Instagram Reels cover maker
On this page
ClipFlame makes Instagram Reels covers with your face. Add a photo of yourself and screenshots from the Reel, pick the 9:16 format and a Shorts layout, and you get two 1080 × 1920 covers with your face and a short headline in the middle, where it survives Instagram's 3:4 grid crop. Add it as the cover from your camera roll when you post.
Instagram picks a frame from the Reel as the cover unless you choose one. That frame shows on your profile grid, in the Reels tab and when someone shares the Reel. A designed cover makes your grid look intentional and tells a visitor what each Reel is about before they tap.
Reels cover sizes
| Where it shows | What's visible |
|---|---|
| The Reel itself | The full 1080 × 1920 (9:16) |
| Your profile grid | The middle 1080 × 1440 (3:4) |
| The Reels tab on your profile | The full 9:16 |
Keep the face and text in the middle of the frame and they show everywhere. Plan how a row of covers looks together with the free Instagram grid maker.
How to add a cover to a Reel
- Download the cover from ClipFlame.
- In Instagram, after you edit the Reel, tap Edit cover.
- Tap Add from camera roll and pick the cover.
- Check the grid crop in the preview, then share.
On every plan, ClipFlame's scheduler can post the Reel for you with the cover already set.
Cover ideas that work on Reels
- A headline that teases the payoff: "the 3-second fix", "don't buy this".
- Your face with one clear reaction, so your grid feels like you.
- A consistent style for each series, so people can find part 2.
Common questions
What size should a Reels cover be?
1080 × 1920 pixels. Instagram crops it to 1080 × 1440 on your profile grid.
Can I change a Reel's cover after posting?
Yes. Open the Reel, tap the three dots, choose Edit, then Edit cover.
Can I use the same cover on TikTok and Shorts?
Yes, all three are 9:16. TikTok and YouTube crop slightly differently. See the TikTok thumbnail maker and the Shorts thumbnail maker.