Do you know when to 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.
Apple requires your show artwork 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
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.
Example of how widescreen cover art is used on Facebook
Bonus: Cover Art Tips!
Make your podcast artwork simple.
Use clear, readable and large fonts.
Use relevant images and graphics such as your logo or variants.
Do not use Apple logos or products (or any other organization, company or brand that is not your own)
Make sure your podcast artwork can be easily resized.
Different directories, platforms or websites might feature your podcast and each platform might take the image and resize it to fit their needs.
Leave space around the edges.
This also helps if a platform or player cuts off parts of your artwork.
Apple Podcasts suggests to “avoid putting artwork elements at the bottom of your image as they may be obscured by play progress indicators“
Review artwork at a small and large scales.
Check to make sure that you can read and understand your artwork at that small eye level on mobile devices or at in large proportions such as a high definition TV.
- 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.
