Your podcast artwork is often the first thing potential listeners see when browsing through podcast directories or social media.

 

It serves as the visual representation of your podcast and creates the initial impression of your show. Eye-catching and professional podcast artwork entices people to click on your podcast and learn more about it.

 

But what kind of artwork do you need for a podcast? Is this something you can do yourself? Or should you hire a graphic designer?

 

Essential Podcast Artwork Assets

Here at TPG, we recommend that podcasters develop the following podcast artwork assets:

1. 1. Podcast Show Artwork
   2. Episode Artwork Template
   3. Quote Card Template
   4. YouTube Channel Banner Art
   5. YouTube Channel Profile Pic
   6. YouTube Episode Thumbnail Template
   7. YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Template
   8. Instagram Reels Cover Template
   9. Blog Post Featured Image Template

But why? What purpose does each graphic serve?

 

I’m glad you asked.

 

Podcast Show Artwork

This podcast artwork is used to promote the show as a whole and is displayed across all podcast directories and apps.

 

It should contain your logo, show name, and a compelling image that represents your podcast.

 

Avoid putting important artwork elements in the bottom fifth of your image as they may be obscured by play progress, labels, or subscription offerings.

 

Specs:

• 3000 x 3000 pixels square; if you’re submitting your show via RSS feed, Apple Podcasts accepts show cover artwork ranging from 1400 x 1400 to 3000 x 3000 pixels, but the largest size is preferred
• JPEG or PNB
• 500 KB maximum file size

Examples:

Podcast Episode Artwork

We recommend creating a Canva template so that you (or someone on your team) can modify parts of the design from episode to episode. Create placeholders for:

• Guest Headshot
  
• Host Headshot
• Episode Title
• Episode Number

Specs:

• 3000 x 3000 pixels square; if you’re submitting your show via RSS feed, Apple Podcasts accepts show cover artwork ranging from 1400 x 1400 to 3000 x 3000 pixels, but the largest size is preferred
• JPEG or PNB
• 500 KB maximum file size

Examples:

 

 

Podcast Quote Card Artwork

One of the best ways to promote individual episodes of your podcast on social media is through quote cards.

 

We recommend creating 5 to 7 Canva templates that can be modified from episode to episode. Create placeholders for:

• Guest Headshot (optional)
• Episode Title
• Episode Number
• Notable Quote

 

YouTube Channel Banner Art

Another essential podcast artwork asset is YouTube channel banner art. It is displayed at the top of a YouTube channel’s page and serves as a branding tool to create a compelling first impression for visitors.

 

Be aware that the artwork will be cropped on some devices, so it’s important to design the banner art for your podcast in a way that will work with all possible devices.

 

Specs:

• 2560 pixels x 1440 pixels; the safe area that will display on all devices is the central area of 1546 pixels x 423 pixels, so keep any logos, text, or image focal points in this area
• JPG, GIF, BMP, or PNG
• 6 MB maximum file size

Examples:

 

 

YouTube Channel Profile Picture

A YouTube channel profile picture is a small image that represents your podcast across the platform. It is typically displayed beside the channel name and on comments and can be either a brand logo for a cohesive brand identity or a photo of yourself for a more personal connection with your audience.

 

Specs:

• Square or round; 800 X 800 pixels recommended
• JPG, GIF, BMP, or PNG file (no animated GIFs)

**Note that square images will automatically be round cropped by YouTube’s interface. For instance, this is the photo Marie Forleo submitted…

 

 

And it appears as follows on her YouTube channel:

 

 

Additional Examples:

 

 

YouTube Episode Thumbnail Template

A YouTube thumbnail has the same function as a movie poster or a book jacket, capturing attention and persuading people that clicking play is worth their time. 

 

It should include the show’s title (or logo) as well as a placeholder for the title of the episode, the guest’s name, and a headshot of the guest and/or host.

 

Specs:

• 1280 pixels x 720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
• JPG, GIF, or PNG
• 2 MB maximum file size

Examples:

 

YouTube Shorts/Instagram Reels Thumbnail Template

The Shorts Thumbnail/Reel Cover Photo previews your content with the intent of convincing someone to click and listen to your podcast.

 

You can either choose a still frame from the Short/Reel itself, design a static image to use as the thumbnail, or use a combination of the two.

The ideal size for a Shorts Thumbnail/Reel Cover Photo is 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels (a 9:16 aspect ratio). 

 

But be aware that Instagram Reel Cover Photos vary in size depending on how they’re viewed:

• In your profile grid, they’re cropped to 1:1
• On the main feed, thumbnails are 4:5
• On the dedicated Instagram Reels tab, thumbnails are shown in full 9:16

Design accordingly, bearing in mind that your Cover Photo will be cropped in different ways depending on where it’s shown.

 

Examples:

 

Tim Ferriss chooses a good still frame of the guest from the Short/Reel and adds the guest’s name (with a fun little arrow) and the topic discussed:

 

 

The Art of Kindness Podcast uses a combination of a still frame of the guest with a graphic including the guest’s name, show theme and podcast logo/handle:

 

 

Mel Robbins’ template has a spot for a good still shot from the video, along with her logo and a good teaser re: how you’ll benefit from listening:

 

 

Other podcasters prefer to keep things simple and use the same static image from episode to episode:

 

Blog Post Header/Featured Image Podcast Artwork (optional)

If your website calls for a square header or featured image, you can simply repurpose the episode artwork, as in the following example:

 

 

However, if the sizing on your site is 9:16, you may want to design a template with those specs. Again, a Canva template works well for this purpose.

 

Examples:

Podcast artwork is an essential element of your podcast’s overall presentation and marketing strategy.

 

It helps you make a positive first impression, build a strong brand identity, and help you stand out from the crowd, attracting potential listeners to explore your content further.

 

So, don’t miss the opportunity to create a distinct visual presence through memorable—and sharable—podcast artwork!

 

And if you need support in getting your podcast off the ground, TPG’s launch package will help you with all of the details—including the creation of visually interesting podcast artwork!