How to Make a Podcast Cover on Canva
As an Amazon Associate, Pod Sound School earns from qualifying purchases made through the links provided on this website. This means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Your support helps keep the content coming. Thank you!
Are you ready to design your own podcast cover art? You're in the right place! In the FREE video workshops below, you’ll learn how to create stunning podcast cover art by reverse engineering or dissecting eight iconic podcast covers from very popular, high-performing podcasts. They're really cool covers!
PODCAST COVER DESIGN WORKSHOPS FOR BEGINNERS:
WORKSHOP 1: Podcast Cover Workshop // Free Download // Canva Design for Beginners
Exercise 1: Noah Kagan Presents
Exercise 2: Kathleen Can Do It
WORKSHOP 2: Reverse engineering popular podcast covers in Canva Pro
Exercise 3: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
Exercise 4: Call Her Daddy
Exercise 5: Huberman Lab
WORKSHOP 3: How to Make a Podcast Cover in Canva
Exercise 6: Goal Digger
Exercise 7: Product Thinking
Exercise 8: Well-Read Black Girl
We're not just going to do this because it's a ton of fun and because we want to copy the artwork of other creators. No, because instead, this is one of my favorite ways to learn and teach design fundamentals and to see how accessible Canva is to create professional graphics.
You’re going to learn about:
text placement
choosing the right text
photo placement
removing the background from photos
adding effects to photos
and much more
By the end of these workshops, you'll have the skills to not only design your own professional, really badass podcast cover, but they're also going to help you continue to design really amazing graphics in Canva Pro for all your graphic design needs.
Canva Pro is the paid version of Canva, which is about 13 bucks a month. The best 13 bucks a month you will spend as a content creator. Yes, you can achieve some of the techniques I teach in the free version of Canva. You can also try out Canva Pro for free by clicking HERE.
12 FREE CANVA TEMPLATES
As a special bonus, I've prepared 12 free Canva templates for you to download so you can follow along with me in the workshops. NO EMAIL REQUIRED—just click the button below to copy the template and start designing alongside me.
Before we start, if this is your first time here, welcome! I'm Studio Steve, a graphic designer, video producer, audio producer, and instructor at Pod Sound School with about 20 years of experience in professional audio production.
If you’re interested in learning more about how podcasting can help you grow your business, sign up for our minicourse Idea to Podcast Simplified for Business Owners.
Okay, let's not waste any more time. Let's jump into Canva and start designing your awesome podcast cover!
THE GOAL OF A PODCAST COVER
✅ The aim of your podcast cover should be simplicity and legibility.
✅ It needs to intrigue listeners who are scrolling the players, spark curiosity, and encourage them to click and listen.
✅ It should also compliment, hint, or tease the podcast's topic.
✅ Lastly, it should set the tone and personalize the show with the face or faces of the host(s).
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Include Your Image?
Pros: Personalizes the podcast, putting a face to the voice and strengthening your brand, especially if you are the prominent face of your brand.
Cons: Text-only designs can also spark curiosity and be visually appealing and clickable depending on your podcast's topic. We'll explore both options to help you decide which one suits your podcast best.
Hire an Artist?
DIY with Canva Pro: Canva Pro is powerful for designing exactly the podcast cover you envision. It's user-friendly and doesn't require extensive graphic design skills.
Hiring an Artist: If your idea involves intricate illustrations or complex elements, consider hiring an artist. Even if you plan to hire a professional, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with Canva Pro, as it can be a valuable asset for your business, providing the ability to create various graphics daily.
By considering these points, you'll be able to create a captivating podcast cover that stands out, whether you design it yourself or collaborate with an artist.
LOOK AT CANVA’S TEMPLATES
First, download the free template pack and open it in your Canva account so you can follow along.
To explore Canva's templates, start by adding a new blank page.
On the top left-hand side bar, click on the design tab to display all of Canva's designs.
Browse through the Podcast Cover templates, which offer various versions and color palettes.
Key Points:
Templates: Choose templates that align with your brand's colors and fonts.
Customization: Use these templates to refine and update your font and color choices.
For instance, selecting a template like Clean Cutout Comedy Podcast Cover provides three style options and various color schemes.
