Instagram highlight covers are more than just pretty icons—they’re the first thing visitors see when they land on your profile. In 2025, with over 2 billion monthly active users on Instagram, standing out is non-negotiable. Custom highlight covers help you:
According to recent data, profiles with cohesive highlight covers see up to 30% more profile interactions compared to those with default or mismatched covers (source). Whether you’re a solo creator, a growing business, or an agency, nailing your highlight covers is a quick win for your Instagram strategy.
Creating and uploading Instagram highlight covers is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it like a pro:
Tools you’ll need: Canva, Snappa, or any graphic design app
Pro Tip: Use Sked Social’s Media Library and Image Editor to create, organize and store your highlight covers alongside all your other social assets.
To add a new highlight with a custom cover:
To update an existing highlight cover:
No need to post the cover to your Story first! You can upload directly from your phone’s gallery.
Regularly update your highlight covers to reflect new campaigns, seasonal themes, or brand updates. This keeps your profile looking current and signals to visitors that your brand is active and engaged.
Why settle for a lackluster social media management tool when you could be using Sked Social? With unlimited collaborator access, streamlined approvals and advanced auto-post technology that lets you schedule to all major platforms, Sked Social offers everything you need.
Get Started for FREEWant your covers to look pro-level? Follow these expert tips:
Example: A beauty brand might use pastel backgrounds with minimalist icons for each product category, while a tech company could opt for bold, high-contrast icons.
Sked Social’s Visual Calendar makes it easy to plan and preview your Instagram content, ensuring your highlight covers fit seamlessly into your overall feed aesthetic.
Instagram highlights aren’t just for looks—they’re a powerful engagement tool. Here’s how to maximize their impact:
Challenge: Covers look blurry or off-center
Solution: Always use 1080 x 1920 px images and center your icon. Preview before uploading.
Challenge: Followers get spammed when updating covers
Solution: Use the “Edit Highlight” feature to change covers without posting to your Story.
Challenge: Managing multiple brands or campaigns
Solution: Sked Social’s Media Library and Visual Calendar keep all your assets and schedules organized in one place.
1080 x 1920 pixels is the recommended size for crisp, professional-looking covers.
Yes! Use the “Edit Highlight” > “Edit Cover” option to upload directly from your camera roll.
Use your brand’s color palette, fonts, and icon style. Tools like Canva offer templates you can customize to match your brand.
Try icons for each service, product, or content pillar. For example, a restaurant could use a fork for “Menu,” a chef’s hat for “Team,” and a map pin for “Locations.”
Update whenever you launch a new campaign, rebrand, or want to keep your profile looking fresh—at least once per quarter is a good rule of thumb.
Instagram highlight covers are a small detail with a big impact—on both your brand’s visual identity and your audience’s experience. But managing assets, keeping your look consistent, and updating covers across multiple brands or campaigns can get overwhelming fast.
That’s where Sked Social comes in. With features like:
…you’ll never have to scramble for the right cover or worry about off-brand visuals again.
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