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# How to add a cover image to a scheduled Instagram reel?

Adding a custom cover image to your Instagram reels boosts their visual impact and keeps your feed looking consistent. With Scheduled, you can prepare this step directly from your Notion database before scheduling!

Here’s how to do it:

## 1. Prepare the cover image
* **Format**: JPEG only (no PNG or other formats)
* **Maximum file size**: 8MB
* **Recommended ratio**: 9:16 (ideal for reels and helps avoid unwanted cropping)
* **Color space**: sRGB (to keep your colors accurate)

## 2. Add the `sc_cover` property in your Notion database
* Go to the Notion database you use with Scheduled
* Add a property named `sc_cover` (type “File”)
* This column will hold the JPEG cover file for each reel

![Example of sc_cover property in Notion](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/3/6/6/b/366b1546b192e200/capture-decran-2025-11-13-a-18_ahe8lb.png)


## 3. Schedule your reel with Scheduled
* On the page for your next reel, upload the cover image in the `sc_cover` column
* Fill in the other required fields (text, time, etc.)
* Schedule as usual with Scheduled — the thumbnail will be automatically added when the reel is published


## 🤔 Frequently asked questions
* **Can I use the same image for several reels?** Yes, just reuse it in each `sc_cover` field.
* **What happens if the field is empty?** Instagram will use a frame from the reel as the default thumbnail.

| Feel free to contact us via chat or by email at team@scheduled.so if you run into any issues!