Etukuvan

Etukuvan is a Finnish term used to describe the front image or cover image associated with digital content such as news articles, blog posts, product pages, or social media previews. It refers to the primary visual that accompanies the text and is typically displayed as a thumbnail or hero image in listings and previews.

Etymology and form: The word combines etu- meaning “front” and kuva meaning “image” or “picture.” The form etukuvan is the genitive singular, used in phrases like “etukuvan valinta” (the selection of the front image). Variants such as etukuva are also encountered, and kansikuva is another related term in Finnish that often refers to the cover image of a magazine or book rather than a digital front image.

Usage and function: In Finnish digital publishing, editors select an etukuva to represent content across platforms. It appears in article lists, search results, and when content is shared on social media. A good etukuva is typically relevant, visually clear, and properly balanced to attract attention while accurately reflecting the content.

Relation to other terms: The concept is akin to the English “lead image,” “cover image,” or “featured image.” Platform-specific terminology may vary, with some systems labeling the image as a thumbnail or hero image rather than etukuva, but the underlying purpose remains the same: to provide a representative visual summary.

See also: Kansikuva, Thumbnails, Lead image, Featured image, Cover image.