When Did Instagram Change Its Logo? (2024) 

As everyone is aware, Instagram is among the biggest and most widely used social media networks ever. We all utilize it on a daily basis, and there are over a billion users. This application, which takes up at least a few hours of our time every day, is almost a part of our life, giving us access to a wide variety of photographs and videos. We use this popular app so frequently that its logo and design are well-known to us. However, sometimes its appearance can be different, let’s learn: When did Instagram change its logo? 

When Did Instagram Change Its Logo?  

On May 11, 2016, Instagram introduced a new logo for its Android and iOS apps, marking a significant shift from its previous design. The classic vintage camera icon was replaced with a vibrant, sunset-hued square, designed to be instantly recognizable. This change sparked a wave of reactions from users, a common response when familiar logos undergo a redesign.

Why Was the Instagram Logo Changed? 

Instagram, which is mostly known for its innovative filters and effects, has changed its logo several times. In time, the logo began to lose its meaning as the massive social media network it had become. Ian Spalter, Instagram’s head of design, said the previous logo didn’t represent the community since the number of users and interactions grew. Therefore, they decided to change the Instagram logo one more time. 

Evolution of the Instagram Logo 

While some may have used the app and know the previous logo, others may not. Nevertheless, the Instagram logo was a brown-beige Polaroid camera with a rainbow stripe until May 11th, 2016. The Instagram logo was modified. The rainbow was gone, and the bright Polaroid concept was kept. Let’s check every minor and major change from the beginning.  

2010: The First Logo 

Instagram’s first logo featured a classic Polaroid camera icon. Its aim was to emphasize the app’s primary purpose of instant photo sharing. The Instagram logo was simple and attracted the attention of users with its retro style. 

2011: Minor Tweaks 

The Instagram logo underwent minor tweaks in 2011. The IG designers gave a more modern look to the camera icon. Yet, the core design elements were retained. The Instagram logo became clearer and more aesthetically pleasing. 

2013: From Polaroid Camera to Minimalism 

The Instagram logo was significantly changed. The Polaroid camera icon was transformed into a more minimalistic design. The new logo consisted of a simple camera icon and the word “Instagram”. Thanks to this modern logo, the brand gets a more professional look.  

2016: Color Gradient and Modernization 

The Instagram logo was changed on a large scale. The new logo featured a vibrant color gradient that drew attention. The camera icon was given a more abstract and modern design. With this modification, Instagram got a more dynamic and energetic brand image. 

Since 2022: More Vivid and Dynamic Redesign  

The colors in the most current version of the logo have been lighter, but the strong lines that depict the camera have remained the same. Brighter hues like pink and yellow stood out while the blue hue was subdued. It can be said that today’s Instagram logo is more vivid and energetic. 

Other Changes on Instagram 

Improvements have been made to more than just the logo.  

• The design was also made brighter.  
• Red replaced orange in the notification symbol.  
• The text on Instagram was contrasted with black and white. 
• The uploaded videos and photographs are given greater prominence than the application’s theme thanks to these modifications.  
• Another upgrade by Instagram was to match the new logo with the buttons on the app for camera activity, home, search, and profile.  

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