Skip to content
Home » Blog » How to Design Podcast Cover Art: Top Tools & Podcast Cover Art Maker

How to Design Podcast Cover Art: Top Tools & Podcast Cover Art Maker

You are scrolling through a list of podcasts, trying to decide which one to listen to. And a podcast grabbed your attention. What grabbed the attention first? The title? The description? It’s the cover art. Did you know that podcasts with eye-catching cover art are more likely to be chosen by listeners, even if their content isn’t as polished as others? First Impression is everything. Podcast cover art is one of the most important pieces of your podcast’s brand. Design podcast cover art and promotional graphics. Lets analyze what we need to keep in mind for podcast cover art ideas, podcast cover art size or dimensions and podcast cover art generator or makers.

The podcast cover art is that compact square image accompanying your podcast’s title, akin to an album cover for your podcast. When potential listeners explore new podcasts, this cover art is their initial point of contact. Ideally, your cover art should leave a lasting impression on your audience, becoming your podcast’s visual identity. Consider iconic album covers like The Beatles’ Abbey Road—a memorable image that lingers in people’s minds. Similarly, your podcast cover art should create a distinctive first impression on your listeners.

Design Podcast Cover as a Beginner

Designing podcast cover art doesn’t demand advanced graphic design skills; instead, it requires thinking like a designer. This involves delving into your podcast’s core—its subject matter, tone, target audience, and unique features—before starting the design process. If you are new to podcasting and starting from zero audience, you might want to read this blog on How to Start a Podcast with No Audience first. Once you’re prepared to translate ideas into visuals, attention to details such as fonts, colors, and white space becomes crucial. This guide will walk you through the process.

Podcasts primarily offer an auditory experience, establishing an intimate connection with the audience through spoken words. However, there’s a crucial visual element that demands attention: your podcast cover art. When listeners search for your podcast on their phones, the cover is their initial visual encounter. It becomes the visual ambassador for your podcast, conveying your message effectively. Equally important, compelling podcast cover art is a prerequisite for earning the status of a featured podcast on platforms.

Make sure it meets Apple Podcasts’ requirements

Your cover art must meet Apple Podcasts’ artwork requirements:

  • 3000 x 3000 pixels
  • Resolution of 72 dpi
  • JPG or PNG file type
  • RGB colorspace

3000 x 3000 looks massive, but each podcast directory will resize it in their app. Artwork that follows these guidelines will work in all of the podcast directories.

Tip: If you use Photoshop, keep your image at 72 dpi. Programs like Canva will do this automatically.

Test your artwork out on this site

It places it in mockups of iTunes, on mobile apps, and on different sites to see how it would appear along other shows and in various views.

I can’t see that show’s art that you linked to. (What a terrible podcast website, btw.)

I recommend big, bold lettering that’s clear to read on top of the background.

Scroll through iTunes and see what style jumps out at you.

The most important thing / (readable) text shall be in the middle, in a horizontal area covering about 50% of the image (the area above and under it shall be 25% each, i.e. 750 – 1500 – 750; for a total of 3000 pixel)

Podcast cover Design for Different Sizes

Make sure your new podcast artwork looks great everywhere it’s displayed:

  • as a small thumbnail in podcast apps,
  • in podcast directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify,
  • on large monitors, and
  • as an icon in Apple CarPlay.

Tip: Use this tool to preview how your artwork will look in podcast apps.

Clearly Carry Podcast Subject

Guarantee potential listeners can easily discern the subject of your podcast episodes by examining your artwork.

Which one of these scenarios best fits your podcast?

Podcasts about hobbies

If you are launching a hobbyist podcast, use artwork specific to your hobby.Podcast cover art with star wars imagry

If your podcast revolves around hobbies, incorporate artwork specific to that interest. For example, a Star Wars podcast should feature Star Wars-themed images to resonate with fellow superfans.

Podcasts promoting a business, brand, or church

If you are launching a podcast for an existing brand, use your existing logo and brand colors.Podcast art with prominent logos

For podcasts associated with existing brands, use the current logo and brand colors to maintain recognition among current customers and members.

Personality driven podcasts

Some of the most popular podcasts are personality-driven shows.Podcast art featuring famous people

Consider using a picture of the podcast host in your podcast cover artwork if the show is hosted by a celebrity or well-known person.

Limit your Words in Cover art

A good podcast cover can quickly get overwhelmed with too much text.

Most artwork doesn’t have space for the podcast title, tagline, and host’s name.

Limit yourself to using a maximum of seven words to ensure legibility.

