Cover sizes at a glance
| Platform | Cover size | Aspect ratio | Grid preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | Cropped to about 3:4 around the centre |
| Instagram Reels | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | Profile grid shows a centre crop |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080 × 1920 px (YouTube recommends up to 2160 × 3840) | 9:16 | Shorts shelf tile |
A practical safe zone
In the feed, the caption and sound name cover roughly the bottom fifth of the screen and the like, comment and share buttons sit along the right edge. In the profile grid only the centre of the image is visible.
- Put the headline in the upper-middle third, horizontally centred.
- Keep faces and text away from the bottom 20% and the right 15%.
- Use two to four words in a heavy font; the grid tile is small.
How to set a TikTok cover
When posting, tap Edit cover. You can choose a frame from the video or upload an image from your photos, then add text. Uploading a designed 1080×1920 image gives you a consistent profile grid.
Common cover mistakes
- Text at the bottom: the caption covers it in the feed.
- Text on the right edge: the like and share buttons sit there.
- Long headlines: the profile grid tile is small; two to four words read best.
- Inconsistent styles: a profile grid with matching covers looks like a series and invites binge watching.
Make covers with the safe zone built in using the AI TikTok cover maker.