A practical guide
Podcast Cover Art Size: A Practical Apple Podcasts Checklist
A podcast cover needs to work both as a tiny show icon and as a larger listing image. Start with the title hierarchy, then check the export against the platform's requirements.
Explore the examples ↓
Apple Podcasts show-cover specifications
Apple's current Show Cover guidance specifies 3000 × 3000 pixels. RSS submissions can use artwork from 1400 × 1400 to 3000 × 3000, with the largest size preferred. Export PNG or JPG with a solid background; show covers must not contain transparency or an alpha channel.
Source: Apple Podcasts for Creators · checked November 6, 2026
Keep the title inside the safe area
Apple provides a template to help keep design elements from being cropped or covered by interface controls. Use a clear title, strong contrast and limited secondary text. Check small and large previews, including any crop around the edges.
Source: Apple Podcasts for Creators · checked November 6, 2026
Separate a cover concept from an upload file
The Small Hours sample shows the design direction. Its square shape does not prove the required export size. Check your actual download dimensions and background before submitting. Use the highest suitable original output available rather than treating an enlarged thumbnail as a new high-resolution master.
Review the artwork as a listener
Temporarily hide the show description and ask what the image communicates by itself. The title should remain recognizable, and the imagery should fit the subject or tone. Remove extra slogans if they compete with the show name.
See the idea take shape
Explore the image. Open the prompt. Change the details that make it yours.
Small Hours podcast cover
Original AI-generated example.
See the exact prompt
Design one highly distinctive square 1:1 podcast cover for a fictional interview show. Exact text only: 'SMALL HOURS' and 'WITH JUNE PARK'. The large title fills most of the square with beautifully balanced custom-feeling cream letterforms on a deep ink-blue background. A warm burnt-orange circle resembling a late-night desk lamp glow peeks between the letters; a thin winding cream line suggests a conversation connecting two tiny stars. Sophisticated editorial illustration, simple shapes, slight analog grain, calm and intimate. It must read exceptionally well as a tiny podcast tile. Keep the host credit readable at the bottom. No realistic microphone cliché, no platforms, reviews, ratings, network affiliation, logos, watermark or device mockup. Finished flat cover, safe margin all sides.
A few useful answers
Can I submit a transparent logo as my show cover?
Apple's current show-cover specifications require a solid background without transparency.
Can episode art use the same idea?
Yes. Keep the show identity consistent, then check the separate artwork requirements for the placement you are preparing.
Keep exploring
All ideas ↗Podcast Cover Art: AI Examples & Prompts
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