When you start a podcast, one of the first and most important steps is creating your podcast cover art. Before anyone hears your voice, they’ll see your podcast cover. Whether they're scrolling through Spotify, browsing Apple Podcasts, or stumbling across your show on social media, your podcast artwork is your first impression. It needs to be a great one.
However, great podcast cover art isn’t just about looking good. A podcast cover art is a powerful branding tool that can boost your credibility, grow your audience, and help your podcast stand out in an increasingly crowded space. From understanding the specs to using free tools, choosing the right style, and even hiring a professional, let us help you start designing podcast cover art.
Get the artwork right and build a podcast cover that grabs attention and keeps it!
What Is Podcast Cover Art?
Let’s clarify exactly what we are talking about here.
Podcast cover art (also called podcast artwork or podcast album cover) is the square image that represents your show on podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and so on. Think of it as your show’s visual identity. The cover art is your podcast’s version of a logo, poster, and business card all rolled into one.
So, as you can imagine, there is a lot of power held in this little square image! It’s what potential listeners see when they browse through podcast directories. It’s also used in search results, featured sections, and sharing previews on social media or podcasting apps.
It’s not just decoration.
Podcast cover art is a critical piece of your podcast branding and is a big part of your podcast marketing strategy.
Podcast Cover Art Specs
At the date of writing this guide (2025), your podcast artwork needs to meet these specific technical requirements:
- Size: Minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels | Recommended: 3000 x 3000 pixels
- File Type: JPEG or PNG
- Color Format: RGB (not CMYK)
- File Size: Under 500KB
- Shape: Square (1:1 aspect ratio)
If your artwork doesn’t meet these specs, it could be rejected by certain podcast platforms. Apple Podcasts, in particular, has very strict design and technical requirements. We recommend you check the podcast platform’s specific requirements before you go to upload.
Make sure you meet these requirements to not only have your podcast artwork accepted by distribution platforms but also to look great to your audience.
5 Reasons Why Podcast Artwork Matters
Have we made it clear enough? Podcast artwork is super important and way more than just a pretty square! Once you understand that it’s a key part of your podcast’s identity and success, then you can take more ownership over the design.
Whether you’re launching a podcast or giving your show a fresh look, here are five reasons why great podcast cover art matters.
1. First Impressions Count (Big Time)
Before a listener hears your intro or reads your episode titles, they’ll see your podcast cover. Eye-catching, professional podcast artwork can immediately signal that your show is worth their time.
On the flip side, poor or outdated cover art might cause them to scroll right past (even if your content is excellent).
Saspod’s Top Tip: Design your podcast cover with your ideal listener in mind. What visual style would stop them mid-scroll?
2. Showcases and Reflects Your Brand
Your podcast cover art should match the tone and vibe of your show. Whether you're running a true crime podcast, a wellness series, or a business interview show, your design choices (fonts, colours, images, podcast logo) help tell people what to expect.
Consistency in podcast branding builds trust and recognition across platforms, from your podcast app listings to your social media and website.
3. Podcast Cover Art Affects Subscriptions
Good design drives engagement and ultimately subscriptions. Think of your podcast album cover as your shopfront. It can encourage potential listeners to click on your show over others in the same category.
In fact, many podcasters find that updating their podcast cover design can boost discoverability and grow their audience. However, please do remember that consistency is key in podcasting. Don’t be tempted to change your cover art too frequently.
4. Podcast Artwork Is Required For Submission
Every major platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube Podcasts) requires you to upload podcast artwork that meets strict technical guidelines. If your cover art doesn’t meet the specs, your show won’t be accepted. Simple as that.
Having the right file size, format, and dimensions isn’t optional. These artwork specifications are a launch essential.
5. Great Podcast Artwork Helps You Stand Out in a Crowded Market
There are over 6.5 million podcasts out there, according to research from Semrush. Your podcast design is what separates your show from the sea of lookalike covers in every genre.
Unique, high-quality podcast cover art can help position you as a credible voice in your niche. Great podcast cover art makes your show more memorable for listeners browsing through dozens (or hundreds) of other options.
Podcast Artwork Design Principles (What Makes a Great Podcast Cover?)
Creating a great podcast cover isn’t just about looking good. You need to communicate what your show is all about at a single glance.
