“Do Reel Covers Even Matter?” Yes. Next Question.

Image Courtesy of Cora Pursley on Dupe Photo

We get this question all the time — so let’s settle it once and for all: Should you add a cover image to your Instagram Reels?

Short answer? YES.
Long answer? Also yes... but with a little nuance.

Instagram didn’t just give you the option to add a cover photo for fun. The feature exists for a reason: how your Reels show up in the feed matters. Your cover image is the first impression — your first touchpoint with a future follower, customer, or fan. So, it should:

• Contain a clear message about what they can expect from the video

• Be crisp in quality (yes, wipe that lens!)

• Align with your overall aesthetic and content strategy

Even if you’re just selecting a still from your Reel, choose one with intention. Bonus points if you add a touch of branding — a font, color, or layout that feels like you.

And let’s be real: we’re in the era of Pinterest-coded Instagram — and honestly, we love it here.

Whether we’re searching for “clean girl aesthetic,” “coffee shop content ideas,” or “neutral brand inspo,” we’ve all been trained to seek out visually cohesive content. The vibe matters. That doesn’t mean your feed needs to look like a magazine cover — but it should feel thoughtful, branded, and scroll-stopping in a way that’s true to you and your business.

This also doesn’t mean every cover needs text or a Canva template. In fact, if every single Reel in your feed has a bold headline and background color, it can quickly become overwhelming. We recommend adding text to about one in every two or three covers — ideally when the message or context needs extra clarity. That could mean designing a separate graphic in Canva or simply choosing a frame that visually tells the story.

Ultimately, it comes down to how you want your brand to show up. If you’re a business owner, you’re not just creating content — you’re building trust. And small details, like Reel covers, can go a long way in helping your feed feel intentional, not accidental.

And if you’re at a loss for those “aspirational” images that feel right for your brand, don’t forget there’s a whole host of beautiful, royalty-free content on Dupe Photo or Pexels (that don’t cost a thing!). [We’ll let you in on a secret: we used one for this blog.]

Instagram is a platform built to educate, entertain, and inspire. When in doubt, ask yourself: Does this cover invite someone in? Does it represent what my brand stands for?

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.