What are the exact dimensions of an Instagram Reel cover?

An Instagram Reel cover is 1080 × 1920 pixels (a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio). In the dedicated Reels tab, the full 9:16 image is shown; on your main profile grid, Instagram crops the top and bottom off to display the center square/portrait region.

How do I stop my Reel title text from getting cut off on my profile grid?

Always place your headline text and subject's face inside the central 1080×1080 safe-zone box (leaving at least 420 pixels of buffer from the very top and bottom edges). Our live guide line marks this boundary clearly.

Can I add or change a custom Reel cover after the Reel has already been published?

Yes! Open your published Reel in the Instagram mobile app, tap the three dots (`...`), tap 'Edit', tap the 'Cover' thumbnail on the left, and choose 'Add from camera roll' to upload the 1080×1920 cover you downloaded here.

Does this cover size also work for YouTube Shorts and TikTok?

Yes. Both YouTube Shorts and TikTok use the exact same 1080 × 1920 pixel (9:16) vertical canvas for video covers.

Is my uploaded photo sent to any external server?

No. All image compositing and text rendering happen locally in your browser's HTML5 Canvas.

Instagram Reel Cover Maker — 9:16 Canvas with 1:1 Profile Safe Zone

Drop image for Reel Cover

Supports JPG, PNG, or WebP. Optimizes for 9:16 Reels with 1:1 Profile Safe-Zone.

How to Use the Reel Cover Maker

1
Upload your Reel cover photo, vertical frame grab, or background image.
2
Use zoom and pan controls to center your face or subject inside the 1:1 center safe-zone guide.
3
Optionally add a punchy headline overlay and customize its font size, color, background badge, and vertical placement.
4
Switch between Full 9:16 Reel view and 1:1 Profile Grid view to verify nothing gets cut off.
5
Download your finished 1080×1920 Reel cover image ready for Instagram.

Practical Use Cases

Educational & Business Creators

Adding Scannable Topic Titles to Profile Grids

Place a clean 3–4 word title inside the central 1:1 safe box so visitors browsing your main profile grid can immediately find the tutorial they want to watch.

Podcasters & Video Editors

Repurposing Horizontal Video Stills into 9:16 Covers

Scale and position a 16:9 studio still onto a 9:16 vertical cover with custom headline badges.

Fitness, Food & Lifestyle Channels

Maintaining a Uniform Aesthetic Across Both Tabs

Ensure covers look balanced both in the vertical Reels tab (9:16) and the main profile feed grid (1:1).

Reel Cover Maker Features

Center 1:1 Safe-Zone Guide

Clearly shows the central 1080x1080 square where your cover will be cropped on your main profile feed.

Text Overlay Tool

Add crisp, high-contrast headline text with customizable background badges for maximum readability.

Multi-View Live Preview

Verify how the cover looks in full-screen 9:16 reels, 4:5 home feed, and 1:1 profile grid modes simultaneously.

100% Client-Side Processing

Your photos, videos, and text are processed directly in your browser canvas. No files or media are ever uploaded to external servers.

Exact Platform Dimensions

Calibrated to current Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn guidelines to prevent unexpected cropping, blurriness, or interface overlap.

Zero Sign-up or Watermarks

Fast, completely free utilities with no subscriptions, account registrations, or watermarks added to your creative assets.

Technical Specifications & Best Practices

✓Full Instagram Reel covers measure 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio).
✓The central 1080 × 1080 pixel square (from Y=420px to Y=1500px) is the safe zone visible on classic 1:1 profile grids.
✓Keep headlines short (3 to 6 words) with high contrast so they remain legible on small 3-column mobile grids.
✓Runs 100% locally in your browser canvas with zero watermarks.

Reel Cover Maker