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Last Edited Time
Jul 3, 2025 11:57 PM
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Platform
Canva
Category
Social Media
Topic
Instagram Reel
AI summary
Create Instagram Reel covers in Canva with dimensions of 1080x1920 pixels, using a central safe zone for key content. Keep text concise and aligned with your brand colors, export in high quality, and ensure important elements are not cropped. Canva offers free templates, and the mobile app is effective for design.
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Design Instagram Reel Covers with Canva
TL;DR:
- Instagram Reels need 1080 x 1920 pixel covers for proper display
- Use a centered square as your "safe zone" to avoid important content getting cropped
- Keep text short and punchy to grab attention quickly
- Match your background colours to your brand palette
- Export in high quality and upload through your Instagram profile
Main Content
Getting Your Canvas Ready
Start with the right dimensions. Instagram Reels work best at 1080 x 1920 pixels. This size displays properly both in the Reels feed and when people view your profile grid.
In Canva, search for "Instagram Story" templates - these use the same dimensions as Reel covers.
Building Your Design
Create a Safe Zone
Add a square shape to the center of your canvas. This acts as your safe zone where you'll place your most important content. Instagram crops Reel covers differently depending on where they appear, so keeping key elements in this central square prevents them from getting cut off.
Adding Your Content
Drop in your main image and text within that safe zone. Your text should be big enough to read on mobile screens and short enough to scan quickly. Think of it as a mini headline for your video content.
Pixelhaze Tip: Test your text size by viewing it at actual size on your phone screen. If you have to squint, make it bigger.
Background and Branding
Choose a background colour that fits your brand. If you're building a series of Reels, use consistent colours so your profile looks cohesive when people scroll through.
Getting It Live
Export your design as a PNG or JPEG at the highest quality setting. When you upload your Reel to Instagram, you can set this image as the cover through the editing options before posting.
FAQs
Does Canva cost money for Reel covers?
Canva's free plan includes plenty of templates and tools for basic Reel covers. You'll only hit paid features if you want premium templates or stock photos.
How do I change fonts and colours to match my brand?
Click on any text element to change the font and colour. You can save brand colours in Canva's brand kit (free accounts get one brand palette).
What if my cover looks wrong on Instagram?
This usually happens when important content sits outside the safe zone. Stick to the central square area for text and key images.
Can I make these on my phone?
Yes, Canva's mobile app works well for Reel covers. The touch interface actually makes it quite quick to position elements.
Are there copyright issues with Canva's images?
Images in Canva's free library are safe to use. Premium images (marked with a crown) need a paid subscription, but there are plenty of free options.
Jargon Buster
Canvas - Your blank workspace in Canva where you build your design
Safe Zone - The central area of your design where content won't get cropped by Instagram
Dimensions - The width and height of your image in pixels
Export - Saving your finished design as an image file you can upload
Wrap-up
Good Reel covers help your content stand out and give your profile a professional look. The key is keeping things simple and making sure your most important elements stay in that central safe zone.
Canva makes this process straightforward, whether you're designing on desktop or mobile. Once you get the hang of it, you can knock out consistent covers that tie your content together nicely.
Become a Pixelhaze Academy member for free to gain access to more Canva tips and tricks: Pixelhaze Academy Membership