Your podcast thumbnail needs to tell listeners, “This is the podcast you’ve been looking for!” It needs to work at full size and when it’s shrunk down on mobile. It should grab attention and feel on-brand.
Here is a quick checklist to keep in mind when designing your podcast cover:
- Clean and simple
- Text is legible at thumbnail size
- Fits your niche and audience
- Stays consistent with your brand
- Meets tech specs for all platforms
- Makes people want to click!
Are you designing your first podcast cover or refreshing an existing podcast image? Regardless, check out these core design principles that we swear by to help you create standout podcast artwork.
1. Prioritise Clarity & Readability
Your podcast cover will often appear tiny, especially on mobile. That means your podcast name needs to be clear and easy to read, even at a glance. Avoid long titles, overly fancy fonts, or low-contrast colours.
- Use bold, simple fonts
- Stick to a simple, legible layout
- Make sure your podcast title is readable at 55x55px
Saspod’s Top Tip: Shrink your podcast cover art down to thumbnail size to test visibility. If it’s not clear at that size, rethink your design.
2. Choose a Strong Visual Hierarchy
Good podcast design guides the viewer’s eye. Use hierarchy to make your most important elements, like the title or logo, stand out first. Supporting elements (like a subtitle or host name) should be smaller or placed subtly.
Your podcast cover should tell a quick story. For example:
- A bold, single image or icon (like a microphone or face)
- A punchy title in big type
- Supporting text or tagline in a smaller font
3. Use Colours That Pop (But Fit Your Brand)
Vibrant colours can help your podcast thumbnail stand out. However, aim to keep the palette matching your overall podcast branding.
For example, a business podcast might go with navy, charcoal, or muted tones, while a comedy podcast might use brighter, more playful colours. Launching a wellness podcast? Maybe opt for soft pastels or earthy neutrals to keep on brand. If your podcast is powering a business, you might consider matching the brand of your podcast with your business. Avoid clashing colours or combinations that make text hard to read.
Saspod’s Top Tip: Use colour contrast to make text pop without overwhelming the image.
4. Stick to a Cohesive Visual Style
Keep your podcast graphics in line with the tone of your show. Are you aiming for funny? Serious? Academic? Edgy? Your visual style should support that mood.
Consider:
- Real photography vs illustration
- Flat design vs textured/3D elements
- Modern/minimalist vs bold/retro styles
Browse podcast cover art examples on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to see what styles resonate in your niche.
5. Keep It Simple
When you’re starting a podcast, it’s tempting to cram everything in: your face, your mic, your cat?! But too much detail will only make your podcast cover image feel cluttered.
The best podcast covers are often the simplest. You can’t go wrong with a striking background, a bold font, and one memorable image or icon.
Less is more. Focus on one idea, one message, one emotion.
6. Consistency Is Key
Your podcast cover design should align with your wider visual identity:
- Use the same fonts and colours across your podcast website, social media, and episode thumbnails
- If you’re creating your own podcast, treat this as your visual brand guide
This builds trust and makes your show look more professional across platforms.
Common Podcast Cover Art Mistakes To Avoid
Even with the best intentions, many podcasters make simple mistakes with their podcast cover art that can cost them listeners, reduce visibility, or even get them rejected by major podcast platforms.
Starting a podcast from scratch or planning a rebrand, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your podcast design is working for you, not against you:
- Using too much text
- Poor font choices
- Low resolution or blurry
- Ignoring platform guidelines
- Using stock imagery
- Overcomplicated design
- Not testing the design
Free & Paid Tools To Design Your Own Podcast Artwork
But wait? I’m not a graphic designer. Can I really design and create my own podcast artwork? YES! The answer is YES!
There are many powerful design tools, many of which are free, that can help you create podcast cover art that looks professional, polished, and perfectly on-brand. You don’t need years of Photoshop experience or a degree in design to make great podcast cover art. You just need the right tools and some creative direction.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Tool
|
Free / Paid
|
Skill Level
|
Best For
|
|
Canva
|
Free + Paid
|
Beginner
|
Templates, quick edits, all-in-one use
|
|
Adobe Express
|
Free
|
Beginner
|
Clean, simple designs
|
|
Snappa
|
Free + Paid
|
Beginner
|
Basic editing and templates
|
|
Visme
|
Free + Paid
|
Beginner
|
Infographic-style podcast graphics
|
|
Photoshop
|
Paid
|
Advanced
|
Full custom control
|
|
Figma
|
Free + Paid
|
Intermediate
|
Collaborative, brand-led design
|
|
Affinity Designer
|
Paid
|
Intermediate
|
No-subscription pro design
|
Free Podcast Cover Art Tools
These tools are perfect if you’re launching on a budget or want to test out your podcast cover ideas before hiring a pro.
