Hey guys! Want to make your Instagram highlights look amazing? Changing your highlight covers is a super easy way to level up your profile's aesthetic. Whether you're aiming for a sleek, professional vibe or just want something fun and eye-catching, I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing those highlight covers and making your profile pop. Let's dive in!

Why Bother Changing Your Highlight Covers?

Okay, so why should you even care about changing your Instagram highlight covers? Well, think of your Instagram profile as your online storefront. Your highlights are like the displays in the window, and the covers are the first thing people see. A cohesive and visually appealing set of highlight covers can make a huge difference in attracting new followers and keeping them engaged.

First impressions matter, right? When someone lands on your profile, you want them to immediately understand what you're all about. Custom highlight covers can communicate your brand, style, or personality in a snap. For example, if you're a travel blogger, using photos of iconic landmarks or travel-themed icons can instantly tell visitors what kind of content they can expect. If you're a food blogger, appetizing images of your best dishes will do the trick.

Consistent branding is key, especially if you're running a business or trying to build a personal brand. Using a consistent color scheme, font, and style for your highlight covers makes your profile look professional and polished. This attention to detail can set you apart from the crowd and show that you care about the details. Plus, it helps reinforce your brand identity and makes your profile more memorable.

Highlight covers also make it easier for your audience to navigate your content. Instead of generic thumbnails, custom covers can clearly indicate what each highlight is about. This makes it super easy for your followers to find the information they're looking for, whether it's your product catalog, travel tips, or cooking recipes. A well-organized profile improves user experience and keeps people coming back for more.

Lastly, changing your highlight covers is just plain fun! It's a chance to get creative and express yourself. You can experiment with different designs, colors, and themes to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and update your covers regularly to keep your profile fresh and exciting. Keeping your profile visually appealing and up-to-date shows your audience that you're active and engaged.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Highlight Covers

Ready to revamp your Instagram highlight covers? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Method 1: Changing the Cover of an Existing Highlight

1. Go to Your Profile: First things first, head over to your Instagram profile. You can do this by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the app.
2. Tap the Highlight: Find the highlight you want to change and tap on it to open it. This will play the highlight like a story.
3. Tap "More": In the bottom right corner, you’ll see a "More" option (it looks like three dots). Tap on that.
4. Select "Edit Highlight": A menu will pop up. Choose the "Edit Highlight" option. This will take you to the editing screen for that highlight.
5. Tap "Edit Cover": At the top of the screen, you’ll see a preview of your current highlight cover with an "Edit Cover" button below it. Tap on "Edit Cover."
6. Choose Your New Cover:
   • From Your Highlight: You can select any frame from the existing stories in your highlight. Just scroll through the frames until you find the perfect one.
   • From Your Camera Roll: To use a custom image, tap the image icon (it looks like a picture) at the bottom left corner. This will open your camera roll, where you can choose any photo or graphic you’ve saved. This is where you'll upload those cool custom covers you've created.
7. Adjust and Resize: Once you’ve selected your image, you can pinch to zoom and drag to reposition it within the cover frame. Make sure it looks good and is centered properly.
8. Tap "Done": After you’re happy with your new cover, tap "Done" in the top right corner. Then, tap "Done" again on the main editing screen to save your changes.

Method 2: Changing the Cover While Adding a New Highlight

1. Go to Your Profile: Again, start by navigating to your Instagram profile.
2. Tap the "+" Icon: Below your bio, you’ll see a "+" icon labeled "New." Tap on that to create a new highlight.
3. Select Stories: Choose the stories you want to add to your new highlight. These can be stories you’ve recently posted or stories from your archive.
4. Tap "Next": After selecting your stories, tap the "Next" button in the top right corner.
5. Name Your Highlight: Give your highlight a catchy and descriptive name. This will help your followers understand what the highlight is about.
6. Tap "Edit Cover": Below the highlight name, you’ll see an "Edit Cover" option. Tap on that.
7. Choose Your New Cover:
   • From Your Highlight: Similar to the first method, you can select a frame from the stories you’ve added to the highlight.
   • From Your Camera Roll: Tap the image icon to upload a custom cover from your camera roll.
8. Adjust and Resize: Adjust and reposition the image as needed to make sure it looks perfect.
9. Tap "Done": Tap "Done" in the top right corner, and then tap "Add" to create your new highlight with the new cover.

