3 Seconds
Podcast Artwork in a Nutshell
When users scroll through podcasts, there’s no hanging around. You get less than 3 seconds for the artwork to stand out and resonate. Maximise that time with these top tips, do’s & don’ts…
A word from our Founder, Paul Scurrah
Hi - thanks for stopping by. We have been helping businesses for years to get their brand right from the start. We would love to help you also.
Our passion is understanding your goals, translating them into a brand identity and seeing that turned into a stunning website and beyond.
Our goal is to see you meet your goals.
Let’s Go!
What to avoid
What Not to Do
- Overcrowded Compositions -
- Too much text crammed in -
- Multiple competing focal points
- Loses all impact at thumbnail size
Poor Contrast Choices
- Light text on light backgrounds
- Subtle colour variations that disappear when small
- Fails readability test across platforms
Generic Stock Photography
- No personality or unique value communication
- Screams "amateur hour" to potential listeners
Brand Disconnection
- Artwork doesn't match podcast tone or content
- Inconsistent with other marketing materials
- Confuses rather than clarifies your positioning
Bad to better
Here are some examples where an initial design is a little lacklustre! But next to each of those is a better example and why.
Bad - Accounting
No one seems to have a clear understanding of what this is truly about. There is no title to guide us, and nothing within the content appears to be particularly intriguing or engaging.
Better - Accounting
The photoshoot evokes a familiar feeling, featuring friendly faces that invite a sense of warmth and connection. The title is clearly evident and remains a central focus, drawing attention and capturing the theme of the moment beautifully.
Bad - Dog Training
You don’t need the headphones icon, and what specific conflict is being referenced here? This statement doesn’t really explain very much about the context, so it leaves me feeling unsure and confused about what this is actually about.
Better - Dog Training
Ah - so it’s about dogs! Let’s get some adorable dog photos in there, showing them obediently being photographed right next to a smiling tutor. This way, we can capture the joyful connection between the dogs and their trainers.
Bad - Dentist
This particular design gives me absolutely no sense that the creators are trustworthy, nor do I feel they are even qualified to present such work.
Better - Dentist
Validated with a trusted Doctor on the front, it prominently includes the term “Ultimate”, and showcases a bit more design flair for added visual appeal.
Bad - Aquariums
Why does it have absolutely zero colour? Is it perhaps related to aquariums and their underwater environments, or is it more about the technique and artistry involved in watercolour painting?
Better - Watercolour Painting
If you are looking to create a watercolour painting podcast, consider adding relevant elements that reflect the theme on the cover. This could include incorporating an eye-catching icon related to painting, such as a paintbrush and palette, as well as using more descriptive and engaging wording that accurately conveys the essence of the podcast.
Better - Aquariums
But if its about aquariums, get something more aquarium related in there! This is a great title as well as a more colourful design linked relating to aquariums
Ways to Design
DIY Design (Free)
- Tools: Canva, Adobe Express
- Pros: Complete control, zero cost
- Cons: Time-intensive to avoid template feel, requires design skills
- Best for: Those with strong visual sense, tight budget
AI Tools like Jellypod (Free / Low Cost)
- Automated generation based on prompts
- Pros: Quick, inexpensive, zero thought required
- Cons: Generic output, poor brand alignment, dubious quality
- Best for: Quick placeholders only
Fiverr/Freelance Platforms (£5-£100)
- Access to global designers
- Pros: Affordable, quick turnaround
- Cons: Often generic, template-based, no brand strategy, varying quality
- Best for: Basic needs with lower expectations
Good Design - £100+
Poor Design - £4+
Custom Design (£200-£1000+)
- Professional brand-aligned design
- Pros: Strategic thinking, brand consistency, unique output
- Cons: Higher investment, longer timeline
- Best for: Serious podcasters building a brand
DESIGN TESTING
The Squint Test
- Step back 6 feet and squint - can you still read the title?
- Does one element clearly dominate the composition?
The Thumbnail Test
- Shrink to 55x55 pixels (search result size)
- Is it still recognisable?
- Test on both light and dark backgrounds
The Context Test
- Place alongside 5-10 other podcast covers
- Does it stand out or get lost? Is it the same as others?
- Screenshot in actual podcast app interface top see how it looks and feels
The Brand Match Test
- Does it align with your podcast's tone and personality?
- Would your ideal listener be attracted to this style?
- Is it consistent with your other brand materials?
examples of great design
OUR DESIGN EXAMPLE 1
For Becca Brighty’s “ADHD IMPACT” podcast we had the logo front and centre as it gave the cover such an obvious title. For trustworthyness we made sure Becca was on there as well. Lastly, it perfectly the brand of her website so people know for sure they found the right person!
DESIGN EXAMPLE 2
For Russell Harvey - ‘THE Resilience Coach’ we knew it right to get his photo in there to automatically build that trust for people. As well as that, the word Resilience was made bold so it was clear exactly what the podcast was about. Lastly, we left space for easy update for the episode name. Listen to Russell’s podcast here.
DESIGN EXAMPLE 3
For Ashleigh’s Nurture Your Zest podcast, we adopted the cactus as a metaphor for the ‘prickly conversations’ she might be having on the podcast. Over time, the design has lost it’s way a little and multiple variations will cause slight confusion, so this needs a slight update - see below!
DESIGN EXAMPLE 3 (part B!)
Here is a redesign of the Nurture Your Zest podcast cover - it has:
Ashleigh front and centre so people can see who they are listening to
It has a reduced size guest name to make it less prominent
Bigger logo to make it more legible at smaller sizes
What do you think? Listen to Nurture Your Zest here
Top 5 Takeaways
1) Titles and Faces - Make your title obvious and use humans for emotional connection
2) Simplicity Wins - One clear focal point maximum, use of subtlety
3) Brand Alignment - Match your podcast's personality and tone
4) Thumbnail-First Thinking - Design for the smallest size first
5) Unique Positioning - Stand out from your category competitors
Thank You!
I really you found this content useful - if you need any help with your podcast artwork, feel free to email me at paul@thatbranding.company