Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Val Razo
Creating a viral reel isn’t just about what’s in the video — it’s also about how your cover photo catches the eye. Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, or a creator learning how to make reels that go viral, your Instagram reels cover photo can be the difference between a scroll-past and a tap. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok reward engaging content that stands out in the reels tab or Instagram feed, and a thoughtfully designed thumbnail helps increase your chances of going viral.
In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step breakdown of how to create eye-catching reels covers that not only stop the scroll but drive traffic, grow your social media presence, and build your brand or business. From using tools like Canva and pulling from your camera roll, to mastering caption and hashtag placement — we’ll cover the strategies and visual elements that truly resonate with audiences and boost your visibility.
Why Your Instagram Reel Cover Matters
The Role of the Reel Cover in Getting Clicks
Your Instagram reel cover photo is the first impression your content makes. Whether your reel appears in the Instagram feed, reels tab, or even shared via Instagram story, the thumbnail is what compels users to stop and watch. An unedited frame from your video often fails to capture interest. That’s why taking the time to choose a cover that’s clear, bright, and informative is critical.
By selecting or designing a cover image that reflects the theme of your video, you significantly improve the experience for your audience. Think of it like a movie poster — it should create curiosity and visually represent what your video content delivers. If you want your reels to showcase your product or service effectively, your cover has to do the heavy lifting.
A good rule of thumb? Every reel should answer this: “Would a stranger scroll past this, or click it out of interest?” That one question can guide better decisions about imagery, layout, and text overlays.
How a Strong Cover Influences Whether Reels Go Viral
When you’re aiming to go viral, the reel cover becomes part of your overall strategy for reels. A well-composed cover can increase your click-through rate, which in turn sends positive engagement signals to the Instagram app algorithm. The more people engage with your reel early on, the higher the chances it gets pushed to others via platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Using viral trends in your design — such as bold fonts, relevant emojis, or color schemes from trending creators — can also increase relatability. These cues signal to viewers that your content is both current and relevant. If you can create engaging visuals that complement great content, you’ll increase the chances of going viral without overwhelming your audience.
In short, your cover photo is more than a formality — it’s a trigger for discovery. It sets the tone for your content, reinforces your brand, and contributes directly to your reel’s performance.
Posts with custom thumbnails are 30% more likely to be watched to completion compared to those using random video frames.
Key Elements of a Viral Instagram Reels Cover Photo
Text, Thumbnails & Visual Hooks
When designing a reels cover, the small details matter. First, ensure your thumbnail has clear, bold text that stands out — especially on mobile. Use action words or a call to action like “Watch the Full Video” or “See the Transformation.” This boosts engagement and encourages viewers to tap. Keep the text short and easy to read even at a glance.
Next, think of visual hooks — these are the elements that make someone stop scrolling. A well-composed facial expression, an intriguing moment from the reel, or a product image positioned intentionally can all serve as eye-catching visuals. If you’re using video editing tools or apps like Canva, try adding shape overlays or colored text blocks to further emphasize key elements.
Finally, stay aware of how your cover image aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. Whether you’re using neutral tones or bold, saturated colors, consistency across covers builds recognition and trust. If your Instagram account has a cohesive visual theme, your reels like your posts should feel part of a larger strategy.
When I first started creating reels, I didn’t pay much attention to the cover photo — I just let Instagram pick a random frame. But once I started using Canva to design branded thumbnails with bold text and consistent colors, my click-through rate nearly doubled. Now every reel feels like part of a polished series, and it’s helped me build real credibility in my niche.
Color, Contrast & Product Images
Color psychology plays a big role in creating engaging content. Colors like red, orange, or bright yellow tend to grab attention, while blues and purples create a sense of calm or professionalism. Use contrast wisely — light text on dark backgrounds (and vice versa) improves visibility in the crowded reels tab.
If you’re promoting a product or service, feature product images in the thumbnail to clearly communicate value. Just make sure you create eye-catching visuals without overwhelming the viewer. Don’t cram in too much text or too many elements. Less is often more when trying to make your reel stand out.
Using a strong mix of visual elements, relevant color choices, and consistent branding will help every Instagram reel cover photo do what it’s supposed to do: stop the scroll and get the click.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Reels That Go Viral
Designing Your Reel Cover Using Canva or Camera Roll
To make reels that truly stand out, start with the cover image. Apps like Canva offer pre-sized reels templates tailored to Instagram’s vertical format (1080 x 1920 pixels), making it easy to design from scratch. You can choose bold fonts, drag in product images, and add visual elements like arrows or emojis that direct attention to the subject.
If you’re short on time, select a frame from your camera roll while uploading your reel on Instagram. Just be sure the chosen frame has clarity, focus, and aligns with your brand. You can choose a cover during the upload process by tapping “Edit Cover” and either picking a video frame or uploading a custom image.
Regardless of the method, be mindful of Instagram’s layout: parts of your cover photo may get cropped in the Instagram feed or reels tab, so place important text or visuals in the center area. This helps maintain a professional appearance across all formats.
Writing Captions and Choosing Hashtags That Drive Traffic
Once your thumbnail is set, shift your focus to captions and hashtags — both critical for boosting discoverability. A compelling caption should be short, clear, and contain a call to action such as “Tap to learn more” or “Save for later.” These prompts not only boost engagement but tell Instagram your content is valuable.
When it comes to hashtags, don’t overload them. Choose 3–5 highly relevant tags based on your niche and content topic. Use a mix of broad and specific hashtags like #viralreels, #creatingreels, #reelsgosocial, or even #reelwithout limits. If you’re using Instagram reels using trends or viral audio, consider adding one trend-based hashtag to increase reach.
Also, remember to include keywords in your caption that align with your audience’s search habits. This simple social media marketing strategy increases your reel’s visibility and ensures your content appears in relevant search results — both inside the app and across Google.