You can use this template to explore potential brand colors. If you like the placement of elements, you can customize the template by changing it to your brand colors, updating the text, and replacing the picture with your own image.
Canva also allows you to remove the background from your picture, helping you create a professional-looking podcast cover quickly.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
Let's look at some real-world examples from popular shows on podcast directories.
Accessing the Grid View
First, click on the grid view icon, which looks like four squares (the bottom right in Cavna). This will display all your pages as a grid, making it easier to manage complex designs or presentations.
Understanding the Layout
When looking at the template pack in the grid view, you'll see pages labeled "original" under many podcast cover arts. These are the original covers. Next to them, you'll find my versions where I've reverse-engineered the designs, sometimes copying the exact brand colors.
*This exercise is not about plagiarizing but about showing how easily popular podcast covers can be created in Canva and providing you with templates as starting points.
Exploring Notable Designs
Additionally, I included some notable original covers that I didn't recreate but are worth mentioning for their simplicity, readability, and ability to feature the host prominently. These designs serve as excellent examples of effective podcast cover art.
Recreating Text-Only and Graphical Covers
You'll also find originals and recreated versions of text-only or graphical podcast covers. These demonstrate how you can use shapes and clip art to create appealing designs. For instance, the "Raise the Bar" cover is simple and elegant, using just two brand colors. You can leave the grid view, select the cover, and change the colors and fonts to match your brand, achieving a similar look.
Customizing the Templates
Feel free to go through any of these, replace the colors with your brand colors, and drop your own picture into the designs. As you experiment with these templates, you'll become more familiar with Canva and how to customize designs with your own elements.
And now let's create some podcast covers together. Are you ready? This is going to be really fun!
WORKSHOP 1: Podcast Cover Workshop // Free Download // Canva Design for Beginners
DESIGN EXERCISE 1: Noah Kagan Presents
Exercise 1 starts at timestamp 04:54
IN EXERCISE ONE:
I’ll recreate a simple yet effective podcast cover, similar to "Noah Kagan Presents" but with our own spin. We’ll use purple instead of green and design a cover for "Emma Smith Presents."
Create a New Page
Click the "Add Page" icon to create a blank canvas.
Adjust the view using the zoom slider or shortcuts (Command/Ctrl +/−).
Set Background Color
Choose a purple color for the background by typing "purple" in the color search.
Add and Customize Text
Press "T" to add a text box and type "Emma."
Select a font (e.g., League Spartan) and adjust letter spacing using the spacing tool.
Copy (Command/Ctrl + C) and paste (Command/Ctrl + V) the text, then change it to "Smith."
Group and Rotate Text
Select both text boxes, click "Group," and rotate the group to -90 degrees.
Add Subtitle Text
Press "T" to add another text box, type "Presents," and select a suitable font (e.g., Montserrat).
Bold or italicize the text if needed.
Position and Resize Text
Resize and adjust the position of the text to fit the design layout.
Add and Edit Image
Search for a suitable photo (e.g., "woman in purple shirt").
Remove the background using the "Edit Image" and "Background Remover" options.
Crop and position the image as needed.
Adjust Image Layers
Use the "Position" tool or quick keys (Command/Ctrl + Bracket) to move the image layer forward or backward.
Add Shadow Effect
Select the image, click "Edit Image," and choose a shadow effect (e.g., drop shadow).
Adjust the shadow settings (angle, offset, transparency, blur).
Apply Gradient Background
Select the background, click on the color option, and choose "Gradient."
Add and customize gradient colors to enhance the background.
Finalize Design
Save the changes and review the design for any final adjustments.
Experiment with different design elements and effects to achieve the desired look.
DESIGN EXERCISE 2: Kathleen Can Do It: DIY, Home Decor, and Interior Design
Exercise 2 starts at timestamp 16:30
IN EXERCISE TWO:
I’ll design an artistic podcast cover similar to the popular "Kathleen Can Do It" podcast, but with a different theme and color scheme. We'll create a cover for "It's Possible Joshua," a podcast about learning to cook at home.
Set Up a New Page
Click "Add Page" to create a blank canvas.
Choose a color for the background. For a cooking theme, consider earthy or herb-like tones.
Add and Customize Text
Press "T" or go to the text menu and add a heading.
