At a Glance: On Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, the cover image is what viewers see before deciding whether to watch. Setting the aspect ratio to 9:16 in XBRUSH and using a reference image lets you produce an impactful cover quickly — no separate design tool required.
Anyone who posts Reels or Shorts regularly starts to notice that the cover image makes a measurable difference. The same video content can perform very differently depending on whether the cover composition draws the eye and whether text placement is legible. I generated vertical (9:16) cover images in XBRUSH using reference images to dial in the right style quickly. Here is how the process worked.
Step 1 — Set the Aspect Ratio to 9:16
In the XBRUSH image generation screen, set the ratio to 9:16. The standard cover size for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts is 1080×1920px, and selecting 9:16 produces an image that fits this specification directly.
Deciding what the cover needs before writing the prompt makes the process considerably faster.
- Main subject (product or person) positioned in the center or lower portion of the frame
- Top one-third of the frame left open for text overlay
- Background clean enough not to compete with text legibility
- Enough visual impact to communicate the content at a glance
Step 2 — Use a Reference Image to Establish Style
Establishing style through prompting alone takes longer and produces less consistent results. Uploading a reference image that matches the target mood produces more predictable output from the first generation. I tested two distinct styles.
Hyperrealistic 3D Advertisement Style
High-gloss materials and strong three-dimensional depth characterize this style. It works well for cosmetics, food and beverage, and beauty product covers.
Prompt: "hyperrealistic 3D product advertisement, vertical 9:16 format, glossy surface, dramatic studio lighting, minimalist background with gradient, text space at top"
Dynamic Product Advertisement Style
Strong color contrast and energetic composition define this style. It suits fashion, sports, and lifestyle content covers.
Prompt: "dynamic product advertisement, vibrant colors, bold composition, vertical format, shallow depth of field, subject centered, clean text area"
Step 3 — Review the Result and Adjust Text Space
Check whether the generated image has enough room for text. If the top or bottom area is too tight, outpainting can extend the canvas, or inpainting can simplify a section of the background into a solid color or gradient.
Having the text space already set up in the cover image before bringing it into a video editor removes one step from the finishing process. Generating multiple versions at once gives a set of assets ready for A/B testing.
Testing Content Direction Before Shooting
Making the cover image first helps clarify the direction for the video itself. Deciding on color palette, composition, and mood through a cover image before shooting or editing the video is a practical way to align creative decisions early.
The same logic applies here as with YouTube thumbnail A/B testing: generate several cover variations, see which performs best, and use that to guide the content direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended cover image size for Instagram Reels?
The recommended size for Instagram Reels cover images is 1080×1920px (9:16 ratio). When displayed in the feed, the image may be cropped to 1:1 or 4:5, so keeping the main subject and any text in the center of the frame is the safest approach.
Can the same cover image be used for both YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels?
Yes. Both platforms use the 9:16 vertical format, so the same 1080×1920px image works as a cover on both. Placing the key subject in the central portion of the frame ensures it remains visible on both platforms.
Is it possible to get a consistent style using only a text prompt, without a reference image?
Yes, it is possible. Adding a reference image speeds up the process by anchoring color, lighting, and composition from the first generation.
What should be done when the generated image does not have enough text space?
XBRUSH's outpainting tool extends the canvas upward or downward to create room for text. Alternatively, inpainting can replace a section of a busy background with a solid color or soft gradient, making the area suitable for text overlay.
Do different social platforms use different cover ratios?
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok all use 9:16 (1080×1920px). Instagram Stories also use 9:16, though the bottom portion is partially covered by the interface, so critical elements should stay in the center of the frame.
How many cover image variations can be generated in one session in XBRUSH?
Multiple variations can be generated from the same prompt in a single session. Producing a batch of versions at once and selecting the best one is more efficient than generating one at a time.
When to Use This
- Creating cover images for Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts
- Testing content direction visually before shooting video
- Comparing multiple cover styles for the same video
- Producing consistent covers across multiple SNS channels quickly
Related Articles
- Create YouTube Thumbnail A/B Test Images Fast with AI
- Create SNS Banners in One Place with XBRUSH Canvas
- Outpainting vs Inpainting — When to Use Which
Tools Used
- XBRUSH image generation (9:16 vertical ratio)
- Reference image input
- Outpainting (canvas extension for text space)
- Inpainting (background simplification)
Last updated: 2026-04-03