The Instagram emblem: a historical past By Daniel Piper revealed 15 March 23 Information The Instagram emblem historical past is a blast of social media nostalgia.

The Instagram emblem is likely one of the most acquainted social media icons round, and a mainstay of smartphone homescreens around the globe. In contrast to different social media logos, the Instagram emblem has undergone a few fairly vital adjustments for the reason that app first launched in 2010.

Certainly, the Meta-owned Instagram has rebranded a number of occasions in its 13 12 months historical past, most importantly in 2016. The emblem launched that 12 months is near what we have now now – however again in its early days, the Instagram emblem was arguably much more enjoyable. Try each emblem the app has used through the years, and for extra design inspiration, check out the very best logos of all time.

The primary Instagram emblem: 2010

When Instagram launched in 2010, it did so with an app icon that appears fairly busy by right now’s minimal requirements. Very firmly from the world of skeuomorphism, you’ll be able to virtually contact the icon’s tacticle, plastic polaroid digicam. However this enjoyable design by Instagram founder Kevin Systrom himself would not even final a 12 months.

The Instagram emblem: 2010 – 2016

Customers of a sure classic will keep in mind the traditional ‘viewfinder’ digicam design. Created by designer Cole Rise, this was primarily based on a Fifties Bell & Howell digicam. Again then, Instagram was all about classic filters that captured the look of previous, analogue shooters, with rivals together with the likes of Hipstamatic (do not forget that?) – and this icon displays precisely that vibe.

In 2011, the brand was tweaked (above) for added realism, with a extra reflective digicam lens and leather-based high for the digicam. This may final till 2016, when skeuomorphism went out of the window in favour of minimalism and flat design. 

The Instagram emblem: 2016

In 2016, Instagram was given its most complete rebrand but. Utilizing a gradient made of colors from the earlier emblem’s rainbow, the brand new emblem is a a lot flatter and extra minimal tackle the earlier design. “The less complicated design places extra focus in your photographs and movies with out altering the way you navigate the app,” the corporate stated in a weblog submit on the time. “Our up to date look displays how vibrant and numerous your storytelling has turn into.”

The Instagram emblem right now 

Instagram’s most up-to-date model refresh got here in 2022, when the corporate unveiled a model of its emblem with a a lot brighter gradient, that includes “vibrant colors to make it really feel illuminated and alive, and to sign moments of discovery”. This new gradient was designed by artist Rose Pilkington.

Certainly, whereas the unique iteration of the gradient emblem appeared massively vibrant again in 2016, it appears to be like fairly restrained subsequent to the brand new model. One can solely think about that the 2028 model might be positively blinding. 

And Instagram is clearly pleased with its many emblem designs. Again in 2020, to rejoice its tenth birthday, the app allowed customers to make use of any of its previous logos because the app icon on their homescreen. If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra emblem historical past inspiration, try the historical past of the YouTube emblem.