What your cover photo says about you

Ever wondered what your cover photo says about you? From sunset quotes to pictures of your pets, your digital billboard is telling the world way more than you think.   

Ah, the cover photo. The giant billboard of your online life. It's the first thing people notice when they click on your profile, right before they start judging your profile picture, your last vacation album, and whether you still list your old high school job at Pizza Hut. (Rhonda and Valerie both worked at Pizza Hut - neither of them have it listed on their Facebook profiles.) 

We like to think of the cover photo as the “What I’m Really About” sign. It’s big. It’s bold. It’s... revealing. Whether you change it often or haven't updated it since Facebook was farmland, your cover photo is saying a LOT about you.

Fun fact... Back in 2016, Valerie's mom left her Facebook open at Valerie's house and her grandson changed her cover photo to The Care Bears. And it is STILL The Care Bears today.

Let’s break down exactly what your cover photo might be whispering—or, in some cases, shouting—to the world.

The Inspirational Quote Over a Sunset Background
What you're saying:
"I'm a dreamer. Also, I really like Pinterest."
You want people to know you’re positive, hopeful, and maybe a little bit philosophical. You believe in the power of a good vibe—and nothing says "I have my life together" like a well-placed Maya Angelou quote over an ocean horizon. Extra points if there's a silhouette of birds flying majestically in the corner.


A Group Photo from 2017
What you're saying:
"I peak with my people."
You love your friends, and you want the world to know it. That group beach pic is cute, but nobody knows who’s who, and frankly, someone in the photo probably has an ex you’d rather not keep memorializing on your profile.


A Picture of Your Dog (or Cat)
What you're saying:
"Honestly, I'm just here for the animals."
Your fur baby is your life, and frankly, you're over pretending otherwise. Why show off your face when you can show off Lola (cat) or Willow (dog) wearing a tiny sweater? You're fun, you're nurturing, and you're not afraid to share the real MVP of your household.


A Breathtaking Travel Photo
What you're saying:
"I am worldly. Or at least, I once had enough frequent flyer miles to fake it."
Whether it’s a photo of you standing triumphantly atop a mountain or gazing pensively into the Grand Canyon, you’re telling the world you are cultured. You have seen things. You know how to say "thank you" in at least three languages, and you are not afraid to order something spicy on the menu.


A Family Photo
What you're saying:
"I’m just a wholesome slice of the American pie."
Your cover photo is a family portrait, usually with coordinated outfits and/or an open field somewhere in the background. You prioritize family, you probably have your calendar color-coded for everyone's activities, and you might have cried at that one episode of This Is Us.


An Abstract, Artsy Graphic
What you're saying:
"I'm complex, and maybe a little bit mysterious."
If your cover photo is an abstract painting, an aesthetic geometric design, or something that looks suspiciously like AI art, you’re sending a message: Don't try to define me. You’re creative, maybe a little introverted, and you definitely appreciate when people use the word “vibe” as a noun.


A Collage of Personal Milestones
What you're saying:
"Every day is a scrapbook-worthy moment!"
You love to celebrate life’s wins, big or small. Whether it’s graduating, buying a house, running a marathon, or finally getting your toddler to eat a vegetable, you document it.

A Picture of Your Favorite Hobby
What you're saying:
"I have a passion, and you’re going to hear about it!"
If your cover photo is you mid-swing on a golf course, baking an elaborate cake, fishing at dawn, or in Valerie's case, paper quilling, you're proudly showing your interests. You want to connect with people who share your passions—or, at the very least, admire you for yours.


An "Accidentally" Perfect Candid
What you're saying:
"Oh, this old thing?"
You want to seem effortless—but not so effortless that you don’t look amazing. Your photo is strategically candid, where you’re laughing just the right amount, the lighting is impeccable, and there may or may not be a latte in hand. #casual


No Cover Photo At All
What you're saying:
"I am a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a Facebook profile."
Either you’re a minimalist who believes less is more, or you simply forgot that cover photos were a thing. Your page radiates mystery, and people can't help but wonder if you're extremely cool... or just forgot your login password.

At the end of the day, your cover photo is like your digital welcome mat. Some are bright and colorful, some are proudly worn-in, and some are… well, still waiting to be placed. There’s no right or wrong answer—just a reflection of where you are, what you love, and how you want the world to see you.

For Rhonda, her cover photo is a family pic. For Valerie, it's a shot from the 2024 eclipse.

So whether you're overdue for a refresh or your dog still looks better than you in photos (it's fine, really), remember: your cover photo is a little billboard that shouts to the world--This is me!

Choose wisely… or just go ahead and upload another beach sunset. We’ll still love it.