Should Content Creators Care About Instagram Reel Covers?
Does it have Real Impact?
If you’re investing time in making custom Reel covers, read this before your next upload
What Instagram’s Head Adam Mosseri has clarified:
1) Your Reel cover/thumbnail does not impact reach or algorithmic distribution
2) Custom thumbnails (from Canva/Adobe Express) have zero negative effect on how your Reel performs in Recommendations or Explore: algorithm simply doesn’t care
So, where do Reel covers actually matter?
1) Profile Grid Aesthetics:
– Covers show up in your feed and profile grid, they make first impressions
– A branded grid signals professionalism and intentionality
– Messy grids > confused visitors
2) Profile-Level Click-Through:
– A cover with clear topic text helps profile visitors instantly pick content that interests them
– This boosts your views from returning and new profile visitors
3) Content Discoverability:
– Creators who teach, coach, or share resources benefit most clear covers make your profile a searchable resource library for your audience
4) Brand Consistency:
– Consistent covers with your brand colors/fonts build credibility and trust
– Even if you skip covers sometimes, intentional design has compounding effects
5) No Impact on Algorithm, But Yes on Human Behavior:
– Most Reel views come from IG’s Recommendations, where cover isn’t shown
– But people do judge your expertise based on profile appearance
Pro Tips for Reel Covers (if you use them):
– Keep the core message in the center/top third of the cover
– Limit text to 3-4 actionable words
– Use template batches—update covers even after posting
– Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1920 px (safe zone in the center)
Who Should Focus on Reel Covers?
– Business, educational, and expert-led creators: Covers = valuable asset
– Entertainment-only creators: Optional for algorithm, useful for branding
Bottom Line:
Covers don’t change reach, but they make your content discoverable and your brand trustworthy, especially for “profile browsers.”
What’s working for you?
Do custom covers drive more clicks from your profile?
Drop your results & questions below