Avoid using Explicit Language

Your podcast album cover must be censored even if it’s labeled as explicit in your RSS Feed.blurred artwork

  • Most podcast apps don’t allow nudity
  • Remove references to hard drug use or violence
  • Curse words should be censored in the artwork

Tip: If you’re unsure if your podcast violates these rules, search Apple Podcasts for similar podcasts to see what is acceptable.

Consider where your podcast cover will be used

Your artwork definitely has to work as a thumbnail in the podcast directory. But you’re also likely to use it elsewhere, such as your social media accounts and business cards.

As with many types of logos, versatility is the key. Make sure your podcast logo isn’t so busy as to be illegible on an iPod, but also not so sparse as to be boring on your homepage.

farm to table podcast logo

Another thing: make sure the audience knows it’s a podcast. I know this sounds obvious, but it’s a function that can be easily overlooked. If someone sees one of your clever tweets while scrolling through Twitter, you’ll want them to know you’re a car podcast, not a car dealership.

You could pick a name that makes it clear you’re a podcast, but another common solution to this problem is to include the iconography of podcasting in your design. Incorporate either a microphone or headphones into your podcast logo, and it becomes pretty obvious that this is a logo for something you listen to.

Some might say this is bordering on cliché, because these icons are very commonplace, but don’t let that deter you. They’re utilized frequently because they work. Just make sure to check out the competition, first. You could come up with a clever way of drawing a beer mug as a microphone for your microbrewery podcast, but someone else might have beaten you to it.

Use attractive typography

Limit visual distractions and focus on legibility by following these typography best practices.

  • Use a maximum of two fonts in your design
  • If you use two fonts, use one serif and one sans-serif font
  • Don’t crowd the image with text
  • Make sure it’s readable in small sizes
  • Avoid visually distracting lettering like papyrus or comic sans

Avoid Overused Podcasting Imagery

Unless your podcast is about the podcast industry, don’t use images of microphones and pop filters.Microphone podcast logo

Podcasting is the medium you’re using—it isn’t the subject of your show. Including headphones in your artwork is like putting pictures of DVDs and cameras on a movie poster.

Use consistent branding

Apple, Coca-Cola, and Nike are all masters at branding because they use consistent imagery across all their platforms.Consistent branding of the Nike podcast logo

Use the same colors, fonts, and images in your podcast artwork that you use on your website and on social media.

Use high-resolution images

Make sure your podcast artwork looks great by using high-resolution images.

If you use high-quality stock photos from Pexels or Shutterstock then they’ll be large enough to not look pixelated on any devices.

Use color selection to your advantage

If you’re creating a new brand with your podcast, you can be intentional about the colors you pick.

Be intentional about color choices, opting for contrasting colors that are eye-catching and draw potential listeners.

Look through the color palettes on Canva and Dribbble for inspiration.

Compress your final image

Optimize your podcast artwork for mobile devices by compressing high-resolution images. If hosted on Buzzsprout, automatic optimization is available.

Repurpose your artwork

Design your artwork with versatility in mind, allowing it to be repurposed on various platforms such as social media, business cards, and your podcast website, fostering a consistent and recognizable brand.

Castos offers a brilliant podcast cover art generator, Go try it out now! Besides canva offers free cover art templates which might help you as a beginner.

Some more Podcast cover art generators

Castos

Podcast Cover Image Design Tutorial by castos

Stand Out Amongst The Crowd

Your podcast cover art is literally the only thing that many potential subscribers will see about your show before making the decision to check out your content, or not.

Give them every chance you can to be inticed by your brand, your positioning, and your message with an interesting and well designed cover image.

Being Unique

Nobody sets out to create just another podcast, and you shouldn’t with your cover image either. Add some color, use striking design elements, and make a statement.

If you want to stand out from the competition in podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, this might be the simplest thing you can do.

Create A Brand For Your Podcast

Whether you know it or not, your podcast has a distinct identity. Giving your podcast brand a genuine identity is something you can do proactively and intentionally, or your audience can take care of it for you.

Furthermore, the brand might not be what you had in mind in that scenario. Take a stand and introduce yourself to your new audience.

Pixelied

How to make a podcast cover art under 60 seconds by Pixelied
Select format
Step 1

Click on ‘Podcast Cover Art’ from available formats to get started with the recommended dimensions.

Explore templates
Step 2

Search or browse from a wide variety of unique ready-made templates to stand out from all the noise and craft high-level covers in a matter of seconds.

Powerful editor
Step 3

Customize your podcast cover using our powerful editor – packed with tools like stock finder, icons, elements, mockups or upload your own files.

Download and publish your design
Step 4

When you’re done designing, simply download your new cover art in different file formats and upload it on your preferred platform.