Increase the font size (e.g., 200) for better visibility.
Type "It's Possible" and choose an off-white color for the text.
Select a font that fits the theme, using categories like "Funky" for inspiration.
Arrange and Style Text
Rotate the text slightly using the rotation wheel icon.
Copy and paste the text box, then change the second one to "Joshua."
Adjust the size and position of each word to create a dynamic layout. For example, make the "P" in "Possible" larger and let it intrude into "Joshua."
Group Text Elements
Select all text elements while holding the shift key and group them (Command/Ctrl + G).
Move the grouped text to the desired position on the canvas.
Add Graphic Elements
Go to the "Elements" tab and search for "kitchen tools."
Select relevant graphics like a spatula, whisk, and knife.
Adjust the size and position of each graphic element to complement the text.
Fine-Tune Your Design
Use the zoom slider to get a closer look at your design details.
Check the overall layout in grid view to ensure everything looks cohesive.
Review and Adjust
Make final adjustments to the text and graphics for balance and readability.
Remember, the goal is to create a cover that represents the podcast's theme and is visually appealing.
WORKSHOP 2: Reverse engineering popular podcast covers in Canva Pro
DESIGN EXERCISE 3: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
Exercise 3 starts at timestamp 00:45
IN EXERCISE 3:
I'll recreate a podcast cover similar to "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend" but tailored for "Studio Steve Needs a Friend."
Start with a Blank Canvas
Open Canva and create a new page by clicking the "Add Page" icon to get a blank canvas.
Import and Crop the Image
Upload the Conan O'Brien podcast cover and crop it to focus only on Conan.
Add and Customize Text
Add a heading by pressing the "T" key or selecting the text option. Type "Studio" in a font similar to the original.
The Aileron Heavy font, when bolded, closely matches the original. Adjust the letter spacing to get it just right.
Match the color by using the text color button and selecting the appropriate shade from the image.
Position the Text
Place "Studio" where "Conan" was. Copy and paste the text box (Ctrl/Cmd + C, Ctrl/Cmd + V) and change the text to "Steve."
Adjust the letter spacing for "Steve" to fit the design. Ensure it aligns well with "Studio."
Recreate the Line
Go to "Elements" and select a line. Adjust its color and style to match the original. Use the eyedropper tool to get the exact gray shade.
Position the line accurately using the zoom slider for precision.
Add Subtext
Add another heading for "needs a friend" and adjust the font size and spacing.
Try the Oswald font for a close match and position it on top of the original for accuracy.
Add the Secondary Text
For "Team PSS," add a new text box and highlight the specific letters to change their color to orange.
Adjust the font to Aileron Heavy or another suitable one for consistency.
Upload and Edit the Image
Upload a picture of Studio Steve. Remove the background using Canva’s background remover tool.
Position Steve’s image on top of Conan’s to get the alignment right. Crop any unused space to make the image more manageable.
Add Drop Shadow
Select the image of Steve and go to "Edit Image." Scroll to the "Shadows" option and select "Drop."
Adjust the blur, transparency, offset, and angle to match the original cover’s drop shadow effect.
Final Adjustments
Ensure all elements (text, lines, image) are well-aligned and visually balanced. Use the grid view for a final check.
DESIGN EXERCISE 4: Call Her Daddy
Exercise 4 starts at timestamp 7:37
IN EXERCISE FOUR:
I’ll recreate the cover of the very popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, but reimagine it for a new show called "Call Your Cousin."
Start with a Blank Canvas
Open Canva and create a new page by clicking the "Add Page" icon to get a blank canvas.
Create the Background
Search for a studio background image to use as the backdrop. Adjust the brightness and contrast to match the original feel.
To adjust the image, click on it, select "Edit Image," and fine-tune the brightness and contrast settings.
Add and Customize Text
Add a heading by pressing the "T" key or selecting the text option. Type "CALL YOUR" in all caps.
Rotate the text slightly to match the original design.
Search for the font "New Wave" in Canva’s font options for an exact match.
For the word "COUSIN," add another text box and use the "Permanent Marker" font to replicate the look.
Change Text Colors
Change the text color by selecting the color picker and using the eyedropper tool to match the exact pink and white from the original design.
