Free Podcast Cover Art Templates (2026): Where to Get Them and Apple's Rules

Your cover art is the first thing a potential listener sees, usually as a small square next to hundreds of others. It has to say what the show is about and who it's for in about a second. A good template makes that much easier, as long as it meets the platform rules.

Where to get free podcast cover art templates

In no particular order, each one best for a different job:

• Apple Podcasts Template Library: best for getting the size and safe area exactly right.
• Canva: best for a big choice of styles you can brand in minutes.
• Adobe Express: best for combining your photo with text effects.
• Kapwing: best if you already edit your podcast clips there.

Podcast cover art templates side by side

Source	Best for	Worth knowing
Apple Podcasts	Getting the specs right	Templates for every artwork placement
Canva	Choice of styles	Its podcast template page lists 2,264 or more designs
Adobe Express	Photo-led covers	Check the export is 3000 by 3000 pixels
Kapwing	Video podcasters	Check the export is 3000 by 3000 pixels

Apple's rules for podcast cover art

Apple says the Show Cover is the only artwork you need to publish on Apple Podcasts. Its template page sets the standard size at 3000 by 3000 pixels, and says that for RSS feeds Apple Podcasts accepts Show Cover artwork from 1400 by 1400 up to 3000 by 3000 pixels, with the largest size preferred. The file should be PNG or JPG.

Apple's Template Library helps you keep design elements inside the art safe area so they won't be cropped or covered by parts of the app. Beyond the Show Cover, Apple also offers templates for optional artwork such as episode art, chapter art and full page show art.

Episode art and other optional artwork

Apple's artwork guide also describes optional episode art, cover art for each episode that highlights your changing content, themes and guests. If you interview guests, a consistent episode template with their photo and name is a simple way to make each episode feel special and give guests something they're happy to share. Just keep your show title and colours consistent so it's still clearly your podcast.

The catch that gets artwork rejected

Here's what a lot of free templates won't warn you about. Apple says Show Covers can't contain transparency and shouldn't contain an alpha channel, so export with a solid background. A PNG with a see-through corner from a template can cause problems.

Apple also says not to add Apple logos or hardware, and that your artwork may be rejected if it includes any visual representation of Apple. So a mock-up of your cover on an iPhone, or a headphones-and-phone graphic, isn't a good idea for the cover itself.

And on design, Apple asks you to make the podcast title clear and prominent, limit additional text or logos, and make sure text contrasts well with the background. That's good advice on any platform, because your cover will often be shown as a tiny thumbnail.

How to make podcast cover art from a free template

1. Start from a square template at 3000 by 3000 pixels.
2. Put your podcast title large and clear inside the safe area.
3. Keep extra text to a minimum, perhaps a short tagline or your name.
4. Use strong contrast between the text and the background.
5. Remove any transparency and export as a PNG or JPG with a solid background.
6. Shrink a copy to thumbnail size and check you can still read the title.

Design tips for a cover people click

Think about how your cover looks next to others in your category. If every show in your niche uses dark backgrounds, a bright one stands out. A clear photo of you helps if you're the reason people listen, and a bold title helps if the topic is the draw. Keep the same colours and fonts as the rest of your brand so people recognise your episodes when you share them on social media.

If you haven't launched yet, my guide on how to start a podcast covers the whole process, and if you're still stuck on the title, here are some podcast name ideas to get you going. Your name and your cover work together, so settle the name before you design.

Updating your cover later

You can refresh your cover art as the show grows, but don't change it too often. Regular listeners recognise the square in their app, and a sudden new look can make them think it's a different show. If you rebrand, keep at least one element, such as the colour or the photo, so the change feels like an update rather than a replacement.

My verdict: use Apple's free template to get the size and safe area right, or a Canva template if you want more style choice, then export a solid 3000 by 3000 pixel PNG or JPG. Clear title, few words, strong contrast, no Apple logos.

Run a free podcast cover art tool that belongs on this list? See how to get it featured.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get free podcast cover art templates?

Apple Podcasts has its own Template Library, and Canva, Adobe Express and Kapwing all offer free podcast cover templates.

What size should podcast cover art be?

Apple's standard is 3000 by 3000 pixels, and it accepts Show Cover artwork in RSS feeds from 1400 by 1400 up to 3000 by 3000 pixels.

What file format does Apple accept for podcast covers?

Apple says PNG or JPG.

Does Apple have optional artwork beyond the Show Cover?

Yes. Apple's artwork guide includes optional placements such as episode art, chapter art and full page show art.

Can my podcast cover have a transparent background?

No. Apple says Show Covers can't contain transparency and shouldn't contain an alpha channel.

Can I show an iPhone or Apple logo on my podcast cover?

No. Apple says not to add Apple logos or hardware, and artwork may be rejected if it includes any visual representation of Apple.