Are you looking to update the cover of your Facebook video to make it more engaging and attention-grabbing? Changing the cover of a video on Facebook is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. In this article, we will walk you through the process of changing the cover of a video on Facebook, as well as provide some tips and best practices for creating effective video covers.
Why Change the Cover of a Video on Facebook?
Before we dive into the process of changing the cover of a video on Facebook, let’s talk about why you might want to do so. The cover of a video is the first thing that people see when they come across your video on Facebook, and it plays a big role in determining whether or not they will watch it. A good video cover can help to grab the viewer’s attention, convey the main topic of the video, and entice them to click and watch.
Some common reasons for changing the cover of a video on Facebook include:
- Updating the branding or style of your video: If you’ve recently updated your brand’s logo, color scheme, or overall aesthetic, you may want to update the cover of your video to match.
- Making the video more attention-grabbing: If you find that your video is not getting as many views as you would like, changing the cover to something more eye-catching may help to increase engagement.
- Providing more context or information: If the original cover of your video doesn’t provide enough context or information about what the video is about, you may want to change it to something that better conveys the main topic.
How to Change the Cover of a Video on Facebook
Changing the cover of a video on Facebook is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Access Your Video
To change the cover of a video on Facebook, you’ll need to start by accessing the video itself. You can do this by following these steps:
- Log in to your Facebook account and navigate to the page or profile where the video is located.
- Click on the “Videos” tab to view a list of all the videos on your page or profile.
- Find the video that you want to change the cover for and click on it to open it.
Step 2: Click on the “Edit Video” Button
Once you’ve opened the video, you’ll see a number of options and buttons below it. To change the cover of the video, you’ll need to click on the “Edit Video” button. This button is usually located in the top right corner of the video player.
Step 3: Select a New Cover Image
Once you’ve clicked on the “Edit Video” button, you’ll be taken to a new screen where you can edit various aspects of the video, including the cover image. To change the cover image, click on the “Cover” tab and then select “Upload Image” or “Choose from Video” to select a new image.
- If you choose to upload an image, you can select a file from your computer or take a new photo using your webcam.
- If you choose to select an image from the video, you can browse through the video and select a frame that you like.
Step 4: Crop and Adjust the Cover Image
Once you’ve selected a new cover image, you’ll need to crop and adjust it to fit the video player. You can do this by using the cropping tool to select the part of the image that you want to use as the cover.
- You can also adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of the image to make it look more visually appealing.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Once you’ve selected and adjusted your new cover image, click on the “Save” button to save your changes. The new cover image will now be displayed on your video.
Tips and Best Practices for Creating Effective Video Covers
While changing the cover of a video on Facebook is a relatively simple process, creating an effective video cover requires a bit more thought and planning. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:
Use High-Quality Images
The cover image of your video should be high-quality and visually appealing. Avoid using low-resolution or pixelated images, as they can make your video look unprofessional.
Keep it Simple and Focused
The cover image of your video should be simple and focused. Avoid using too much text or clutter, as it can be distracting and make it harder for viewers to understand what the video is about.
Use Text and Graphics Wisely
If you do choose to use text or graphics on your cover image, use them wisely. Avoid using too much text, and make sure that any graphics or logos are not too large or overwhelming.
Make it Relevant and Consistent
The cover image of your video should be relevant to the content of the video and consistent with your brand’s overall aesthetic. Avoid using images that are not relevant to the video, as they can be confusing and make it harder for viewers to understand what the video is about.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing the Cover of a Video on Facebook
While changing the cover of a video on Facebook is a relatively simple process, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for:
Using Low-Quality Images
Using low-quality images can make your video look unprofessional and may not display well on different devices.
Not Optimizing for Mobile
Not optimizing your cover image for mobile devices can result in a poor viewing experience for mobile users.
Not Testing the Cover Image
Not testing the cover image to make sure it looks good and is effective can result in a poor viewing experience for your audience.
Conclusion
Changing the cover of a video on Facebook is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create an effective video cover that grabs the viewer’s attention and entices them to watch. Remember to use high-quality images, keep it simple and focused, and make it relevant and consistent with your brand’s overall aesthetic. By avoiding common mistakes and testing your cover image, you can ensure that your video looks professional and effective.
