Cover Photos and Videos for your POD Shops

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Cover Photos,  Mockup Photos, Cover Videos

Hey everyone!

Hope this finds you well! 

This post is going to be a kind of directory for everything "cover photos and videos." 

I'm hoping if you have a question there will be a link to where you can find an answer to it.

Sites you can make Cover Photos on

If you know of some good ones, please tell us in the comments so we can add them!

Video Tutorials

  • Playlist on Happy Zazzling for Cover Photos & Videos Visit Here
  •  How and where to add your cover photo to your Zazzle products? Visit Here
  •  Making a Cover Photo on Kittl Visit Here
  •  Using PlaceIt to make a Cover Photo Visit Here
  •  Making Cover Photos with Canva, Nano Banana, Kittl and Snuggle Hamster Designs Zazzle Tutorial Visit Here 
  • Making a spinning coffee mug cover video. Watch Here 
  • Making a spinning tumbler video Watch Here
  • : Making a time lapse drawing video cover photo Watch Here
  • Making a collage photo for your Collection on Zazzle Watch Here
  •  Making a cover photo with Etsy and Canva Watch Here
  • Custom Cover Photos on Zazzle?! Make one with me in Procreate by Julie Erin Watch Here 
  • Create Your Own Zazzle Cover Photos with Canva?! DIY Step by Step Tutorial by Julie Erin Designs Watch Here  
  • How I Make My Etsy Listing Photos on Canva for Digital Products (Mockup Tutorial for Beginners) Watch Here
  • HOW TO MAKE COVER PHOTOS/MOCKUP FOR YOUR PRODUCTS ON ZAZZLE?(using canva) Watch Here
If you have a favorite cover photo video, let us know in the comments below so we can add it!

Cover Photo Discussions 

Cover Photo Tips

1. Think “thumbnail first”

Most shoppers see your image tiny before they ever click.

Before uploading:

  • Zoom way out

  • Ask: Can I instantly tell what this is?

If the design or text disappears → it won’t convert. Remember, most people shop on their phones nowadays!

✅ Big design
✅ Clear product shape
❌ Tiny text
❌ Overly styled scenes


2. Use clean, neutral mockups

Your design should be the star.

Best backgrounds:

  • White

  • Soft beige

  • Light gray

  • Subtle wood or paper textures

Avoid:

  • Busy patterns

  • Strong colors competing with your art

  • Props that steal attention

Simple = professional.


 3. Style, don’t clutter

Props are optional — and should feel natural.

Good props:

  • Pen near a card

  • Coffee near a mug

  • Flowers for weddings

  • Holiday greenery (lightly!)

Bad props:

  • Too many items

  • Bright colors

  • Anything covering the design

Rule of thumb:
👉 If it doesn’t help explain the product, remove it.


4. Create a clear focal point

The viewer’s eye should land immediately on:

  • The phrase

  • The artwork

  • The personalization area

Use:

  • Slight shadows

  • Angled product placement

  • One “hero” product

Avoid flat, lifeless layouts unless that’s your brand style.

 

5. Show scale whenever possible

Buyers want to know how big it is.

You can show this by:

  • A hand holding the item

  • A pen or envelope nearby

  • A mug next to a book or plant

This reduces confusion — and refunds.


6. Avoid overusing text overlays

Text overlays are okay — but minimal.

Good:

  • “Personalized”

  • “Editable”

  • “Instant Download”

Bad:

  • Long sentences

  • Too many badges

  • Multiple fonts

  • Bright labels everywhere

Let the product speak.


7. Match your mockup style to your niche

Different products need different vibes:

  • Weddings → soft, elegant, airy

  • Funny / sarcastic → bold, clean, high contrast

  • Kids → bright but simple

  • Minimal quotes → lots of white space

  • Seasonal → light themed props only

Your mockup should reflect the feeling of the product.


8. Create reusable templates

This is a game changer.

Make:

  • 2–3 card layouts

  • 2–3 mug layouts

  • 1 flat lay

  • 1 angled view

Swap designs in — done in minutes.

Huge time saver and keeps your shop looking polished.


9. Don’t mislead buyers

  • Don’t show frames if not included unless stated clearly

  • Don’t show envelopes if not included 

  • Don’t show multiple items if listing is for one

If you show extras, add a note in the description.

Trust = conversions.

 Final mindset tip

Your mockup’s job is not to be “pretty.”

Its job is to answer instantly:

“What am I buying?”

Clear beats fancy.
Every single time.







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