How to Add a Thumbnail to Instagram Reels — Step-by-Step

Instagram Reels Thumbnail — Step by Step

Attractive guide with an image for every step

Quick note:

Open Instagram app and tap + → Reel.

Record a video or upload from your gallery.

Finish editing (music/text/effects) → tap Next.

Tap Edit Cover.

Select any frame from the video as your cover.

(Optional) Tap Add from Gallery/Camera Roll to set a custom image.

Drag/Zoom the cover to adjust the position.

Tap Done → Add caption, hashtags, and location.

Tap Share — your Reel will post with the selected thumbnail.

✨ Quick Tips

• Recommended step image size: 1200×675 px (16:9) or at least 800×450 for faster loading.
• For the Reel cover use 1080×1920 px (9:16).
• Name your images meaningfully and add alt text for accessibility.
• To get image URLs in Blogger: Insert image → Upload → Right click the uploaded image → Open image in new tab → copy the URL and paste it into the placeholders.