What is the purpose of changing the cover of a video on Facebook?
Changing the cover of a video on Facebook allows you to customize the thumbnail image that represents your video. This is important because the cover image is often the first thing that viewers see when they come across your video, and it can greatly impact whether or not they decide to watch it. By choosing a compelling and relevant cover image, you can increase the visibility and engagement of your video.
A well-chosen cover image can also help to convey the content and tone of your video, giving viewers a better idea of what to expect. Additionally, changing the cover image can be a useful way to refresh the look of an older video or to update the branding of a video that was created with outdated graphics or logos.
Can I change the cover of a video on Facebook using my mobile device?
Yes, you can change the cover of a video on Facebook using your mobile device. The process is similar to changing the cover image on a desktop computer, but the steps may vary slightly depending on the type of device you are using. To change the cover image on a mobile device, open the Facebook app and navigate to the video you want to edit. Tap the three dots at the top right corner of the video and select “Edit Video” from the menu.
From there, you can select a new cover image from your device’s photo library or take a new photo to use as the cover image. You can also crop and adjust the image to fit the desired dimensions. Once you have selected and edited your new cover image, tap “Save” to apply the changes.
How do I change the cover of a video on Facebook that I didn’t upload?
If you want to change the cover of a video on Facebook that you didn’t upload, you will need to have editor permissions for the video. This means that the person who uploaded the video will need to have given you permission to edit it. If you have editor permissions, you can follow the same steps as you would to change the cover image of a video you uploaded.
If you don’t have editor permissions, you can try contacting the person who uploaded the video and asking them to change the cover image for you. Alternatively, you can try reaching out to the page or account that uploaded the video and asking them to make the change.
Can I change the cover of a video on Facebook after it has been published?
Yes, you can change the cover of a video on Facebook after it has been published. In fact, you can change the cover image of a video at any time, regardless of when it was published. To change the cover image of a published video, follow the same steps as you would to change the cover image of a video you are about to publish.
Keep in mind that changing the cover image of a published video may affect its performance in Facebook’s algorithm. If you change the cover image of a video that is already performing well, it may cause the video to be re-evaluated by the algorithm, which could impact its visibility. However, if you are trying to refresh the look of an older video or update the branding of a video, changing the cover image can be a useful way to give it a boost.
How do I choose the best cover image for my Facebook video?
Choosing the best cover image for your Facebook video involves selecting an image that is visually appealing, relevant to the content of the video, and optimized for Facebook’s dimensions. A good cover image should be eye-catching and attention-grabbing, and should give viewers a sense of what to expect from the video.
When selecting a cover image, consider using a high-quality image that is at least 1280 x 720 pixels. You should also choose an image that is optimized for Facebook’s 1.91:1 aspect ratio. Additionally, make sure the image is relevant to the content of the video and includes any relevant branding or text overlays.
Can I use a screenshot from the video as the cover image?
Yes, you can use a screenshot from the video as the cover image. In fact, using a screenshot from the video can be a great way to give viewers a sense of what to expect from the content. To take a screenshot from the video, play the video and pause it at a relevant frame. Then, use your device’s screenshot feature to capture the image.
Once you have taken the screenshot, you can edit it to fit the desired dimensions and add any relevant text overlays or branding. Keep in mind that using a screenshot from the video may not be as effective as using a custom-designed image, but it can still be a useful way to create a cover image quickly and easily.
Will changing the cover image of a video affect its engagement metrics?
Changing the cover image of a video may affect its engagement metrics, but the impact will depend on a variety of factors. If you change the cover image of a video that is already performing well, it may cause the video to be re-evaluated by Facebook’s algorithm, which could impact its visibility and engagement.
However, if you are trying to refresh the look of an older video or update the branding of a video, changing the cover image can be a useful way to give it a boost. Additionally, if you are changing the cover image to make it more relevant or attention-grabbing, it could potentially increase engagement and views. To minimize the impact on engagement metrics, try to change the cover image at a time when the video is not receiving a lot of views or engagement.