Design.ai

How to make a podcast cover art with Designs.ai
How to make a podcast cover art with Designs.ai

1.Get started on Designs.ai Open Design Maker on your devices, then sign in or sign up for free with your email to get started. Search for ‘Podcast Cover’ to start designing.

2.Choose a podcast cover art. Explore Designs.ai’s huge library of professionally designed podcast cover templates. Pick your favorite template based on your preferences and needs to start making your podcast cover art now.

3.Customize your podcast cover art. Once you have found your favorite podcast cover art template, customize it to your liking. Play around with the design by adding images or other graphic elements. Adjust the text, fonts and colors with just a few simple clicks.

4.Download your podcast cover or thumbnail in PDF, JPG or PNG file. Then upload it to add or change your podcast cover art. You can always edit the design anytime

Kapwing

The user-friendly canvas size of Kapwing is compatible with all podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and BuzzSprout Podcasts. To effectively represent your podcast brand when promoting new episodes, repurpose and resize your design to fit social media and streaming platforms.

Craft your own templates for your podcast so you can update the cover art for each episode seamlessly. With Kapwing, your podcast logos, colors, and assets are saved all in one place so you have everything you need at the tip of your fingers. Graphic designer or not, the cover of your podcast is bound to draw more listeners in.

How to Make Cover Art for Your Podcast with kapwing

How to Make Cover Art for Your Podcast

  1. Start with a blank projectCreate a new project for with a blank canvas to start designing your podcast artwork.
  2. Add custom, bold text and elements that stand outMake the name of your podcast readable with clear, stylized text and your brand colors. Add faces of guest speakers and a white border around them for the classic podcast art style.
  3. Upload to your podcastExport your project and upload to attach to your podcast series! Share with others to promote your podcast by downloading a file or sharing your own URL link online.

Keep this in mind While Using Podcast cover art generators or makers

Though these Podcast cover art generators will be a good to go for the beginners but they will not provide you the 100% effort that is needed to make those audience click into your podcast. In these cases you might need to hire professionals who have been working in this field for a long time to get the best outcomes.

So, if you are in a condition to invest some pennies behind your podcast, this would be one of the best places to invest some. Here is a list of Podcast Cover Art Makers & Designers who can give you the best cover arts than anyone anywhere.

Salman A.

With over 300+ satisfied customers, He create the most visually appealing Podcast Cover Arts for iTunesSpotifyApple Podcasts, & Anchor in order to capture people’s attention at first glance.

Have a look at his Gig Packages:

Basic/Silver Package:

  • 1500×1500 Cover Art.
  • 3d Mockup.
  • Fast Turnaround.
  • 3Revisions.

Standard/Gold Package:

  • 3000×3000 Cover Art.
  • 3d Mockup.
  • Website Header & Cover Art Thumbnail.
  • 4 Revisions.

Premium/Platinum Package:

  • 3000×3000 Cover Art.
  • 1 logo
  • 3d Mockup.
  • Website Header, Cover Art Thumbnail & Social Media Kit.
  • Source File.
  • 5 Revisions.

Why should you choose me?

 Provides you with:

  • A Professional & attractive design.
  • High Quality graphics ranging from 1500px to 3000px.
  • Multiple file formats including JPG, PNG, SVG, & PDF.
  • Fast turnaround.
  • Free revisions up to 3 days of order completion.
  • 100% Client Satisfaction.

Nicat Sh

Nicast SH with 600+ happy customers is Ready to level up your podcast game with the best cover? He has got the design mojo to make your show pop and grab everyone’s attention!

Picture this: a custom-made, jaw-dropping podcast cover that shouts your podcast’s personality from the rooftops! ️ From quirky comedy to thrilling mysteries, He can create artwork that perfectly fits your unique vibe!

You dive deep into your podcast’s essence, genre, and audience to craft a visual masterpiece that tells your story at a glance. ️ Think eye-catching graphics, punchy titles, and a splash of pizzazz!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking to build a brand that sticks, He has got your back. With logos, color magic, and font-fu, your podcast will have a cohesive look that stands out in the podcast jungle.

 He is in this together until you’re 100% pumped about your cover art with unlimited revisions.

Rai Saqi

As a Podcast Cover Design Artist, Saqi knows Podcast Cover Art is very significant to grab your audience’s attention. Saqi providing Professional Podcast Cover Art for all platforms like, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Podcast, etc.

Here are the Packages!

