3 Canva Templates to Use for Your Instagram Reels Covers
To create a cover… or NOT to create a cover… that is the REAL question!!
Ok, so you probably have heard so many rumors flying around the rumor mill on Instagram about Reels covers. Some “experts” say to NOT design Reels covers outside of the app because it can lead to a decrease in views, reach, or even lead to a shadow ban.
Well - I am here to tell you that simply IS NOT TRUE!!
If Instagram gives you access to a feature - in this case, the ability to upload your own custom cover for your Instagram Reels - then you should use it. Instagram is not in the business of penalizing you for using features they create.
That would be a waste of their time, money, and resources, and they simply wouldn’t have a platform or a business if that was the case.
Alright, now that I have stepped off my soapbox, it’s time to talk about HOW to create Reels covers for your profile.
Yes - you can create Reels covers inside of Instagram
Yes - you can create Reels covers inside of an app on your phone
YES - you can (and should) create covers inside of Canva
Simply put - Canva is going to help save you time when designing your Reels covers. And that time is precious and valuable as a small business owner. When you design Reels covers inside of Canva, you reap so many benefits like…
Batching multiple Reels covers at once to save you time, in the long run
Accessing your branding to create a cohesive look across your covers
Designing eye-catching covers using all of Canva’s visual elements and features
Using Canva templates to save you even more time so you aren’t starting from scratch
And about those Canva templates… there are actually 3 that we should talk about that will help you create a stunning Instagram profile!!
Bright and Gradient Reels Covers
By far, these are some of the trendiest Reel covers out there. Your followers, and potential followers, will love to see these bright and bold covers as they scroll through your profile. With bold graphics and type inside of these designs, it is easy for your followers to read what your Reel is all about, and ultimately will lead to more views and engagement.
Photo-First Reels Covers
While I always recommend at least a bit of text on your Reels covers and on your Instagram profile, these Reels Covers are designed with a photo in mind FIRST. This is perfect for visual content creators, influencers, and visual brands to create a cohesive, photo-first feed, while also making their Reels fit in seamlessly.
These Reels do have text on the top and bottom, but the main square (the part that will show up on your profile) is a photo so it will blend in seamlessly with your feed posts. And if you are unsure of how this concept works… watch the video below!
Covers for Trending Reels
Maybe you love jumping on trends on Instagram - but something that often comes along with trends comes a TON of text, filters, outfit changes, and more on your Reel. So picking a still image from your Reel to act as a cover might not look good in your feed. With these Reels covers, you can ensure that that wacky trend you are jumping on, still fits in cohesively with all of your other content!!
Each of these Instagram Reels Cover Canva Templates is fully customizable to YOUR brand, and can make content creation even easier!!
Now, if you don’t want to try to create ALL of this on your own, you can grab the templates used above (or some of our other favorite Instagram Reels cover Canva templates) inside our shop!!
P.S. If you are a member of Your Template Club, you can find all of these templates when you log in to the portal.
Let’s create some magic with your instagram reels!
You can grab our favorite Instagram Reels Cover Canva Templates inside of the shop that you can customize for your business or brand to create a cohesive look in your Instagram feed, while creating engaging video posts!
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Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, an Instagram training membership and template shop that help social media managers and Instagram-savvy small business owners to grow engagement and sales using Instagram and content marketing, without the overwhelm. Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000 right out of college to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award winning career in creative and strategy. In 2021, Manu started Your Template Club, a Canva template subscription service to help social media professionals and Canva-savvy business owners to create content that performs on Instagram, add more Instagram features into their strategy, such as Instagram Lives and Reels, and save time.