You can easily set a preview image for your Medium story by making it the featured image.
Adding a preview image, also known as a featured image, on your Medium story is crucial for attracting readers when your article appears in feeds, search results, and social media shares. Medium uses the first image in your story as the default preview image, but you can specifically designate one.
Based on Medium's guidelines, here's how to ensure you have the right image displayed as your preview:
Steps to Set Your Featured Preview Image
To set a specific image as the preview for your story on Medium, follow these steps using the provided method:
- Upload the Image First: Add the image you want to use as the preview image as the very first item in your story.
- Mind the Size: Ensure the image follows Medium's preferred image sizes for optimal display (though specific sizes aren't detailed here, using high-resolution images is generally recommended).
- Select the Image: On a desktop computer, click on the first image you just uploaded to select it.
- Use the Keyboard Shortcut: Press the
Shift + Fkeys simultaneously on your keyboard.
Using Shift + F designates the selected image as the "Featured Image" for your story. This is the image that Medium will use as the primary preview thumbnail when your story is shared or appears in lists.
Why Use a Featured Image?
- Visual Appeal: A compelling image captures attention in crowded feeds.
- Improved Click-Through: Relevant and high-quality images encourage potential readers to click.
- Brand Consistency: Helps reinforce your visual identity on the platform.
By making the desired image the first element in your story and specifically setting it as featured using the shortcut, you ensure it's the one representing your content across the platform and beyond.
