How to Change a Facebook Reel Cover After Posting

You’ve just posted the perfect Facebook Reel, but after looking at your profile grid, the automatically chosen cover image just isn’t working. It happens to everyone - a blurry frame, a weird facial expression, or a moment that doesn't capture the Reel's energy. This article will show you exactly how to change your Facebook Reel cover after it's gone live and provide some simple strategies for creating a cover that grabs attention every time.

Why Your Facebook Reel Cover Matters (More Than You Think)

Your Reel cover, or thumbnail, is a tiny billboard for your video content. It's the first thing people see when they land on your profile's Reels tab, and it competes for attention in the main feed. A strong cover can be the difference between someone scrolling past and someone clicking to watch. Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s so important:

• It Sets a First Impression: Before a single second of your video plays, the cover image communicates the tone and topic. Is it a high-energy tutorial, a funny sketch, or a beautiful a cappella cover? The thumbnail tells that story instantly.
• It Creates a Cohesive Profile Aesthetic: When users visit your Reels tab, the collection of cover images creates a visual mosaic of your brand. Consistent, well-designed covers make your profile look polished, professional, and intentional, which helps build brand recognition.
• It Sparks Curiosity and Drives Clicks: An intriguing cover image makes people want to know what happens next. A great action shot or a title that asks a question can dramatically increase your video's view-through rate from your profile or feed.

The Good News: Yes, You Can Change Your Reel Cover After Posting

For a long time, this was a hard "no." Once a Reel was published, the cover image was locked in forever. It was a source of great frustration for creators and social media managers who spotted a mistake moments too late. Thankfully, Meta has updated its features, and you can now edit your Facebook Reel cover directly from the mobile app after it has been published.

However, there's a small catch: this functionality is primarily available on the Facebook mobile app. As of now, editing options on desktop through Facebook.com or Meta Business Suite are still limited. So, if you're trying to make this change, you'll need to grab your phone.

How to Change a Facebook Reel Cover After Posting (Step-by-Step)

Ready to swap out that awkward, blurry thumbnail? The process only takes a few seconds. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone.

Step 1: Navigate to Your Published Reel

Open the Facebook app and go to your profile. You can do this by tapping your profile picture in the navigation bar. Once you're on your profile, locate the "Reels" tab to see all your published short-form videos.

Step 2: Find and Open the Reel You Want to Edit

Scroll through your collection of Reels until you find the one with the cover image you want to change. Tap on it to open it in the full-screen video player.

Step 3: Access the "Edit Reel" Menu

While the Reel is playing, look for the three-dot menu icon (...). This is typically located in the bottom right corner of the screen. Tap it to open a list of options for that specific Reel.

Step 4: Select "Edit Reel"

From the options menu that appears, tap on "Edit Reel". This will take you to an editing screen where you can modify the Reel's description, hashtags, and, most importantly, the cover image.

Note: If you don't see the "Edit Reel" option, try updating your Facebook app to the latest version. Meta often rolls out new features gradually, so a quick app update usually solves the problem.

Step 5: Tap “Cover Image” to Change It

On the edit screen, you'll see your Reel's current cover preview on the video. Tap on a button that says “Cover Image” or a similar prompt directly on the preview. This will open the cover selection interface.

You now have two options:

• Scrub the Timeline: A slider will appear at the bottom of a video timeline. Slide your finger left or right along your video to find the perfect frame. Look for a clear, engaging, and representative moment.
• Add from Camera Roll: If your Reels have a custom graphic or a prepared thumbnail, you can select the “Add from Camera Roll” option. This lets you upload any image from your phone’s photo library to serve as the cover, giving you maximum creative control.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once you’ve selected your new frame or uploaded a custom image, hit the “Done” or “Save” button in the top right corner. Then, confirm the changes on the main edit screen by tapping "Save" again. Facebook will process the update, and your new cover should appear on your profile's Reels grid almost immediately.

What If I Can't Edit My Reel Cover? Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, technology doesn't cooperate. If you’re struggling to change your Reel cover, here are a few things to check:

• Update Your Facebook App: This is the most common reason features are missing. Head to the App Store or Google Play Store and make sure you're running the latest version of Facebook.
• You're Using a Desktop: Remember, this feature is primarily mobile-only. You won't find the "Edit Reel" option on the desktop website. Grab your phone and try again.
• It's a Glitch: Tech happens. If you've updated your app and are on your phone but still can't see the option, try closing and reopening the app. As a last resort, restarting your phone can sometimes clear up minor glitches.
• Account Type or Region: Very rarely, features are rolled out to certain account types (like Creator vs. Business profiles) or regions at different times. If all else fails, it might just be a waiting game until the feature is fully available to you.

Best Practices for Creating an Unforgettable Reel Cover

Changing your cover is one thing, but choosing the right cover is what helps grow your account. Your goal is to stop the scroll. Here are four simple strategies for covers that get clicks.

1. Add Clear, Compelling Text Overlays

Think of your cover like a mini-headline. A text overlay that summarizes the video's value proposition is incredibly effective. For example:

• For a recipe Reel: “5-Minute Healthy Dessert”
• For a tutorial Reel: “Copywriting Tip You Need”
• For an inspiring Reel: “How I Turned My Side Hustle into a Business”

Make sure the text is large, bold, and uses a contrasting color so it’s easy to read even on a small screen. Tools like Canva or Adobe Express are great for creating these high-quality custom covers.

2. Prioritize High-Quality and Bright Visuals

No one wants to click on a dark, blurry image. Whether you choose a frame from the video or a custom graphic, make sure it’s sharp, well-lit, and eye-catching. Faces tend to perform well, as our eyes are naturally drawn to them. Choose a frame where you're making eye contact with the camera or showing a strong, clear emotion.

3. Maintain Brand Consistency

A consistent Reels grid is pleasing to the eye and strengthens brand recall. Keep your covers looking unified by using the same fonts, brand colors, and filter presets. For brands, this might mean a specific color overlay or always placing your logo in the same spot. For creators, it might be a consistent visual style, whether that's bright and airy or dark and cinematic.

4. Build Curiosity… Or Provide an Answer

There are two primary ways to entice a click: spark curiosity or solve a problem. To spark curiosity, use teaser text that gives a glimpse without revealing the whole story. To solve a problem, be direct about the benefit the viewer will get. For example:

• To spark curiosity: “My Most Embarrassing Story…”
• To provide an answer: “The #1 Product Marketing Mistake!”
• To inspire action: “How I Turned My Art Into a Lifestyle.”
• To be direct and helpful: “The Easiest Way to Fix Your Sleep Schedule.”

Final Thoughts

Being able to change your Facebook Reel cover after posting is a small change with a big impact. A strategic, eye-catching thumbnail makes your profile look more polished, helps tell your brand story, and ultimately gets more people to engage with the valuable content you’re working so hard to create.

Of course, the best way to avoid having to fix a cover is to get it right from the start. Tools designed for today's visual, short-form video content can help you eliminate these headaches. As we built Postbase, we focused heavily on the planning stage. Our visual calendar lets you see your entire content strategy at a glance, helping you plan out Reels with on-brand cover images before they go live, so you're not left scrambling to fix them later.