Add "PODCAST" Text
Add another text box for "PODCAST" and leave out the "O" initially. Use "Finger Paint" font for this text.
Adjust the letter spacing and rotate the text slightly.
Replace the "O" with a graphic of lips. Find a suitable set of lips in the "Elements" section and match the pink color using the eyedropper tool.
Add a Line Separator
Go to "Elements" and select a line. Adjust the line weight and color to match the design.
Use arrow keys for precise placement. Copy and paste the line to position it correctly.
Add the Spotify Exclusive Logo
Create a rectangle and a triangle shape for the logo background. Group them together to move them as one element.
Search for the Spotify graphic in "Elements" and place it within the logo background.
Match the background color using the eyedropper tool.
Add the "Spotify Exclusive" Text
Add a text box and type "A SPOTIFY EXCLUSIVE" in all caps. Use the "Roboto" font and bold it for the final look.
Change the text color to white and position it correctly.
Add the Host’s Image
Upload a picture of Veronica. Remove the background using Canva’s background remover tool.
Resize and position Veronica to match the original design’s host placement.
Add a Pink Couch Image
Upload a picture of a pink couch. Remove its background using the background remover tool.
Position the couch appropriately behind Veronica.
DESIGN EXERCISE 5: Huberman Lab
Exercise 5 starts at timestamp 15:36
IN EXERCISE FIVE:
I’ll recreate the “Huberman Lab” podcast cover, focusing on simplicity and effectiveness.
Create a Blank Canvas
Open Canva and start with a new blank page to set the foundation for your design.
Add Text Elements
Press "T" to add a text box. We'll start with the word "Dendrite."
Use the font "Oswald" for a clean, professional look. Adjust the size to fit your design.
Change the text color to the specific blue used in the original design. This can be done by selecting the text, clicking on the color picker, and entering the hex code or using the color picker tool.
Adjust Text Spacing
Zoom in to ensure precise adjustments. Increase the letter spacing to match the style of the original design.
Once satisfied, copy and paste the text box to create the "Den" portion, adjusting its size and position accordingly.
Add a Border
Go to "Elements" and search for "square border." Select a border that matches the style and scale it to fit your design.
Change the border color to the same blue as the text for consistency.
Insert and Edit the Host’s Photo
Upload a photo of the host (or the relevant image) to Canva. Position it appropriately within the design.
Rotate the image slightly to match the original cover’s angle.
Adjust Image Layers
Use the layers tab by pressing "Option + 1" (a handy Canva Pro tip) to bring the host’s photo in front or behind other elements as needed.
Edit Photo to Black and White
Select the photo and click on "Edit Image." Use the following adjustments:
Increase brightness slightly.
Add contrast to make the image pop.
Reduce saturation to zero to make the image black and white.
Increase highlights and shadows to create a more striking contrast, matching the original design’s aesthetic.
Fine-Tune the Image Position
Adjust the photo's position and size to ensure it fits seamlessly into the design. Align the shoulders and other elements to create a balanced look.
WORKSHOP 3: How to Make a Podcast Cover in Canva
DESIGN EXERCISE 6: Goal Digger
Exercise 6 starts at timestamp 00:58
IN EXERCISE SIX:
I'll walk you through the process of recreating the podcast cover for Jenna Kutcher’s uber-popular “Goal Digger” podcast so you can practice applying various design techniques in Canva.
Open Canva:
Start by logging into Canva.
Create a Design:
Click on "Create a Design" in the top right corner and type in "Podcast Cover." Select "Podcast Cover" from the dropdown menu. This ensures you have the perfect dimensions for your cover.
Select a Template:
Canva offers various templates on the left-hand side toolbar. For this tutorial, we will create a design from scratch but feel free to use a template if you prefer.
Add a Gradient Background:
Go to "Elements" and type "Gradient" in the search bar.
Select a gradient you like and adjust its colors to match the design you want. For Jenna Kutcher’s cover, we’ll use a yellow and orange gradient.
Stretch the gradient to cover the entire canvas.
Upload an Image:
Click on "Uploads" in the left-hand toolbar and upload the photo you want to use. For this example, we’ll use a photo of Veronica.
Remove the Background:
Select the photo and click "Edit Image" from the top menu.
