User-generated content that showcases real customers
Event coverage where you want to show t israel email list he actual atmosphere
The trade-off? While this approach is quick and authentic, it can sometimes look a bit inconsistent.
Instagram Highlights cover images - Design approaches
Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
The polished approach: custom graphics
For established brands with a solid visual identity, custom graphics offer more control and consistency. Think of these like carefully designed book covers that immediately signal quality and professionalism.
This approach shines when:
You need a scalable system that can grow with your content
Your audience expects a more polished look
The main challenge here is the need for design resources, but cover image creation doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. We’ll cover some great tools for this later.
General design principles
Whichever path you choose, keep these golden design rules in mind:
Use high contrast, "thumb-stopping" visuals to catch attention during quick scrolls
Keep it simple — if you can't recognize it at a glance, it's too complex
Whether using stills or custom graphics, maintain a visual thread
Test on mobile — what looks great on your desktop might not work on a phone screen
4. Create a design system that scales
Don't just design one cover at a time – think bigger! Here are three proven systems that make it easy to add new Highlights as your content grows:
