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Platform Guide3 min read

Substack Cover Image: How to Create Perfect Newsletter Covers

Learn how to create perfect Substack cover images. Covers the optimal size, how to set them, and design tips to make your newsletter stand out in subscribers' inboxes.

Substack Cover Image: How to Create Perfect Newsletter Covers

Substack has grown into one of the most popular newsletter and blog platforms. A strong cover image helps your posts stand out in subscribers' email inboxes and on the Substack discovery feed.

Substack Cover Image Size

Substack recommends a cover image size of 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9 ratio). This appears at the top of your posts and as the preview image in email and on the web. Make it at least 960px wide for sharp display.

How to Add a Cover Image in Substack

In Substack's post editor, click the image icon in the toolbar or drag-and-drop an image at the top of your post. Substack will use the first image as the preview image for email and the web listing.

Design for Email Delivery

Remember that Substack posts are delivered via email. Many email clients have image loading disabled by default. Your cover image should be compelling enough to encourage subscribers to enable images—use strong text in the cover itself.

Substack Publication Logo vs. Cover

Substack has two separate images: the publication logo (400×400px, displays in email headers) and post covers (1280×720px, displays in post content). Both should be on-brand.

Conclusion

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