Instagram has been one of the core elements of online users since the platform’s launch in 2010. The platform strives to unite millions of people across the globe through daily posts, stories, and reels. On that account, the platform has been using a sleek and minimalistic logo since its launch, underlying the low-key approach of the platform towards social media. So, what is the story behind the Instagram logo, and what does the design depict?
The Evolution of Instagram Logo Throughout the Years
As one of the most frequently used platforms since 2010, Instagram made considerable changes to its logo throughout the years. The changes in its logo often represented the changing user interface of the app, whilst sometimes occurring due to the change of the owner of the platform. Let’s have an overall look at the evolution of the Instagram logo over the years.
1. 2010: The Polaroid Camera
The initial logo of the platform was a gray Polaroid camera. This logo had clear-cut square edges and harbored a minimalistic “Instagram” font on the left side of the design.
This was one of the “busier” designs of the platform, but considering the year it came out and the respective logos of other social media platforms, it stood out and expressed the ambitious nature of the app.
2. 2010-2011: The Viewfinder
Once the platform started to grow exponentially, the developers decided to implement a more professional approach to the logo. The Polaroid camera shifted to a more 50’s style rounded camera and the Instagram logo now took its place on the camera as “INST”, in Sans Serif font.
There was also a rainbow motif on the top-left side of the camera, highlighting the app’s colorful approach to social media management.
3. 2011-2016: A More Modern Approach
After 2011, the platform stuck to a particular design for 5 years. Although there were no major changes compared to the design of 2011, the new design looked more vibrant and livelier.
The Polaroid camera now had a more brownish and textured design; but thanks to the lightwork of the designers, the logo looked more modern and up to date.
4. Post-2016: A Breath of Fresh Air
2016 was the year Instagram changed its look towards the direction of how we now know it. The app let go of its previous polaroid design and adapted the modern pink-red look with round edges. The minimalist white lines inside the edges resemble the shape of a camera, but the emphasis is much weaker than that of the polaroid.
This design is now characterized by the users of the platform and is arguably one of the most well-liked conceptions of the logo since the platform’s launch. The essential part of the platform in our daily lives allows us to see this minimalistic and original styling almost every day, and many people are already accustomed to this current design.
A Look at the Design Language of the Instagram Logo
As can be observed on the logos of many other social media platforms, the color, font, and icon choices of the Instagram development team have a back story, as each element represents a crucial aspect of the platform. Let’s examine more closely the elements of the Instagram logo and investigate why the development team decided to go ahead with these choices.
1. Color Choice
The app implemented an approach towards a more vibrant and colorful design language throughout the years. The textured gray of the app shifted to a more colorful design. Moreover, the logo with numerous elements in 2010 transformed into a more minimalistic logo in 2022 and now appeals to a broader spectrum of users.
2. Choice of Font
Instagram uses the original “Instagram Sans” font on the logo. The philosophy behind the font is the brand’s endeavor to make the design versatile, distinct, and legible. The font does not have square edges and gives a more soothing message to the users.
3. Choice of Icon
The Polaroid camera embodies the app’s photographic nature and carries the notion of being the flag-bearer of the modern art of photography. Implementing a historical camera as the logo relays the message that the app lays its foundation on people taking and sharing pictures.
4. Choice of Shape
The platform shifted towards a more round-edged design language in an effort to make the app “less intimidating” and “more welcoming”. The development team took this decision to expand the user base of the platform, which so far looks to be working.
F.A.Q.
1. Can I Use the Instagram Logo?
Not really. The app allows people to publish images from the interface, but using the logo requires permission from Instagram. Bear in mind that the platform only accepts requests in English.
2. How Old is the Instagram Logo?
Instagram logo dates back to the day the platform launched in 2010 and has changed numerous times throughout the years. The platform launched as a mobile app in 2010 and hence has had a logo since the first day of its launch.
3. What is the Best Way to Use Instagram?
Although IG fundamentally functions as a platform that allows users to share pictures and videos, the mission and vision of the platform already surpassed that of a simple picture hub and connects millions of people across the globe.
