The recommendation system works in such a way that first a person sees a video and only then, if he/she is seriously interested in the content and goes to the channel, discovers a banner. Therefore, you need to work hard to produce qualitative videos with sound and colors being on point. If you want to spend your time recording videos, let FixThePhoto video editing service help you.

7 Steps to Create a YouTube Banner in Photoshop

If you don’t want to deal with complex Photoshop tools or you simply don’t have a Creative Cloud subscription, then you can use the free FixThePhoto YouTube banner maker online to cope with the task.

Step 1. Choose a Template for Your Future Photoshop Banner

The first thing you need to take care of is a template with the specific dimensions for YouTube. I downloaded it from the official YouTube help site and opened without problems in Adobe Photoshop. The template shows what the dimensions of the channel banner are.

2560×1440 pixels. The minimum banner size should be 2560 by 1440. If the size is smaller, YouTube won’t accept such a picture, and you won’t be able to use it as a banner. This template shows how the banner will look on different devices. It is very important. The full banner size (2560×1440 pixels) will be displayed on TV only. Other sizes are meant for such devices as PCs, laptops, tablets, and phones.

1546×423 pixels. Those using mobile devices, will see a part of a YouTube banner with the size of 1546 by 423 pixels. Actually, there will be displayed such a rectangle on all mobile devices. The rest of the banner will be invisible. Therefore, if you place some important information in these parts, then the audience won’t simply see it.

1855×423 pixels. An 1855×423 pixel rectangle will be displayed on tablets, which means that people visiting your channel from such devices will see a bit more info.

2560×423 pixels. The piece of a banner (2560 by 423 pixels) will be displayed on laptops with Full HD resolution. Keep this in mind while arranging info across the banner so that it’s most important part lays within this area.

Step 2. Work with Layers

Hold Ctrl+Shift+N (Command+Shift+N) to create a new layer.

Think of the most suitable background color and select it by pressing Shift+F5 or using an integrated Color Picker.

Mind that a one-color background may look uninteresting, so experimenting with a gradient effect may bring a riveting result.

Step 3. Gradient Tool

Select the Gradient Tool and choose foreground and background colors. This is a simple thing to do by clicking on tiny colored squares in the lower part of the left toolbar.

Left-click on any edge of the canvas, hold, drag the pointer to the opposite edge and release. Thus, you will add a gradient effect composed of the colors you’ve chosen.

While dealing with a gradient effect, you need to focus on your channel’s aesthetics and choose colors correspondingly.

Step 4. Add the Channel Name and Logo

The channel name and logo are probably the most important elements that make you recognizable among numerous YouTube users. That’s why, be mindful while adding them to your banner and think about how they will look on different devices with varied screen sizes. This means you need to place the most significant info in the rectangle-shaped area that is marked in templates.

Use the drag-and-drop approach to complement your banner with the logo and resort to the Horizontal Type Tool to insert any inscription.

Step 5. Add Graphics

Now your banner contains the name and logo of your channel, you can add some engrossing graphics. If you have none at your disposal, search the web for suitable, copyright-free packs that can match the style of your channel.

Download the graphics and open files in Photoshop. Select the necessary piece by click on the layer and then press Ctrl+C (Command+C) to copy it.

Return to your banner and hold Ctrl+V (Command+V) to paste the graphics onto the banner. Work a bit on how the image looks, change the dimensions and alignment with the help of the Transformation tool Ctrl+T (Command+T). You may need to use several pictures to create an enthralling composition matching the topics you discuss.

Step 6. Duplicate a Layer

Right-click on the layer and choose “Duplicate Layer” from the drop-down list. Use the Transformation Tools once again to give all the elements of your banner a balanced look.

Step 7. Save the File

Once you are done creating a banner, save the result in a PNG format by holding Ctrl+Shift+S (Command+Shift+S). There will appear a list of output options and you need to choose PNG.

That’s it. Now you know how to set up a banner for YouTube on Photoshop and can upload your creation to the media sharing platform.

Why Do I Need It?

The YouTube banner can be used not only as a design element but also as a tool to increase brand awareness, to advertise external resources, announce promotions, contests, etc.

Also, you can use a short introductory video with your logo or two-second cutouts with pieces of a video combined together as a trademark. Come up with an interesting idea, install a video editing or visual graphics software, use free video overlays from FixThePhoto to add creative effects and produce a branded intro that you’ll add to every video on your channel.

How to Create Great Facebook Cover Photos

When someone visits your Facebook page, the first thing they see is a large splash image taking up almost a quarter of the screen: your Facebook cover photo. This is your profile’s headline, a big, bold banner image that introduces your brand to potential Facebook followers.

You can feature a lot in your Facebook cover photo: images of your product or team, ads and promotions, or even something as simple as graphic that sets the right mood. A good cover photo can result in increased engagement, whether that’s more page likes or boosted traffic to your website or other social channels.

So, how do you make Facebook cover photos—and get the most out of them?

This article will go over everything you need to know about Facebook cover photos.

Facebook cover photo size: 851 x 315 pixels

The minimum dimensions for a Facebook cover photo (sometimes referred to as “Facebook banner size”) are 851 x 315 pixels. This is the best size to choose if you’re making a cover photo and want to know exactly how it will look before you upload it.

For the highest quality photographic experience, Facebook recommends using a PNG file. Choose this option if you want to display a high definition logo in your cover image, or if your cover image contains copy that really needs to stand out.