The combo of an optimized cover photo, smart caption, and curated hashtags is what transforms a regular upload into a viral reel.
Strategy for Reels That Grow Your Brand
Leveraging Trends Across TikTok and Instagram
If you want to boost your visibility and grow a consistent brand or business, you need a strategy that taps into current viral trends — especially those shared across Instagram and TikTok. While both platforms favor engaging content, TikTok often picks up trends first. That means creators on Instagram can stay ahead by adapting trending formats early.
Use tools like the Instagram app’s Explore and Reels tabs to find what’s performing well. Save trending audio, take notes on visual elements being repeated, and think about how those trends align with your brand’s tone and message. Use that insight to build reels that resonate — content that feels native to the platform but tailored to your business goals.
Just remember: chasing every trend without a cohesive strategy weakens your social media presence. Instead, filter trends through your brand voice, and prioritize videos using those trends only when they feel authentic to your audience.
Creating a Consistent Look Across Instagram Stories & Reels
Creating a unified visual identity across Instagram stories and reels strengthens brand recognition. When users can instantly recognize your content while scrolling, it increases engagement and helps establish authority in your niche. Use the same color palette, fonts, and thumbnail design style across all content types.
Templates can streamline this process. Use reels templates in Canva or your preferred video editing tool to build repeatable layouts. Apply these across both stories and reels to maintain consistency without spending hours designing every post from scratch.
Also, think about your broader social media content strategy. Where possible, repurpose your Instagram reels into snippets for stories or static carousel posts. The more places your message lives, the higher your chances of going viral.
Whether you’re promoting product images, educating, or entertaining, the goal is simple: engage your audience with great content that’s unmistakably “you.”
How to Share Your Reel for Maximum Reach
Posting Reel on Instagram vs. Cross-Platform
Once you’ve created your viral reel, sharing it correctly is just as important as making it. The Instagram app gives you multiple options when you publish your reel — but many users overlook features that can multiply visibility. Make sure you post to the Instagram feed, reels tab, and optionally your Insta story to maximize distribution.
Additionally, think cross-platform. Sharing your reel on TikTok, Facebook, or Pinterest Stories gives your content a second life and helps grow your audience outside of Instagram. If you share your reel on multiple platforms using a consistent thumbnail, it reinforces your brand’s identity and helps viewers recognize your content wherever they see it.
Include a caption and hashtags like #reelsonreels, #shareyourreel, or #viralgrowth to increase reach — and don’t forget a clear call to action like “Follow for more” or “Visit our site.” This encourages conversion beyond just engagement.
I once ran a side-by-side test using two identical reels: one with a plain auto-generated thumbnail, and one with a custom reel cover that highlighted the main tip in the video. The custom cover got 3x more views and over 40% more engagement. That was the moment I realized how important cover image design really is.
Best Times to Post and When Reels Go Viral
Timing your content is another part of the strategy for reels. The best time to post depends on your audience’s habits, but studies show reels tend to perform best during weekday evenings or weekend mornings. Use Instagram Insights to identify when your followers are most active, then plan your upload accordingly.
Also, engagement in the first 30–60 minutes matters most. That’s when the algorithm decides whether to push your reel further. Boost early engagement by responding to comments, sharing to your Instagram story, and sending the reel directly to loyal followers or group chats. These small moves can increase the chances of going viral.
Want your Instagram content to thrive long-term? Combine smart timing, strong cover photo design, and platform distribution. That’s how you drive traffic, grow your brand, and engage your audience — without wasting time or guesswork.
Beauty brand Glossier consistently creates viral Instagram reels by focusing on minimalist thumbnail design, strategic use of trending audio, and keeping reels under 20 seconds. According to their 2023 social insights, reels accounted for over 50% of their organic reach growth. Their team uses consistent brand colors and short how-to visuals to maintain recognizability across their feed.
Conclusion
Designing a viral reel doesn’t start when you hit record — it begins with a scroll-stopping cover photo, a smart caption, and a well-thought-out strategy for reels that aligns with your brand. By focusing on thumbnail design, leveraging viral trends, and optimizing how you share your reel, you boost your chances of going viral and building a stronger social media presence.
Use tools like Canva, stay consistent with your visual elements, and always put your audience first. Whether you’re just learning how to make reels or fine-tuning your Instagram marketing, the right cover and distribution tactics will set your content apart and drive traffic — one tap at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basics to cover when creating Instagram reels for beginners?
When you’re just creating Instagram reels, start by focusing on three basics: strong lighting, a clear message, and an attention-grabbing cover photo. These form the foundation for content that connects. Before jumping into trends, cover the basics like video size (1080×1920), good audio, and framing the subject properly.
Can you make an engaging reel without showing your face?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to make a reel without showing your face. Use dynamic product shots, overlays, adding text, and creative transitions to maintain viewer interest. Many creators use tutorials, unboxings, or screen recordings as faceless formats that still perform well.
How can AI-powered tools help with creating reels faster?
AI-powered tools can streamline your reel creation process by offering automated video editing, text overlay suggestions, and even audio syncing. Some apps help you generate captions or recommend the best times to post, making it easier to keep your content consistent without spending hours.
What are some ways to gain reel views organically?
Organic growth comes from content that resonates. To find ways to gain reel views, focus on trending sounds, shareable content, and strong calls to action. Combine that with an engaging thumbnail and value-packed messaging to spark saves and shares — the keys to virality.
How can I make Instagram reels that truly set my brand apart?
To make Instagram reels that set you apart, stay authentic while building visual consistency. Use brand colors, font styles, and repeatable formats. Include educational tips, behind-the-scenes, or storytelling elements that aren’t just trendy — they’re memorable.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
