To add custom covers to your Instagram Story Highlights, you will edit an existing highlight or create a new one, then select your desired cover image from your device's gallery. This process allows you to brand your profile and create a cohesive visual aesthetic.
What Are Instagram Story Highlights?
Instagram Story Highlights are curated collections of your past Instagram Stories that appear as permanent circles on your profile, below your bio. Unlike regular stories that disappear after 24 hours, highlights remain visible until you choose to remove them, making them excellent for showcasing your best content, products, or services.
Adding custom covers to these highlights transforms them from generic story thumbnails into branded, aesthetically pleasing icons. This enhances your profile's visual appeal, makes navigation easier for visitors, and reinforces your brand identity.
Designing Your Instagram Highlight Covers
Before you can add a cover, you need to create one. These covers are essentially small, circular images that visually represent the content within each highlight.
Key Design Considerations
When designing your highlight covers, keep these points in mind:
- Size: While Instagram Stories are typically 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio), highlight covers are displayed as small circles. It's best to design a square image (e.g., 1080x1080 pixels) and ensure your main icon or text is centered to account for the circular crop.
- Branding: Use your brand's color palette, fonts, and overall style to maintain consistency with your other social media presence.
- Clarity: Opt for simple, recognizable icons or short, clear text. Avoid clutter, as the image will be small.
- Consistency: A uniform look across all your highlight covers makes your profile look professional and organized.
Popular Design Tools
You don't need to be a graphic designer to create stunning highlight covers. Several user-friendly tools can help:
| Tool Name | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Drag-and-drop interface, templates, vast element library | Beginners, quick designs, non-designers |
| Adobe Express | AI-powered features, branding kits, template options | Comprehensive design, brand consistency |
| Photoshop/Illustrator | Advanced editing, custom graphics, professional control | Experienced designers, unique illustrations |
Step-by-Step Design Process (Using a Tool like Canva)
- Choose a Template: Search for "Instagram Highlight Cover" templates, or start with a custom-sized square design (e.g., 1080x1080 pixels).
- Select a Background: Choose a solid color that matches your brand, or a subtle texture.
- Add an Icon or Text: Use a clear icon that represents the highlight's content (e.g., a camera for "Photography Tips," a shopping bag for "Products"). Alternatively, use a single word or initial.
- Position Centrally: Ensure your icon or text is perfectly centered within the square design, as only the middle portion will be visible in the circular highlight.
- Export: Download your finished cover as a high-quality PNG or JPG file to your phone's camera roll.
How to Add or Change Highlight Covers on Instagram
Once you have your custom cover images ready, you can easily apply them to your Instagram Highlights.
For an Existing Highlight
This process allows you to update the cover of a highlight you've already created:
- Go to Instagram: Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Select the Highlight: Click on the specific highlight on your profile that you wish to edit.
- Access Edit Options: While viewing the highlight, tap the "More" option (three dots) in the bottom right corner.
- Edit Highlight: From the pop-up menu, select "Edit Highlight."
- Edit Cover: On the "Edit Highlight" screen, tap "Edit Cover."
- Choose from Gallery: Tap the camera roll icon (usually a picture icon) to open your device's photo gallery.
- Select Your Custom Cover: Browse and select the custom cover image you created from your photo library.
- Adjust and Confirm: You can pinch to zoom or drag to adjust how the image fits within the circle. Tap "Done" (or "Next" and then "Done") to save your changes.
For a New Highlight
When creating a brand new highlight, you'll have the option to set a custom cover before publishing:
- Add New Highlight: On your profile, tap the "+" icon next to your existing highlights or the "New" button.
- Select Stories: Choose the past stories you want to include in this new highlight. Tap "Next."
- Edit Cover: On the "New Highlight" screen, you'll see a preview. Tap "Edit Cover."
- Choose from Gallery: Tap the camera roll icon and select your custom cover image.
- Adjust and Name: Adjust the image as needed, then give your highlight a relevant name.
- Add: Tap "Add" to publish your new highlight with its custom cover.
Tips for Effective Instagram Highlight Covers
- Maintain a Consistent Aesthetic: Ensure all your highlight covers have a unified look. This helps with brand recognition and gives your profile a polished appearance.
- Use High-Quality Images/Icons: Blurry or pixelated images can detract from your professional image.
- Keep It Simple and Recognizable: Since the covers are small, complex designs can be hard to decipher. A clear icon or single word is often most effective.
- Categorize Thoughtfully: Group your stories into logical, easy-to-understand categories that your audience will find useful (e.g., "FAQs," "Behind the Scenes," "Testimonials," "Travel Guides").
By following these steps, you can effectively enhance your Instagram profile's visual appeal and user experience with custom highlight covers.