On mobile, it’s often better to prioritize image types that load quickly and don’t use a lot of data. In this case, Facebook recommends uploading an sRGB JPEG file that also follows these two requirements:

  • Dimensions: 851 x 315 pixels
  • File size: less than 100 kb

Remember, on desktop, Facebook cover photos are more rectangular, accounting for larger/widescreen displays. On mobile, the cover photo is more square, allowing it to fit on a portrait-oriented screen.

While 95 percent of Facebook users access the site via mobile, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the 31 percent of users who also browse via desktop. For a Facebook cover photo that looks good on any screen, Facebook recommends an image that’s 820 pixels x 462 pixels. This also applies to the platform’s newer cover format: Facebook cover videos.

Facebook cover video size: 820 x 462 pixels

Facebook cover videos are another way to grab a user’s attention and drive user interactions on your page. On desktop, cover videos definitely look more engaging than static photos, and can really bring your page to life. However, they’re less effective on mobile, as they don’t autoplay, and instead load as a thumbnail.

Here’s Facebook’s recommended settings for cover video size and duration:

  • Dimensions: 820 x 462 pixels (820 x 312 minimum)
  • Duration: 20 to 90 seconds (no more, no less!)

Note: Facebook cover videos can have audio, but it won’t play unless you actually click on the video. For best results, make sure the video you upload works equally well with or without sound. This is something you should keep in mind even outside cover videos: 85 percent of Facebook users watch videos with the volume turned off.

Other requirements for Facebook cover photos and videos

Besides these technical requirements, there are specific rules for the kinds of content you can display in Facebook cover photos and videos. These rules are fairly standard:

  • Make sure you’re not violating anyone’s copyright.
  • Make sure your cover photo or video is family-friendly and safe-for-work.
  • Make sure that if you’re advertising a product with your cover photo or video, you’re not breaking any of Facebook’s advertising rules.

For a full breakdown of these policies, check out the Facebook page guidelines.

How to use the Facebook cover photo templates

Starting with a professionally designed template makes it easier to create your own Facebook cover photo. Here’s how to customize our templates for your brand. You will need Adobe Photoshop to get started.

1. After you’ve downloaded the templates, you’ll notice that the fonts and image files are separate. Double click on the font file of your selected theme to upload the font to your computer. Click install font.

2. Double click the image file to open it in Photoshop.

3. Select the Facebook cover photo template that you’d like to work with first.

4. To edit text: double click the text you would like to edit. You can change fonts and colors in the menu on the left-hand side.

5. To edit a color block or background: double click the color block you would like to edit. Change the size or use the menu on the left-hand side to change the color.

6. To edit a photo or image: double click the photo you would like to edit and click insert new image. Resize image as necessary.

7. To save the template: Select the template you would like to use and go to Save>Export As>Artboard to Files. Make sure to save as a .jpg or .png.

8. Upload your Facebook cover photo following the steps below.

How to upload Facebook cover photos

Once you’re finished making your Facebook cover photo, uploading it is easy.

  1. Navigate to your Facebook business page and mouse over the cover photo space at the top.
  2. Click Add a Cover in the top left corner.
  3. Click Upload Photo/Video and select the photo you’d like to upload.
  4. A preview of your photo will appear in the cover space. Click the photo and drag it up or down to the vertical orientation of your liking.
  5. Click Publish.

If you don’t like how your Facebook cover photo is positioned after you’ve published it, you can click Update Cover and then Reposition, which will return you to step 4.

As you upload more cover photos, you’ll build up a library. If you ever want to replace your current cover photo with an older one, click Select Photo instead of Upload Cover Photo in step 3, and you’ll be able to choose from previously uploaded images.

Finally, the Select Artwork button contains a number of premade background images for your cover photo space. These look fine in a pinch, but I’d recommend creating branded images for your business page that showcase your organization’s personality, products, or services.

How to upload Facebook cover videos

Uploading a Facebook cover video is almost the same as uploading a cover photo, with a couple of extra steps.

  1. Navigate to your company page and mouse over the space at the top.
  2. Click Add a Cover in the top left corner.
  3. Click Upload Photo/Video and select the video you’d like to upload.
  4. A preview of your video will appear in the cover space. Click the video and drag it up or down to the vertical orientation of your liking.
  5. Choose a thumbnail from the 10 available options Facebook provides (hint: pick the one that’s most likely to pique interest and reel someone in).
  6. Click Publish.

Facebook cover photos: best practices

Now that you know the basics of creating and uploading cover photos, it’s time to look at some powerful examples, and the strategies behind them.

1. Use a simple image with a clear focal point

The whole point of your profile banner is to grab attention and elicit curiosity so people take action on your page. Use memorable imagery with colors that reflect your brand, and don’t be afraid to make use of negative space, particularly if you’re including copy: it’ll help your words stand out.

This playful cover photo from Zendesk uses bright colors and negative space to make their copy pop.

2. Pair your Facebook cover photo with your profile picture

A Facebook cover photo that matches with the profile picture always looks professional and put-together. It might sound limiting, but it’s also a good opportunity to get creative.

Target’s eye-catching Facebook cover photo makes clever use of their bullseye logo. The optical illusion caught me off-guard, earning this cover photo my full attention.

3. Optimize your cover photo for mobile

When you’re choosing an image for your Facebook cover photo, think about how it’s going to look on the screens of Facebook’s 1.15 billion smartphone users. If there’s tiny text, will it be readable? How will the finer details look on a smaller screen? What’s being cut off when your cover photo is panned-and-scanned to mobile format?

I was surprised to find that many companies (big companies!) don’t actually bother to optimize for this, making it an easy way to provide a better page experience than your competitors.