Canva is one of the most popular and creative tools for podcast artwork. Canva offers drag-and-drop simplicity, thousands of templates, and ready-to-use podcast cover art templates. You can start with a blank canvas or customize a template with your title, brand colours, and graphics.
- Beginner-friendly
- Includes free stock images & fonts
- Built-in export to correct sizes (like Apple podcast image size)
- Also great for creating podcast thumbnails and social graphics
Honestly, an afternoon designing with Canva does not feel like work! It is super fun to work with, and the results are great! There is a paid-for option that unlocks more templates and features.
Perfect for: first-time podcasters, quick mockups, and rebrands
Formerly Adobe Spark, this free tool is ideal for quick, beautiful podcast images. It includes free templates, icons, and intuitive controls. It’s like a lightweight version of Photoshop, without all the technical overwhelm.
- No design experience needed
- Free stock content & layout presets
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Snappa is a browser-based graphic design tool focused on simplicity. It offers templates for podcast cover design, social banners, and ads. Great for podcasters starting out!
- Includes podcast cover templates
- Free tier with limited downloads
- Clean, minimalist interface
Though not podcast-specific, Visme is great for visual storytelling and includes powerful tools for creating standout podcast covers, especially if you want more creative control or infographics for your podcast brand.
Paid Tools for Podcast Cover Design
Paid tools are an option for those looking to upgrade their design game or want total creative freedom. These professional design tools are well worth the investment, especially if you plan on designing more than just your podcast cover artwork.
Adobe Illustrator is the gold standard for custom podcast artwork. This industry leader offers full control over layout, typography, and image manipulation. Ideal for advanced users.
- High learning curve
- Unlimited creative freedom
- Industry-standard for professional design
Adobe software is perfect for advanced podcasters, podcast agencies, or brand-focused creators who want that complete professional finish.
Figma is a collaborative design tool originally built for UI/UX. Figma is increasingly used for graphic design and podcast graphics. You can share designs, co-edit in real-time, and maintain brand consistency across your team.
- Browser-based
- Great for design collaboration
- Integrates with plugins and mockup tools
Figma is a good option for a podcast show that has a team behind it. The collaborative element is super professional and helpful to get projects moving.
Unlike the other monthly subscription paid options, Affinity Designer is a one-time purchase alternative. This software offers pro-level features with no subscription costs. Great if you want total control over your podcast cover art without ongoing costs.
Podcast Cover Art Templates (And Where To Find Them)
Designing your own podcast cover art doesn’t mean starting from a blank canvas. Thanks to the internet’s treasure trove of design tools and template libraries, you can now use professionally made podcast cover templates to jumpstart your design.
Here are some of our favorite podcast cover design templates out there at the moment.
Black Blue Pink Retro Neon Podcast Cover
Where from? Canva
Price? Free!
Pink and Blue Racing Podcast Cover
Where from? Adobe Express
Price? Free!
Green Woman Portraits Stories & Fiction Podcast Cover
Where from? Canva
Price? Free!
Rocket Launch Photo Space and Science Podcast Cover
Where from? Adobe Express
Price? Free!
Pink Green Minimalist Podcast Cover
Where from? Canva
Price? Free!
White and Dark Green Photo True Crime & Investigative Journalism Podcast Cover
Where from? Canva
Price? Free!
White and Dark Green Photo True Crime & Investigative Journalism Podcast Cover
Where from? Canva
Price? Free!
Should You Hire a Professional Designer?
Designing your own podcast cover art is totally possible with today’s tools and templates. However, there comes a point when handing the job to a professional might be the smartest move for your brand.
When Is It Worth Hiring a Designer For Podcast Art?
You should consider hiring a designer if:
- You want original, on-brand, and professional podcast artwork
- You're starting a podcast for a business, brand, or monetisation strategy
- You’re rebranding and want your new podcast cover to match updated messaging
- You have no design experience and want to avoid a DIY learning curve
- You’re launching with marketing in mind (think: promo graphics, podcast thumbnails, banners, and social content)
If your show is more than just a hobby or you’re aiming for credibility and visibility from the start, a professionally designed podcast image can be a game-changer.
