Last verified Oct 8, 2026 against Instagram Help Center documentation and in-app behavior.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Cover upload size | 1080 × 1920 px |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 |
| Grid display area | Center 1080 × 1350 px (4:5) |
| Reels tab display | Full 9:16 |
| Formats | JPG, PNG |
The profile grid displays tiles that appear 1:1 square, but tapping reveals 4:5. Place titles and faces within the vertical center 70% to stay safe in both views.
Why Custom Covers Matter
Without a custom cover, Instagram picks a random frame from your video. This frame is usually blurry or meaningless. A designed cover with a clear title makes your profile look polished and tells visitors what each Reel is about at a glance.
How to Create a Reels Cover
- Open Instagram Story Maker — a 1080 × 1920 canvas loads instantly.
- Add a screenshot or still from your video as the background.
- Add your title in a large, bold font near the center. Keep it within the top 285px–bottom 1635px safe zone.
- Use text shadow or a semi-transparent box behind the text for readability against dark backgrounds.
- Save as JPG.
- When uploading your Reel in the Instagram app, tap "Edit Cover," then tap the camera-roll icon to choose your custom image.
Building a Consistent Grid
Use the same font, same text position (top, center, or bottom), and same background treatment across all your Reels covers. For series content, add episode numbers or labels in a consistent location. This makes your profile instantly recognizable.
Common Issues
- Cover is blurry: The source image resolution is too low, or you used a motion-blurred video frame. Upload a 1080 × 1920 px image.
- Text is cropped on the grid: The top and bottom 15% of the 9:16 image get cropped. Move text into the center 70%.
- Cover won't update: Instagram sometimes caches the old cover. Force-close the app and reopen it.
Checklist
- Cover image is 1080 × 1920 px (9:16)?
- Key text is in the vertical center 70%?
- Style (font, color, position) is consistent across all Reels?
- The cover clearly communicates the video topic?
FAQ
What size should a Reels cover be?
1080 × 1920 px (9:16 ratio). On your profile grid, only the center 1080 × 1350 px (4:5) is visible.
Can I change the Reels cover later?
Yes. Edit the post, tap the cover image, and choose a new image from your camera roll or pick a different frame from the video.
How do I keep text from being cropped on the grid?
Place key text and faces within the vertical center 70% of the canvas. The top and bottom 15% each may be cropped on the grid.