Medium Banner Tips & Best Practices

1 Follow Medium's Size Requirements

Always start with the correct dimensions to ensure your banner displays perfectly:

• Recommended size: 1500 x 750 pixels (Large Format)
• Aspect ratio: 2:1
• File size: Under 5MB
• Format: JPG or PNG

Using the correct dimensions prevents unwanted cropping and ensures your banner looks crisp on all devices.

2 Design for Minimalism and Readability

Medium's aesthetic emphasizes clean, minimalist design. Your banner should reflect this:

• Use plenty of whitespace
• Limit text to essential information
• Choose readable fonts
• Maintain high contrast between text and background

3 Communicate Your Writing Niche

Your banner should instantly communicate what you write about:

• Include visual elements that represent your niche
• Consider a tagline that describes your content focus
• Use imagery that resonates with your target audience
• Maintain consistency with your writing style and tone

4 Establish Visual Brand Consistency

Your banner should be part of a cohesive visual identity:

• Use colors that match your personal brand
• Maintain consistency with your profile photo
• Align with the visual style of your article feature images
• Create recognition across all your content platforms

Consistency helps readers recognize your content and builds a memorable writer brand.

5 Consider Text Placement

Thoughtful text placement enhances your banner's effectiveness:

• Consider how your publication name and tagline work together visually
• Choose font sizes that are easily readable
• Select colors that provide good contrast with your background
• Preview your design to ensure it communicates your intended message

Mobile optimization ensures your banner looks professional across all devices.

6 Use High-Quality Imagery

Image quality directly impacts how readers perceive your professionalism:

• Use high-resolution images (no pixelation)
• Ensure good lighting and clarity
• If using stock photos, choose distinctive ones
• Consider custom illustrations for uniqueness

Professional imagery signals to readers that your content is equally high-quality.

7 Consider Your Reader's Perspective

Think about what your ideal reader wants to see:

• What information will help them decide to follow you?
• What visual cues will attract your target audience?
• How can your banner build trust with new readers?
• What expectations does your banner set about your content?

Reader-focused banners are more effective at converting visitors to followers.