What Does Professional Design Cost?
Professional podcast cover design can range anywhere between $5 and $500+. The rate depends on:
- The designer’s experience
- Number of concepts and revisions included
- File formats and usage rights
- Whether branding extras (like podcast logo design, mockups, or podcast thumbnails) are included
It may feel like a big investment when you’re just figuring out how to start a podcast, but good design can directly influence clicks, subscribers, and long-term brand recognition. It is always money well spent!
If you are looking for a budget option, you can find your designer on sites like Fiverr or Upwork.
Saspod’s Podcast Cover Art Design Services
Did you know that we can help you design professional podcast cover art? It is part of our additional services for podcast production.
Let us take away the hassle of design. We can collaborate together, working from your ideas and using our expert experience to create a design that pops, stands out, and looks the real deal.
The best bit? This add-on service is only $250, making it an affordable option for professional work. Changing the template of the artwork to fit each and every episode would cost only an additional $50 per episode.
How To Test & Get Feedback
You’ve designed your podcast cover art. Amazing! But before you hit upload and launch your show, there’s one final step that can make or break your first impression: testing.
Even the most beautifully designed podcast cover image can fall flat if it’s hard to read at thumbnail size or doesn’t connect with your audience. That’s why it’s crucial to test your cover art for podcast platforms, get honest feedback, and make refinements based on real-world use.
Here’s how you do it.
- Preview at Actual Podcast Cover Size
Your podcast poster might look amazing full-size on your laptop, but how does it hold up at 55x55px? That’s often how small it appears on mobile podcast players.
Check for clarity, layout balance, and image quality.
- Share with Real People (Not Just Your Friends)
Your friends may be kind, but they’re not your target audience. To get useful feedback on your podcast cover, ask for opinions from people who represent your ideal listener. You could find these groups in Reddit communities, Facebook groups, or run a Twitter/X poll.
- Use Mockup & Feedback Tools
Want to see your podcast picture in context? Use free mockup tools that display your podcast cover photos inside popular apps, smartphones, or podcast directories.
- A/B Test Multiple Designs
Create two (or more) designs and see which podcast cover photo has more engagement with your audience on social media or in a focus group.
Final Checklist: Is Your Podcast Cover Ready?
Use this simple yet clear podcast cover design checklist to make sure you are ready to hit launch!
- Fits the correct podcast cover size and dimensions
- Legible and eye-catching at thumbnail size
- Visually aligned with your podcast tone/genre
- Tested on multiple devices and platforms
- Received clear, constructive feedback
- Stands out from other podcast artwork examples in your category
FAQs: Podcast Cover Art
Can I change my podcast cover art later?
Yes! Most podcast platforms (including Apple Podcasts and Spotify) allow you to update your podcast cover image at any time. Just make sure the new design still meets the correct podcast cover art dimensions (usually 3000 x 3000 pixels, under 500KB, JPEG or PNG format).
Do I need different cover art for each episode?
No. Your main podcast cover is what shows up in podcast directories and search results. That said, you can create custom podcast thumbnails or podcast cover photos for individual episodes, which is a great way to stand out on platforms like YouTube or social media.
What is the required size for podcast cover art?
Most directories require your podcast art cover to be 3000 x 3000 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format, RGB colour mode, and under 500KB. These specs are especially important for Apple Podcasts, which has strict submission rules. Always double-check the Apple podcast image size guidelines before uploading.
Can I use a stock image for my podcast cover?
Technically, yes, but be careful. Many stock photos aren’t licensed for use as primary branding (like podcast covers, podcast posters, or logos). Always check the license terms, and avoid images that look overly generic. For best results, make your own podcast cover art using original or royalty-free assets, or hire a podcast cover art designer for a unique, professional finish.
Should I include my photo in the podcast cover art?
Including a headshot can be a great personal touch, especially for interview-style or host-led shows. If you're the face of your brand, adding your podcast picture can build trust and familiarity.
Still have questions?
We can help you create podcast cover art, polish your brand, and make sure your design is 100% platform-ready. Reach out for a free consultation. We're here to make your launch smooth and successful.
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