Facebook has just done one of its biggest updates last month. It is generally called the ‘Timeline’. One of the most notable visual features in the new Timeline format is the huge headline banner. It’s 851 x 315 pixels in size and gives you big enough space to do some serious corporate branding.
You can learn more about the Timeline update if you read the Facebook Timeline Survival Guide. But don’t read it now! Do it later, ok?
Ok, let’s have a look at how some of the biggest brands, companies and artists are using these new Facebook banners. Some are taking full benefit of the added creative space, and some … not so much.
29 Cool Facebook Page Banners
These banners are not in any ‘best of’ order. All these companies are leaders in their respective fields, so it’s safe to assume that they have done a good job in designing their new Facebook Page banners.
Microsoft is using the most traditional trick in the advertising book; smiling, happy people. I’m assuming these girls are using a Windows phone, probably Nokia Lumia, and posting a picture of themselves on Facebook. Ok, it might be Samsung Galaxy as well…
Samsung Mobile is one of the few companies that have integrated the Facebook profile picture into the banner design. This banner is lovely but see Ford and Sprite a bit later for better examples.
The biggest online auction website in the world eBay is up to date with their Mother’s Day themed banner.
See how cleverly Ford has picked up their profile picture from the front of the red Mustang. Nice!
If you want to pull the same stunt you can download a free Photoshop template here:
Download
Sony has designed a clever collage of ‘all things Sony’. You can see some famous game characters as well as different situations where Sony products can be used.
BMW is featuring their latest super car, the i8 Spyder. Me wants it!
Mattel’s Barbie is probably the most famous toy in the world. She is 53 years old but still going strong!
I have no idea what this banner is about, but Toys R Us is one of the biggest toy retail companies in the world, so I’m sure they’d know.
Gibson is the most legendary guitar brand on the planet (alongside Fender) and they have chosen a nice, laid back studio environment for their Facebook banner. I’m a bit surprised about that Epiphone featured in their profile picture instead of a ‘real’ Gibson.
Fender is the other world famous guitar brand used by musicians such as Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Richie Blackmore, David Gilmour and of course, Jimi Hendrix. Fender’s banner presents two of their most popular models Stratocaster and Telecaster.
New York Giants are one of the most successful American Football teams. They won the Super Bowl this year (again) and are, of course showing it in their Facebook banner. See related story here: Super Bowl 2012 Social Media Showdown.
Adidas is using the same trick as Microsoft featuring happy, shiny people on their Facebook Page banner. They are much bigger on Facebook that Nike by the way.
Monster is featuring quite a dramatic image of the Finnish snowboarding wizard Eero Niemelä. Move over Red Bull!
The second famous drink from the Coca-Cola Company, Sprite has a fresh looking banner which cleverly uses the bottle label as the profile picture. Mind you, it’s caffeine free!
The Dutch beer brewer Heineken has a crisp, corporate green design on their Facebook banner.
Now, let’s see what kind of banners the biggest social networks are using. First up, Facebook!
Nice colours, but I’m not quite sure what this banner is about. Facebook connects over 800 million wraiths? Does look quite cool though,.. or what do you think?
Twitter isn’t doing much better with theirs. Looks like something Dream Works Animation would use. But it isn’t, because they are using this one:
Nice collection of Dream Works’ most beloved animated characters.
LinkedIn has hooked up with Apple to get some additional recognition. Clever move from Jeff Weiner, Reid Hoffman et. al.
Hmmm? Red, yellow and green bubbles. Omg! Lol! Wtf?
The 44th president of the United States has also linked up with some external help. Is George really more popular than Barack?
…and one more one of those banner partnerships! Is this becoming a trend now? See how that smoke is extending from the MacBook to the background? Cool, eh?
Wikipedia has settled for their famous ‘symbol globe’ on their banner, but what is that brick wall?
This Coldplay banner was actually used in Facebook’s own material when they introduced the new Timeline for Pages. Regardless, I’m still not a fan.
The queen of Pop is using a classical and stylish banner. You go, Material Girl! Check out Madonna’s Girls Gone Wild as our Video of the Week!
50 million fans can’t be wrong. Lady Gaga rules Facebook!
Lady Gaga might be the ruler of Facebook but Elvis is still the King! 35 years after his death Elvis is bigger than ever. He had 2.8 million fans in March 2011 and now over 6 million! How does that happen?
Famous for being famous, Kim Kardashian does what she does best. Showing herself of course. Five times.
Blizzard’s Diablo is one of the most popular computer games ever and now they are coming out with their long awaited third instalment. Evil is back and I can’t wait!
The most downloaded game on the planet. Over 500 million, and counting Angry Birds features their latest game version, Space on their Facebook banner. Did you know that Rovio Entertainment produced over 30 games at a loss before they hit the jackpot with Angry Birds? Talk about perseverance. Perkele!
What Do You Think?
Which one is your favourite? Did I miss some good ones? I’m sure I did, so if you have seen a cool Facebook banner lately, please post a link in the comments.
[Ok, yes, it can be your own as well...]
May 5, 2012 at 2:07 am
The “Light It Up Blue” ad for Toys R Us was for Autism Awareness
May 5, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for sharing that, Kandy! It’s good cause. It looks like Toys R Us have now reverted back to their usual banner.
May 5, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Google, Sprite, & Mustang!
May 5, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Someone went Samsung, Sprite & Mustang on LinkedIn group just a minute ago. How about that Heineken, or Monster?
May 6, 2012 at 12:04 am
Nice post.
Check out some banners I found here: http://www.socialbackgrounds.net/
May 14, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Very cool. This ring the bell to change our cover photo related to our company and will give us branding.
May 14, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Yes, it’s good to update your Facebook page banner once in awhile!
June 11, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Wan’t your profile looking better than all your friends? Look no further, we can make that happen! We have the best Facebook Timeline Covers Period!