Choose "Background Remover" to remove the background. This feature is available with Canva Pro and works like magic!
Adjust the photo size and position it similarly to Jenna Kutcher’s layout.
Create the Title:
Click "Text" in the left-hand toolbar and add a heading. Type "Goal Digger" or your podcast title.
For a stylish look, we will use the "DM Serif Display" font and set the color to white.
Position the text so that some letters go behind the image and some stay in front. To do this, you may need to add each letter individually and use the "Position" tool to move layers forward or backward.
Add the Subtitle:
Create a smaller text box for the host's name or a tagline.
Use a Sans Serif font for contrast. Adjust the size and color to ensure it is readable against the background.
Insert a Bar at the Bottom:
Go to "Elements" and select a square shape from the "Lines and Shapes" section.
Adjust the color to a complementary blue and resize the shape to create a bar at the bottom of your cover.
Add text over this bar, such as "By Pod Sound School," using a legible font and color.
Enhance the Text:
To make the text stand out more, use Canva’s text effects.
Select your text and click on "Effects." The "Lift" effect is particularly useful
for making text pop against the background.
Fine-Tune the Design:
Make any necessary adjustments to the size, position, and color of your elements to ensure everything looks cohesive and professional.
Preview Your Cover:
Zoom out to see the overall design and make sure all elements are well-aligned and visually appealing.
DESIGN EXERCISE 7: Product Thinking
Exercise 7 starts at timestamp 9:06
IN EXERCISE SEVEN:
I’ll recreate the cover for Melissa Perry’s "Product Thinking" podcast and explore some handy Canva tips along the way!
Start a New Design:
From Canva's homepage, click on "Create a design" and select "Podcast Cover."
Upload Your Reference:
Use the uploads tab to bring in a reference image.
We'll use "Product Thinking with Melissa Perry" as our inspiration.
Select Elements:
Navigate to the elements tab and choose a square.
Set the Background Color:
Pick the first green color Canva suggests and rotate it 45 degrees.
Create a Gradient Effect:
Copy and paste the square, placing it next to the original.
Change the color of the second square to a darker shade of green.
Group Elements:
Select both squares, click and drag to highlight them, then group them using the menu bar. This lets you move them as a single unit.
Search for Speech Bubbles:
In the elements tab, type "speech bubble" to find a suitable shape.
Customize the Bubble:
Flip the bubble horizontally, change the outline to white, and adjust its position.
Create a Shadow Effect:
Copy the bubble, change its color to yellow, and place it behind the original bubble as a shadow.
Group these together.
Select a Font:
Choose a sans serif font similar to the one on the original cover. "League Spartan" is a good option.
Adjust Text Spacing:
Use the spacing tool to tweak letter and line spacing for a neat appearance.
Create the Main Title:
Type "Product Thinking" and adjust the colors to match the reference cover.
Use a cursive font for "with Veronica" to add a personal touch.
Upload a Photo:
Select a photo of Veronica that works well for this design.
Remove the Background:
Use Canva's Background Remover tool to isolate Veronica's head.
Fine-Tune the Cutout:
Use the Erase tool to refine the edges around her hair.
Apply Effects:
Use photogenic effects, like "mono" or "classic," to give the photo a sketch-like appearance.
Play with filters and transparency to achieve the desired look.
Add Decorative Elements:
Search for "rays" in the elements tab and add them around Veronica's head.
Adjust the size and color to match the original design.
Adjust and Align:
Make sure all elements are properly aligned and sized to create a cohesive look.
DESIGN EXERCISE 8: Well-Read Black Girl
Exercise 8 starts at timestamP 17:42
IN EXERCISE EIGHT:
I’ll recreate the cover for the “Well-Read Black Girl” podcast, adding a creative twist by isolating and changing the color of a specific element in the image. Creating a podcast cover with isolated colors can give your design a professional and unique touch.
Start a New Design:
From Canva’s homepage, click on “Create a design” and select “Podcast Cover.”
Upload Your Reference Image:
Drag and drop the image you’ll use into Canva.
Choose a Sans Serif Font:
Select a sans serif font similar to the one in the reference.
Adjust the spacing to make the letters closer together, then increase the font size.
