Podcast Cover Art Maker
Design square podcast artwork in minutes. Choose one of eight templates, type your show title and host, add a photo if you like, and check how the cover reads at the tiny sizes listeners actually see before downloading it at 3000 × 3000 pixels.
Last updated:
Episode artwork batch (ZIP)
Makes one image per episode using the current design, with the episode badge changed for each number.
How to use the Podcast Cover Art Maker
- Pick a template from the thumbnails on the right. Each one updates live with your text and colours.
- Type your show title, host line and an optional tagline. Keep the title short so it stays readable.
- Choose colours and a font, or click one of the palettes. Add a photo if the template has a photo slot or you want a photo background.
- Check the small previews and keep important text inside the dashed safe area.
- Download JPG or PNG at 3000 × 3000 px, or use the episode batch to create numbered artwork for each episode.
Podcast artwork specifications
| Requirement | Recommended value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square (1:1) | Apps crop or reject non-square artwork |
| Pixel size | 3000 × 3000 px (1400 × 1400 px minimum for Apple Podcasts) | Large screens and smart TVs show artwork big; small images look blurry |
| File format | JPG or PNG | The formats podcast directories accept |
| Colour space | RGB | CMYK print files can show wrong colours or be rejected |
| Text | Show title, optionally host name | Extra text such as long taglines becomes unreadable when small |
| Rights | Only images and names you own or may use | Directories may remove shows using other brands' logos or photos |
Directory rules are updated from time to time, so check the current artwork guidelines of your hosting provider and the apps you submit to. The image itself is the same for every app: you upload it once to your podcast host and it is published in your RSS feed.
Tips for podcast covers that work at thumbnail size
- Two to four words. The show title should be the biggest thing on the cover. If the full name is long, consider a shorter display version.
- One image or none. A single face, a microphone or a bold shape reads better than several small photos.
- High contrast. Light text on a dark background (or the reverse) survives the 55 px preview; mid-tone text on a busy photo does not. Use "Darken photo" to calm a bright picture.
- Look different from your genre. Browse the category you will be listed in. If every cover there is dark blue, a warm palette helps you stand out.
- Keep episode art consistent. Use the same template and colours for episode images and change only the badge, so listeners recognise your show.
Frequently asked questions
What size should podcast cover art be?
Apple Podcasts asks for square artwork between 1400 × 1400 and 3000 × 3000 pixels, in JPG or PNG format with RGB colour. Exporting at 3000 × 3000 px gives you the sharpest result and also works for Spotify and other apps, which resize it for display.
What is the text safe area for?
Podcast apps show artwork at many sizes and some round the corners or overlay buttons. Keeping your title and host name inside a margin of about 10% from each edge means nothing important gets clipped. The dashed guide is only shown in the editor and is not part of the downloaded file.
Why does the tool show my cover at 55 pixels?
In search results, charts and phone libraries, cover art is often shown at around 50 to 60 pixels wide. If the title is still readable in the 55 px preview, it will work almost everywhere. Short titles, heavy fonts and strong contrast help the most.
Should I put the episode number on my main cover?
No. The main show artwork should stay the same for every episode. Use the episode badge only for episode-specific artwork, which some hosting platforms let you attach to each episode. The batch export creates those numbered images for you.
Can I use a photo I found online?
Only if you own it or have permission to use it. Directories can remove shows whose artwork uses images, logos or brand names they are not licensed to use. Your own photos or the built-in shapes are safe choices.
JPG or PNG for podcast artwork?
Both are accepted. A high-quality JPG is smaller, which some hosts prefer. PNG keeps flat colours and sharp text crisp but makes a larger file. The tool shows the file size after each download.
Are my photos uploaded anywhere?
No. The cover is drawn with the Canvas API in your browser and your photo never leaves your device.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.