This is a special post.
There’s no use hiding it. The secrets out.
I am the new host of American Idol.
Did I fool you? Probably not.
As you might have suspected (you smart cookie), this is my new Twitter cover photo.
In case you haven’t heard, Twitter’s CEO Dick Costolo went on NBC’s Today announcing updates to the Twitter profile layout, a new iPad app and improved iPhone and Android apps.
Twitter is clearly following in the footsteps of Facebook Timeline by introducing cover photos. It’s officially called a header photo, but I prefer to call it as I see it: an imitation of the Facebook cover photo.
Today‘s website explains:
“What’s the biggest change? There’s now a huge header image that runs across the top, sort of like the banner image that Facebook users have on their timelines. The page itself has been reoriented to play up other visuals as well: Your avatar is no longer tucked in the corner, but will display front and center. The photo stream, too, has been moved up, and will now be accessible on the apps”.
Not sure what photo you should use?
To help you along, here are 10 of the best Twitter cover photos I’ve seen so far.
(I think he stole my background).
@garrettgee (Phone App)
Want to customize your Twitter photo like @garrettgee? He’s created an awesome photoshop template free to download: Custom Twitter Header Photo Photoshop Template.
If you’re wondering how to add your own photo, simply follow the instructions below.
How to add a cover photo (a.k.a. header photo)
1. Click the gear icon in the top right corner. From the drop-down menu that appears, click ‘Settings.’
2. On the left hand side you’ll see various tabs, click on ‘Design.’
3. Scroll down the page and you’ll see the ‘Customize your own’ section. Click on ‘Change header’. Make sure you photo is within 1200×600 and under 5MB.
4. Now you simply choose the image from your computer you want to upload. You can zoom in and out using the slider, or click and drag the photo in different directions. When you’re happy with the image, click ‘Save’.
And voilà! You now have a cover photo.
It’s as simple as that!
Before you run off and add a cover photo, make sure it is a good reflection of the brand image you want to project.
I choose the photo above because it captures our company culture: Word hard and support your team while having fun along the way.
This was actually the first time our company was involved in the 14km City2Surf race, the biggest running event in Sydney! It was amazing according to my colleagues who braved the winter cold to run at 9am on a Sunday. I unfortunately was sick. Note to self: photoshop an image of my head onto the Gorilla later.
Seen any great cover photos? Share them in the comments below!
Here’s our banner styled like a coupon, https://twitter.com/myduckydeals
I can honestly say your Twitter profile is one of the most creative I’ve seen. I’ve updated my blog post to include your Twitter profile – http://www.socialmotus.com/blog/social-media/10-creative-cover-photos-and-how-to-add-your-own/
Really great job!
To those of you who want to do something with making your avatar fit into your header photo, realize that if it fits on the web, it won’t fit on mobile, and vice versa. Think about what devices your followers are most likely to visit your profile on, and optimize the image for that.
Yep, I was just scrolling down here to add / ask about that, as I’d read others mention the same things across the Webs. Sucks that Twitter can’t just work out a universal “fit” that doesn’t jack you up depending on the device.
-HM
Thanks for your input Brittany. You bring up a great point! I have updated my blog post to include your advice (you can find it at the end of the article) – http://www.socialmotus.com/blog/social-media/10-creative-cover-photos-and-how-to-add-your-own/
Get to be in my favourite football team… https://twitter.com/mayormilan
Check it out…
When I clicked to your profile the other day and saw your header above, Siv, I LOL’d for real! Totally caught me off guard. You are so hilarious, woman.
-HM
Aww thank you. Glad you liked it Harmony haha :)
I used Garrett Gee’s template to make my header. It was easy and came out looking pretty good. @Joshua_Aikens
Glad it was useful Joshua. Love your cover photo. It reflects your Twitter bio perfectly.
Shutterstock just posted a few freebies for those interested in a good starting place to picking theirs: http://www.shutterstock.com/blog/2012/09/fall-patterns-twitter-header-image/
How much branding should you include in a header?
https://twitter.com/BigDealG
The best one I’ve seen is definitely https://twitter.com/ItsPlatonicTeam
Here’s mine :D
https://twitter.com/DakyTzar
Here is mine : https://twitter.com/HamzaMikou
I used an old picture of mine
Check this one out. . .
http://twitter.com/TamDaly