Add the Title:
Type in the podcast name, “Pushkin,” and rotate the text 90 degrees.
Select a Handwriting Font:
For the subtitle, use a handwriting font like “Finger Paint.” This adds a personal, creative touch.
Add a Circle:
Go to the elements tab and type “circle” to find a suitable shape.
Customize the Color:
Change the circle’s color to match the reference design.
You can use the exact green color by selecting it from the color palette.
Upload and Duplicate the Photo:
Choose a photo where the subject’s shirt color will stand out.
Copy and paste the image to have two identical layers.
Remove the Background:
For the first layer, use Canva’s Background Remover tool to remove everything but the subject.
Isolate the Shirt:
On the second layer, remove everything except the subject’s shirt.
Use the Erase tool, zoom in for precision, and adjust the brush size as needed.
Make the Photo Black and White:
Select the first image and turn the saturation all the way down or use the photogenic effect to create a black-and-white photo.
Adjust contrast and other settings to perfect the look.
Overlay the Shirt:
Place the isolated shirt layer on top of the black-and-white photo.
Apply Duo Tone Effect:
Select the shirt layer, go to “Edit Image,” and choose the Duo Tone effect.
Customize the Duo Tone:
Click on the sliders to adjust the highlight and shadow colors.
Use the eyedropper tool to pick a new color from your design, ensuring the texture remains visible.
Fine-Tune the Color:
Play with the highlight and shadow settings until you achieve the desired color.
Group Elements:
Sometimes, grouping elements in Canva can be tricky. Move the circle out of the way, then use the marquee tool to highlight and group the photo and shirt layers.
Reposition Elements:
Move the circle back into place and position the grouped image where you want it on the cover.
Conclusion
Creating your own podcast cover art has never been easier with Canva. Through these workshops, we've dissected popular podcast covers and demonstrated how to recreate their professional designs using accessible tools and techniques.
Whether you’re updating your cover for a new season or launching a new podcast, these tips will help you bring your creative vision to life.
By now, you should have a solid understanding of:
Text and photo placement
Background removal
Adding effects to enhance your images
Using templates and customizing them to fit your brand
Remember, the goal of your podcast cover is to:
intrigue potential listeners
hint at your podcast's topic
reflect the tone and personality of your show
Whether you choose to include images, stick with text-only designs, or hire a professional artist, the key is to create a unique cover that stands out and invites people to listen.
Don't forget to take advantage of the free Canva template pack provided, allowing you to follow along and practice as you watch the workshops. Canva Pro, while a paid service, offers powerful features that can elevate your designs even further, making it a worthwhile investment for any content creator.
Thank you for joining me in these graphic design workshops. Now, let's continue experimenting and creating amazing graphics for your podcast and beyond.
🎨 Love Canva? You’ll Love These Tutorials Too!
Podcast Cover Design:
YouTube Channel & Thumbnail Design:
Podcast Graphics for Reels & Shorts:
The Easiest Way to PODCAST on TikTok // IG Reels & YouTube Shorts
Create Podcast Graphics for Instagram (Step-by-step Tutorial) // Creator Studio Instagram
Easy GIF Design:
Animate Your Own GIFs: Easy Canva Hacks for Animated YouTube Community and Instagram Posts
Maximize your Content with Cinematic B ROLL, Behind-the-Scenes Footage, and GIFs
Text & Font Design Hacks:
Add Text Behind Person and Remove Video Background Without GreenScreen: Canva Tutorial
Canva and Photoshop for Quick Text Effects - Fill Text with ANY Image
Create a Custom Brand Kit:
Bulk Graphic Design with ChatGPT:
Graphic Design Playlist
Choosing a podcast cover design is one of the many decisions podcast hosts have to make when launching a podcast.
🎙️ If you are feeling overwhelmed by all of the decisions and want to work with an expert who can look at your specific situation, your business, or your at-home office, and recommend the best design and gear for you and your business, we can help you. We work with clients one-on-one to help them set up their studios, build their content marketing strategy, and launch podcasts. You can find out more about our services by clicking here.
💻 If you’re eager to dive deeper into podcasting, check out our FREE minicourse Idea to Podcast Simplified for Business Owners. Until next time, keep creating and sharing your voice with the world!
