How to Design a Winning Podcast Cover
A little over a decade ago, who would have thought that people would be listening to talk shows on their phones? Podcasts have come a long way since their inception, and today they’re one of the most popular forms of content consumption.
According to Edison Research, 67 million Americans listen to podcasts every month. That’s nearly a quarter of the population!
If you’re looking to start a podcast or are in the process of redesigning your show’s artwork, keep reading. In this blog post, we will discuss tips for designing a winning podcast cover.
So, what is a podcast cover?
A podcast cover is the art that will represent your show in people’s podcast apps. It’s like the cover of a book; it should be eye-catching and give listeners an idea of what they can expect from the content inside.
Your podcast cover is the first thing potential listeners will see when they come across your show. It should be eye-catching and give them a taste of what your podcast is about. What design will stop people from scrolling and want to know more about what your podcast has to offer?
More specifically, your podcast cover should be 2000×2000 pixels and have a safe space of 1500×1500 pixels in the center. As far as the actual design goes, that really depends on what your podcast is all about, but there are a few things that all great podcast covers have in common: they usually make use of negative space, include some type of artwork or photography, they might have simple typography, and they use colors that pop.
Goals need to be specific and measurable.
How much more money do you want to make? Choose a specific number or percentage. How many more employees do you want to hire? How many more products do you want to create? How many more new customers do you want to win over? Are these short-term goals or long-term?
Being vague and nonspecific about your goals might be tempting, as it may seem they will be easier to achieve that way, but you’d be doing yourself a major disservice. Push yourself by being specific and detailed in your goal setting, doing so will set you up for success and keep you on track.
Need a little more inspiration? Check out these helpful tips for designing your own eye-catching podcast cover.
Use Negative Space: Negative space is the empty space around the subject of an image. When used correctly, negative space can add balance and visual interest to a design. In the context of podcast covers, negative space can help your title and artwork stand out.
Choose Simple Typography: When it comes to typography, less is almost always more. A great cover should have a simple title that is easy to read. The last thing you want is for potential listeners to see your cover and be turned off by a busy or hard-to-read design.
Opt for Colors that Pop: Another way to make your podcast cover stand out is to use colors that pop. This doesn’t mean that you should use every color under the sun, but rather, choose a few colors that complement each other and will grab attention and reflect the overall vibe of your podcast.
Consider Hiring a Professional: If you’re not confident in your design skills or just don’t have the time to design a cover yourself, consider hiring a professional. A designer will be able to create a custom cover that is unique to your show and fits all of the specifications required by podcast directories.
Photo or Artwork: Your podcast cover could also include a photo or artwork that represents your show. This could be a headshot of you or your co-hosts, an image related to the topic of your podcast, or anything else that you think would be eye-catching and representative of your content.
Keep it Simple: When in doubt, keep it simple. A busy or cluttered design is more likely to turn people off than an eye-catching and straightforward one.
Inspiration Break!
Here are some examples of podcast covers designed by our talented graphic designers. To see the full gallery, click here.
Back to our tips and tricks...
Design for a Variety of Sizes: When you’re designing your podcast cover, keep in mind that it will be displayed in a variety of sizes. It should look just as good on a small thumbnail as it does on a full-size image.
Use High-Resolution Images: Another important thing to keep in mind is that your podcast cover should be high resolution. This will ensure that it looks sharp and clear no matter where it’s being viewed.
Test Out a Few Designs: Before you settle on a design, be sure to test out a few different options. See how they look in your podcast app of choice and get feedback from friends or family members. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a design that you’re not happy with. Pssst… NLC always offers unlimited revisions and multiple variations so you can be confident in your design!
Show Some Personality: Your podcast cover is a great opportunity to show off your personality and what your podcast is all about. Have fun with it and make sure that your cover truly represents you and your show.
Avoid Overused Podcasting Imagery: In the world of podcasting, there are a few images that are used over and over again. Steer clear of these clichéd designs and try to come up with something unique and original.
Use Consistent Branding: If you already have branding for your podcast, be sure to carry that over into your cover design. This will help listeners recognize your show and make it more likely that they’ll tune in.
Think About the Future: When you’re designing your cover, think about the future. Will you still be happy with this design a year from now? If not, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.
Try Repurposing Your Artwork: If you already have artwork for your podcast (like album art or a logo), you might be able to repurpose it for your cover. This can save you time and money, and it will help keep your branding consistent.
Get Feedback from Others: Before you settle on a design, be sure to get feedback from others. Ask your friends and family what they think of your design, and get input from fellow podcasters. Their feedback can help you fine-tune your design and make sure that it’s the best it can be.
Are you feeling inspired yet?
Now you have the tools you need to design a winning podcast cover! Use these tips and tricks to come up with a cover that is eye-catching, representative of your show, and sure to attract new listeners. Need some help with your podcast cover design? Turn to the pros! Click here to contact us today.