Podcast cover art shows up at thumbnail size in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every directory that lists the show. Small scale means any clutter in the photo reads as noise. A clean cutout of the host over a bold background is the pattern that works best at that size.
Front-facing or three-quarter angle. Well-lit. The background does not matter because it is being replaced.
Download the PNG with alpha.
Open in the editor. Add a solid colour, bold gradient, or a designed backdrop in your show's brand colours.
Apple Podcasts requires cover art between 1400 and 3000 pixels square. 3000 is the recommended size.
If the lighting is good, yes. Phone photos work fine for thumbnail scale. Higher resolution sources are better if you plan to use the art on merchandise or promotional materials.
Process each host separately, then composite all the cutouts into a single layout. The editor supports multiple image layers.
Spotify follows Apple's requirements for cover art. Same resolution and format. If it works on Apple Podcasts, it works on Spotify.