---
title: "How to choose a video cover"
summary: "Pick a frame from the video or set a custom cover image, and see which platforms can use each kind of cover."
url: https://kredia.io/help/en/creating-content/choose-a-video-cover
lastVerified: 2026-10-24
---

# How to choose a video cover

When a post has a video, you can choose the image people see before it plays. Kredia offers two kinds of cover: a **frame** from the video itself, or a **custom image**. Each platform accepts only some of these, and Kredia warns you before you schedule if a cover can't be used.

## Before you start

- **The post has a video.** The cover panel appears after you upload a video or paste a direct video link.
- **A platform that supports covers is selected.** Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok. Pinterest, Threads and LinkedIn don't take a custom cover.
- **For a custom image, have a public link ready.** The cover field takes a direct link to an image (for example ending in .jpg), not an upload.

## What each platform accepts

| Platform | Frame from the video | Custom image |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instagram | Yes | Yes |
| Facebook | No | Yes |
| YouTube | No | Yes, on verified channels only |
| TikTok | Yes | No |
| Pinterest, Threads, LinkedIn | No | No |

## Choose the cover

1. In the composer, add the video under **Photo or video**.
2. The **Cover frame** panel opens under the video. It lists what each selected platform accepts.
3. To use a frame, click **Pick a frame** and drag the slider to the moment you want. The panel shows the time of the frame.
4. To use your own image, click **Custom image** and paste a direct link to the image. A small preview appears.
5. Finish the post and click **Schedule Post**.
6. If a selected platform can't use your cover, a **Heads up about the cover:** box lists what will happen on each platform. Click **Continue anyway** to keep going, or **Cancel** to change the cover first.

## What happens when a cover doesn't fit

- **Custom image on TikTok:** TikTok picks a frame from the video instead.
- **Frame on Facebook or YouTube:** the platform generates the cover itself.
- **Any cover on Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn:** the cover is ignored.
- **Custom image on YouTube:** YouTube applies it only on verified channels; otherwise it's skipped.

The post still publishes in every case. Only the cover changes.

## See also

- [What you can publish on each platform](https://kredia.io/help/en/creating-content/what-you-can-publish-per-platform)
- [How to add photos and videos to a post](https://kredia.io/help/en/creating-content/upload-media)
- [How to create and schedule a post](https://kredia.io/help/en/creating-content/create-and-schedule-a-post)