Podcasts have become popular since people can listen to them at any time. This is why content creators are offering podcasts on various subjects. With so many podcasts available, listeners find it difficult to decide which to choose.
They generally look at the cover art and choose the one they find attractive. If you want to get more listeners for your podcast, then it becomes important to create the best podcast cover art. Our guide tells you how you can do this.
Tips to create the best Podcast Cover Art
1) Know your target audience
Before you start designing, you need to know your target audience. You should know who the people who tune in to your podcast are. Knowing their profile will help you create cover art that targets them better. For example, if your target audience is youngsters then the cover art needs to be funky and modern. If they are working people, then the cover should look professional.
2) Know the rules
Podcast platforms have certain limitations for the cover you create. The rules vary from platform to platform. You need to check with the platform you use to understand their norms. This will ensure you create the right kind of artwork. For example, iTunes has the following rules:
- The minimum size must be 1400 x 1400 pixels.
- The maximum size should be 3000 x 3000 pixels.
- Formats acceptable are PNEG and JPEG.
- The resolution must be 72 dpi.
- Compressing image files is recommended to optimize it for mobile devices.
Don’t start the design until you know these rules, so you can create the right design.
3) See what others are doing
If you are new to the world of podcasts, look at what others are doing. You would be creating content in a particular space. Find out who your competitors are. Who are the creators who have top ranking? Check out their podcasts and see how they have designed their cover art. This will give you ideas for your cover art. Never copy others’ designs. Instead, study them to understand the trends.
4) Use your branding
When you design the cover art, don’t miss out on your branding. If you are planning to create podcasts regularly, then you would be doing it using a brand name. If you have not done it already, it is time to decide on a brand name. Choose the brand logo, branding colors, motto, and any other elements. Ensure they all are reflected in the cover. Every album art must have these elements, so people recognize your brand. When your brand becomes successful, people will listen to your podcasts just by seeing your branding on the cover.
5) Choose the right images
You need images for the cover. One option is to take photographs or create your own images. This can be time-consuming. You can use stock images available online. Remember stock images are available to everyone, so what you create won’t be unique. If required, pay to get a unique image. Don’t use images as it is. Make changes, so they suit your podcast.
6) The cover should stand out
The aim of cover design is to create artwork that stands out. The moment anyone sees your cover, they must be attracted by it. The album cover must be visually attractive. It must make them want to look at it in detail. Then they would look at your subject/theme. Use wordings that make the listener interested. Doing this will get people to listen to the podcast.
7) Typography counts
Typography refers to the font you use and its style. Choose a font that stands out and is relevant to your topic. You have various fonts available. Experiment with different fonts and see how it looks. Some fonts look good but are not very legible. On a mobile device, people may not be able to read them clearly. So, check out how it looks on different devices.
8) Use the right style
You can style your artwork through a combination of colors, images, text, and design elements. Choose a color that is not too loud, but is attractive. Ensure the right contrast between your image, color, and text font. Other design elements to keep in mind are lines, shapes, and textures. Using them effectively can help you get the right style, which enhances your cover art.
9) Enjoy the process
Have fun while designing the cover art. This will help you get the best result. Experiment while designing. Don’t hesitate to take risks. You can change the design anytime if you find it doesn’t give you good results.
