast pictures pique your interest, depending on your agenda. While the first one sets a professional and informative tone, the second one eases you into the musicality of jazz with its creative display.

Take Inspiration from Your Competitors

After knowing your audience, it’s time to understand your competitors. Observe the covers of the podcast in your niche. Again, ask a few questions like:

• What did you like about the cover?
• What are things similar in all the podcast covers?
• What makes your show unique or different from others?
• How do they incorporate brand elements into their cover?

You have the essential details to incorporate into your podcast cover design when you have answered all the questions.

Create Visual Identity in Podcast Covers

The best podcast graphic design is simple yet carries a unique visual identity that sets it apart. You should consider brand elements, tone, complementary colors, and imagery to achieve it. You must know about graphic design principles to create a stunning cover picture. 

Use eye-catching color combinations to achieve the desired effect on your audience. To gain better insight into colors, refer to a color wheel and apply color theory for maximum impact.

To illustrate, here is an artwork picture in warm tones that exudes an energetic vibe with the background color. 

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Or, check out this design from Technology Podcast Cover Templates with a delicate balance of contrasting colors.

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Choose Relevant, High-quality, and Catchy Podcast Graphics 

We like to see things in refined, high-resolution graphics in the digital world. Therefore, you should always use polished, high-quality pictures to create the best podcast graphic design.

Remember the context of your podcast episode before using any image. A misleading podcast cover works against your channel.

One of the common questions that pops into everybody’s head is, ‘Should I put my picture on my podcast cover?’ approach this question from the perspective of what value your picture adds to your podcast.

Are you a well-known celebrity in your niche? Or do you want to grow your brand? In these cases, you can prefer to add your image. However, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. 

A high-quality, professionally taken image can elevate your podcast’s perception. Avoid using casual selfies or poorly-lit photos – they can detract from the credibility of your podcast, no matter how good the content is. Just ensure your chosen image amplifies your message, matches your podcast’s vibe, and inspires confidence in your audience.

Consider this simple business podcast cover that walks the talk with a sleek and professional headshot.

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Remember, when you put your face on the cover, you will inevitably invite judgment. If you are uncomfortable with the thought, you can choose not to put your picture, too, as it has nothing to do with the success of your podcast.

Instead, you can leverage stunning, out-of-the-box imagery to grab your audience’s attention. Look at this podcast cover template with impactful futuristic imagery, ready to create hype for the upcoming episode.

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Let Typography Set the Tone

Typography in design plays a crucial role in the podcast cover. Apart from conveying the essential details, typography sets the mood for your podcast. However, you should avoid adding too much text or fonts to the design.

So, what is the best font for podcast cover art? You should go for a sans-serif font or a script font for the text on your cover. Since there is no hard and fast rule, you can opt for font pairings using both.

This template design gives a better idea of using typography in podcast covers. Observe the play of typefaces, fonts, and colors in the typography that elevates the look.

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You can also express more with your typography. Here are some cool fonts for album covers within this podcast cover picture resembling organized structure.

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Use White Space in Podcast Art Design

Clean designs enhance your chances of being noticed. White space is the key to creating visual balance. It allows you to use various design elements without creating a cluttered look.

Here is a podcast cover template with many elements, but everything fits together to help you better understand white balance.

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White space also helps to focus on specific elements in the design. Consider this sleek design, which focuses on the title and CTA for inspiration.

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Consider Podcast Cover Size Requirements

Lastly, always check the size specifications for the platform on which you are uploading your podcast. Consider the resolution and file size for a smooth upload of your cover picture. For your convenience, DocHipo Podcast Cover Templates are already a standard size. However, you can easily change the size with the smart resize feature.

Explore the smart resize feature in DocHipo with this video.

How to Make a Podcast Cover Using DocHipo

With all the crucial information in your tips, you are ready to create your podcast cover. But you may ask, ‘How do I make my podcast cover?’ Creating an eye-catching cover without the right design tool is like pushing the rock up the hill.

Don’t worry. DocHipo brings a hassle-free way to design with professional Podcast Cover Templates. Sign up and create a podcast cover in three simple steps.

1. Choose Your Template

After signing up with DocHipo, you will land on the All Templates page. Here, you can search for Podcast cover templates.

Now, you will come across dozens of cover templates for your podcast. To narrow down your search, you can pick a template category. To illustrate, let’s choose the business podcast cover templates.

Before you choose a template, hover over the designs and preview them to get a sense of their look and feel. Once you are sure, select the template and continue editing within the editor.

Learn more about finding templates in DocHipo.

2. Customize Your Podcast Cover Template

Within the DocHipo editor, you get a rich design widget library with millions of icons, stickers, illustrations, animations, text frames, shapes, lines, stock images, videos, etc. 

Customize the Text

Editing text is manageable within your podcast cover design. You can select any text on the layout and replace it with your own words.

Next, you can choose a font from hundreds of options by selecting the Font option from the editing bar at the top. 

You can further experiment with your text using the effects. Select the Effect option from the editing bar and revamp your text with shadow, border, and outline effects.

Learn more about Widget Effects in DocHipo.

Further, this video tutorial explores how to customize the text in DocHipo.

Customize the Picture

After customizing your text, you can edit the pictures on the cover layout. To do so, select the Pictures widget from the menu.

Now, search the stock images library for your pictures. You will find millions of on-theme images.

Choose a picture that goes with your layout. Drag and drop the image in the desired place to change the picture. Voila! You have changed the image in an instant.

Explore the stock photo library in DocHipo.

Apart from stock images, you can upload your pictures using DocHipo. Watch this video to know more.

Customize the Color

Customize the color of the background and design elements within the layout by selecting the Color option from the editing bar.

You can also select Color Themes widgets to apply preset color combinations to your layout.

Further, you can change the color of the layout with a single click. Try different color combinations, and choose one that suits your design. 

Explore Color Themes in DocHipo.

3. Download Your Design

Once you are impressed with the best art podcast design, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the editor to download your design.

Now, choose the file format and quality of the design you want and download the design. Voila! You have downloaded the design.

Get started with DocHipo with this video.

Wrapping Up

We have come a long way in exploring how to make a podcast cover. Now you know what podcast covers are, their purpose, and what elements set a stunning design apart. From size specifications to design tips, you have everything at your fingertips. 

You are just one step away from creating your podcast cover. Never start from scratch, and give your designs wings with DocHipo templates. Sign up today and make your podcast cover within minutes!

FAQs

What is the cover of a podcast called?

A cover of a podcast is known as podcast cover art.

How to design a podcast cover?

Consider your niche and audience when designing a podcast cover. Then, create a clean cover design with high-quality graphics, attractive typography, and complementary colors. You can design a podcast cover using DocHipo in three simple steps:

1. Choose your podcast template cover art
2. Customize your cover design
3. Download your design with standard podcast cover specifications

Can you change podcast cover art?

You can change your podcast cover art on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Are podcasts expensive to make?

No, podcasts are inexpensive. All you need is essential equipment for recording and a streaming platform to upload your podcast.

What format should Spotify podcast cover be?

Your podcast cover can be in the TIFF, PNG, or JPG format.

What size should a podcast cover be?

The standard podcast cover size specifications are as follows:

• Size: 1400 X 1400 and 3000 X 3000.
• File Type: PNG or JPG
• Ratio: 1:1

What are the requirements for Spotify cover art?

The requirements for Spotify podcast cover art are:

• Size: 1400 X 1400 and 3000 X 3000.
• File Type: TIFF, PNG, or JPG
• Ratio: 1:1