What a cover does
A Reel plays for people in the feed, but on your profile it stands still. The cover is what they see there, next to your other covers, when they decide what to watch. A row in one style tells them this account is worth a look.
Keep the words in the middle
A cover is 9:16, and the profile grid cuts it down, so the top and bottom can go missing. Keep the main line in the middle part of the picture. The templates here already do.
Say what the video gives
Write what the viewer gets, in a few words: "3 stretches for a stiff back" tells more than "Episode 12". A big line you can read on a phone from arm's length beats a long one every time.
Same cover, every week
Pick one template and use it for a whole series. Change the words and the photo each week and keep the rest. You spend a minute instead of an hour, and the grid starts to look planned.
FAQ
What size is a Reel cover?
1080 x 1920 pixels, which is 9:16. All the templates here are that size.
Can I use the cover on TikTok or YouTube Shorts too?
Yes. They use the same tall shape. Check that the words stay clear of the buttons on the side.
Do I need my own video?
For the Reel, yes. The cover is a still picture that goes on it. If you want the movement done for you, look at the video templates.