  • BASIC PACKAGE:
  • HQ Podcast Cover (1 Concept)
  • Size (1600x1600px)
  • 3D Presentation Mockup
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • STANDARD PACKAGE: (Recommended)
  • HQ Podcast Cover (1 Concept)
  • Size (3000x3000px)
  • 3D Presentation Mockup
  • Source File
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • Commercial Use
  • PREMIUM PACKAGE:
  • HQ Podcast Cover (2 Concepts)
  • Size (3000x3000px)
  • 3D Presentation Mockup
  • Source File
  • Social Media Kit
  1. Profile Pictures
  2. Banners (any two) Facebook, Twitter, etc.
  • Commercial Use
  • Unlimited Revisions

Ajmir

If you need a Brand new identity Logo for your business, product, company, website, or any other projects then you are at the right place,

Why Him?

  1. Awesome logo concept
  2. Lifetime support
  3. 100% complete work
  4. Editable file
  5. All formats ( eps, ai, pdf, SVG, jpeg, png ) And others
  6. unlimited revision
  7. 100% Money-back Guarantee
  8. Awesome Cover Art 

 Package Details 

(BASIC Package 10$)  

  • 2 Cover Concepts – 2000×2000 px – Including Template – Multiple revisions- 1 logo

( Super Package $20)

  • 2 Cover Concepts – 2 Cover Concepts – 3000×3000 px – Including Template – 2 logos

( Premium Package Only $50)

  • 3 Cover Concepts – 3 Logo Concepts – Social Media Kit for promoting

How important is podcast cover art for attracting listeners?

Your podcast cover art plays a crucial role in catching the attention of potential listeners. It serves as the visual gateway to your content, influencing a listener’s decision to explore your episodes.

What dimensions should I use for podcast cover art to ensure optimal visibility?

To ensure optimal visibility across platforms, it’s recommended to adhere to standard dimensions. The commonly accepted size is 3000 x 3000 pixels, catering to various display requirements in podcast directories and apps.

Can I use my existing brand logo for my podcast cover art?

Absolutely! Incorporating your existing brand logo into your podcast cover art is a great way to maintain brand consistency. It helps current customers recognize your podcast and establishes a cohesive brand image.

Is there a preferred color scheme for podcast cover art to enhance visibility?

While there’s no strict rule, choosing contrasting colors can make your podcast cover art more eye-catching. This not only attracts potential listeners but also contributes to better visibility in crowded podcast directories.

Do podcast cover art best practices differ for various genres, such as business podcasts or hobby-focused shows?

Yes, podcast cover art best practices can vary based on the genre. For instance, hobby-focused podcasts benefit from incorporating specific images related to the hobby, while business podcasts may align with existing brand colors and logos.

How can I ensure my podcast cover art complies with platform requirements?

To ensure compliance with various podcast platforms, your cover art should follow specific guidelines. These may include maintaining a resolution of 72 dpi, using JPG or PNG file types, and adhering to RGB colorspace, among other specifications.

How can I design my podcast artwork independently?

Crafting your podcast artwork can be done at no cost using tools like Canva or Adobe Spark. For those seeking a more polished look, hiring a graphic designer or freelancer is a viable option.

What is the average expense for podcast cover art?

While many successful podcasts have crafted their artwork for free, opting for professional assistance is also common. Costs typically vary between $65 and $1,000, depending on the expertise and rates of the chosen graphic designer.

What elements are essential in podcast cover art?

A well-designed podcast cover should incorporate your podcast title, align with your brand colors, and feature a graphic that encapsulates the essence of your podcast’s subject matter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, podcast cover art is not just about creating an image; if you want to design podcast cover art you should think about narrating a visual story that resonates with your audience. To Design podcast cover requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and an acute understanding of your podcast’s narrative. It’s not merely about what meets the eye; it’s about what captures the attention and beckons the audience into the captivating world of your podcast. Create your own podcast covers to give your episodes the best possible first impression and draw in new listeners. Developing a distinctive cover for your program and every episode is essential to growing your audience of listeners.

Into Podcasting? Podcasting is a different game, and without a precise blueprint, the game will get tougher in the midway. Grow your podcast from scratch with Zero Audience and learn about how successful podcasters cracked the code by winning our Free Guide with step by step Guidelines.

Get your complete podcast equipment setup by visiting Podcast Equipment Bundle. Get in touch with podcasting services and experts those will save you tons of time at Podcast Production Services.

With that being said, Let’s connect with all such free and paid tool/services you might need knowingly or unknowingly to fuel your growth. Here’s 21 BEST AI TOOLS AND PLATFORMS TO GROW YOUR PODCAST AND CONTENTS. There are some bonus tools in the end too to make your day to day life easier.

There are some affiliate links on this page that will redirect you directly to the original products and services. Also by buying through those links you will be supporting us. So thank you ^.^