When do I use show artwork vs. widescreen images?
You might have seen both options in the Libsyn dashboard, but wondered what exactly is the difference?
Each format has a purpose!
In this post, we’ll cover some podcast artwork etiquette for your show, from dimensions to best practices and why they matter.
Show Artwork
The show artwork or what is sometimes referred to as square cover art is the most important piece of artwork to have for your show.
Your show artwork (also called channel-level image) is the image that will appear in Apple Podcasts, other podcast directories, and podcast apps.
This format is the one that is added to your RSS feed. If you want to learn more about that, please refer to this article on configuring your show and RSS feed settings.
Apple Podcasts Cover Art Specs
Apple requires your show artwork to have specific specs. Those same specs are carried over across other directories and apps.
Show artwork must meet these technical requirements via Apple:
- Size: square, minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels and maximum 3000 x 3000 pixels
- Under 500kb in file size
- Resolution: 72 dpi
- File type: JPEG or PNG
- Colorspace: RGB
If you are a Libsyn customer your artwork is loaded into our platform and we handle the delivery of it with your content everywhere your audience listens.
Examples of how show artwork is used in Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Widescreen Cover Art
Let’s address this image directly from how it’s used within the Libsyn interface.
Libsyn can be set up to auto-publish to platforms that do not support MP3s or other types of audio files, but most platforms do support videos.
That’s the problem that the wide image solves.
When Libsyn publishes to YouTube or Facebook your audio file is made into a video – if you have a widescreen image, this image is used as the static image while the video plays.
The recommended requirements are:
- Size: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Resolution: 72 dpi
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- File type: JPEG or PNG
However, don’t get all worried if you do not have a widescreen image just yet and want to publish to YouTube and Facebook. Libsyn’s platform will use your square artwork. It just doesn’t look as good as the lovely rectangular image that takes up the video screen.
Bonus: Cover Art Tips!
Make your podcast artwork simple.
Use clear, readable, large fonts and relevant images or graphics, such as your logo. Don’t use Apple logos or products (or any other organization or brand that is not your own).
Make sure your artwork can be easily resized.
Different directories, platforms, or websites might feature your podcast. You will need to send them your cover art in the dimensions they require. Simplicity helps with this.
Leave space around the edges.
This helps if a platform or player cuts off parts of your artwork. Apple Podcasts suggests “avoid putting artwork elements at the bottom of your image as they may be obscured by play progress indicators“
Review artwork at small and large scales.
Make sure that you can read and understand your artwork on everything from a small mobile device to a large, high-definition TV. Did we mention “simplicity”?
And Remember!
- Include your podcast title in your podcast artwork.
- Make your podcast artwork consistent with your branding.
- Test for dark mode.
- Consider podcast episode artwork (optional) to attract new listeners.
Want to learn more about working with your show artwork on Libsyn? Read our support article or watch this video with our own Brian Cottington talking to top designers on how to think about your podcast cover art.