Tips for Creating Awesome Highlight Covers

Creating eye-catching highlight covers can really elevate your Instagram game. Here are some tips to help you design covers that not only look great but also reflect your brand or personal style.

• Use a Consistent Theme: Consistency is key! Choose a theme for your highlight covers and stick to it. This could be a specific color palette, a particular style of illustration, or a consistent use of icons. A cohesive theme makes your profile look polished and professional.
• Choose High-Quality Images: Blurry or pixelated images are a big no-no. Always use high-resolution images for your highlight covers. This ensures that your covers look crisp and clear, even on different devices.
• Use Icons: Icons are a great way to visually represent the content of your highlights. They’re simple, easy to understand, and can add a touch of personality to your profile. You can find free icons on websites like Flaticon or The Noun Project.
• Create Custom Graphics: For a truly unique look, consider creating custom graphics for your highlight covers. You can use design tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or even Procreate to design your own covers from scratch. This gives you complete control over the design and allows you to create something that perfectly matches your brand.
• Use Text Sparingly: While it’s tempting to add text to your highlight covers, less is often more. If you do use text, keep it short and sweet. Make sure the text is easy to read and doesn’t clutter the design.
• Consider Your Brand Colors: Your highlight covers should complement your brand colors. Use colors that are consistent with your overall brand identity. This helps reinforce your brand and makes your profile more recognizable.
• Test Different Designs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs. Try out different colors, fonts, and layouts to see what works best for you. You can even ask your followers for feedback to get their opinion on your designs.
• Keep It Simple: Simplicity is often the key to good design. Avoid overcrowding your highlight covers with too many elements. A clean and simple design is often more effective than a complex one.

Finding Inspiration for Your Highlight Covers

Feeling stuck? Finding inspiration for your Instagram highlight covers is easier than you might think. Here are a few places to look for ideas:

• Pinterest: Pinterest is a goldmine of visual inspiration. Search for "Instagram highlight covers" to find thousands of ideas, from minimalist designs to colorful illustrations.
• Instagram: Check out other Instagram profiles in your niche. See what kind of highlight covers they’re using and get inspired by their designs. Just remember to put your own spin on it and not directly copy someone else’s work.
• Dribbble: Dribbble is a platform for designers to showcase their work. You can find some really creative and unique highlight cover designs here.
• Creative Market: Creative Market offers a variety of pre-made highlight cover templates that you can purchase and customize. This can be a great option if you don’t have the time or skills to design your own covers from scratch.
• Canva: As mentioned earlier, Canva is a great tool for creating your own highlight covers. They also have a library of templates that you can use as a starting point.
• Your Own Brand: Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from your own brand. Think about your brand values, aesthetic, and target audience. What kind of visuals would resonate with them? Use these insights to guide your design process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when designing your Instagram highlight covers. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Inconsistent Styling: As mentioned earlier, consistency is crucial. Avoid using different styles, colors, and fonts for your highlight covers. This can make your profile look cluttered and unprofessional.
• Low-Quality Images: Using blurry or pixelated images is a big no-no. Always use high-resolution images that look crisp and clear.
• Overcrowded Designs: Avoid cramming too many elements into your highlight covers. A clean and simple design is often more effective.
• Irrelevant Images: Make sure the images you use for your highlight covers are relevant to the content of the highlight. Don’t use a generic image just for the sake of having a cover.
• Ignoring Your Brand: Your highlight covers should reflect your brand identity. Don’t use colors or styles that clash with your overall brand aesthetic.
• Not Optimizing for Mobile: Keep in mind that most people will be viewing your Instagram profile on their mobile devices. Make sure your highlight covers look good on small screens.
• Forgetting Accessibility: Consider accessibility when designing your highlight covers. Use colors that have good contrast and make sure any text is easy to read.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Instagram highlight covers is a simple but effective way to enhance your profile and attract more followers. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create highlight covers that not only look great but also reflect your brand and make it easier for your audience to navigate your content. So go ahead, give your Instagram profile a makeover and see the difference it makes!