Are you familiar with the evolution of Instagram logo? It wasn’t always this colorful, rather, started as a cluttered design that was more of a picture. The company has consistently evolved its branding, including the logo over the years to resonate with its audience.
In 2024, the Instagram logo brings about a vibrant, yet nostalgic effect with the help of the color gradient and the consistent Polaroid camera shutter design. Since its inception in 2010, Instagram has changed its logo four times, with the latest update in May 2022.
The co-founders Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom envisioned a social platform where people could share, react, and comment on each other’s photos. In 2024, Instagram has 2.4 billion active users and has become more than a social app.
Businesses and organizations now use the social app to connect with their communities and even advertise their products.
Did you know Instagram made $60.3 Billion in 2023?
Well, let’s look at what makes the Instagram logo so memorable and what it means. In this article, we will examine the Instagram logo’s history, evolution, and meaning.
Table of contents
Instagram Logo History & Meaning
When designing a logo, it must resonate with your target audience and brand values. Instagram co-founder, Kevin Systrom knew this statement when he set out to design a logo for their new app.
The first Instagram logo was launched in 2010, with the social media platform. It was a distinct social media icon inspired by a Polaroid shutter camera. However, it could only work on iOS, which made it less viable.
But, at least they had something to build on and perfect to today’s vibrant and eye-catching logo.
Also read: Apple Logo History: Evolution Of The Iconic Logo
Evolution Of The Instagram Logo From Inception To Now (2010-Present)
When Kevin started designing a logo, he found inspiration in the Polaroid instant camera. This is no surprise since they had just created a photo-sharing app, at the peak of smartphone connectivity across the globe.
2010: First Instagram Logo
The first logo resembles the Polaroid Camera picture shot from the front. It was cluttered and had a lot of elements, taking away the aesthetic outlook.
The first Instagram logo also displayed the viewfinder, camera lens, and a large flashlight at the top. Kevin enhanced the logo with a rainbow color strip to enhance the logo and inscribed “Instagram” for brand identity.
But, it was in 2010. The first Instagram logo stood out because it was unique and different.
However, the co-founders were afraid that using their new icon could lead to trademark problems. Besides, the first logo also felt cluttered even though it represented their brand identity.
Within the same year, Instagram set out to outsource its logo design.
Also read: Most Common Mistakes in Designing Logos
2010-2011: Inspired By 1950s Bell & Howell Camera
The first Instagram logo design had a striking resemblance with the Polaroid instant camera. This prompted the social app founders to bring in a professional designer. Kevin embarked on a search and landed on Cole Rise, a graphic designer, sample.
The 1950’s Bell & Howell-inspired sample design intrigued Kevin who sought to purchase the design. Instagram purchased Cole’s design and hired him to customize it into the second logo.
This time, Cole helped Instagram create a nostalgic logo with a vintage feeling.
The second Instagram logo had a minimalistic approach even though retained most features like the viewfinder. Cole agreed to edit his original design to add brand identity and minimalist features.
The rainbow strip moved from cutting through the middle to the top left corner of the icon. They also removed the large flashlight from the top of the icon,
The logo color palette changed from white to brown, which added to Instagram’s nostalgic essence. Besides, it did make it more uniform and decluttered. It was a simple design that brought more attention to the social media app.
Cole also changed the inscription from “Instagram” to “INST” below the rainbow strip. This felt more official and it was well received.
Honest Opinion: While this was a huge change in the right direction, the 2011 Instagram logo lacked depth and details. They would later fix this in the 2016 logo design.
Also read: Pinterest Logo Meaning: Uncovering Its Meaningful Evolution
2011-2016: Detailed Design
Out of all Instagram logos, the new logo worked well for years, attracting millions of active users. However, as the brand grew and expanded its features, Instagram felt its logo needed tweaking. But, this time, there were no actual changes to the features.
It was more of adding depth and glare to the logo – changes that almost went unnoticed.
There are evident edits that add texture to the brown upper part of the logo. You can also see the rainbow strips getting broader and a detailed viewfinder and camera lens.
Additionally, the inscription changed from “INST” to “Insta” in the title case. It seems like they did a bit of struggling with what to stick to here.
After 5 years, the Instagram design team decided to do a complete overhaul to introduce the gradient-themed logo.
Also read: How To Create A Logo Design?
2016-2022: Gradient Colors
In 2016, the design team at Instagram did a complete overhaul of the logo. What’s interesting is that they still retained Instagram’s original inspiration. The Polaroid camera inspiration was now put in bold white lines.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Instagram designer, Ian Spalter, and his team, asked people at the company to draw a logo redesign for inspiration? 5 people retained the viewfinder, lens, and the rainbow strip! These are the inspirations behind the present Instagram logo.
It is also notable that they dropped the brown and white color palettes completely. Instead, the designers removed the rainbow color palette and instead went for a vibrant background.
The design team used shapes and contours to recreate the camera lens and the viewfinder. These features overlay the beautiful blue-to-orange-to-pink gradient.
It feels like the designers were going for bold colors, making the logo brighter to encourage users to engage with the app.
This time, there were no inscribed words or any other form of typography. It was neat, yet even more eye-catching than the 2016 edit.
The 2016 overhaul received a fair share of criticism, but still stood the test of time. It pioneered the current Instagram logo that we are used to. The Instagram design team wanted a logo that was reflective of the community to nurture user engagement.
2022-Present: Brighter And More Vibrant Redesign
In May 2022, Instagram yet again released a new enhanced logo. Similar to the 2016 logo enhancement, there was not so much to change except the color palette. The designers wanted a more vibrant feel without losing its nostalgic element.
The gradient moved from a blue-to-orange-to-pink gradient and now leans more on a pink-to-yellow gradient.
The latest Instagram logo is still one of the most memorable and relevant designs across social apps. It is detailed, and aesthetic, and aligns with the brand values and target audience.
In the next section, we will look at some of the elements we find exciting about the Instagram logo and other FAQs.
Also read: The Evolution of Amazon: Amazon Logo History
What To Love About The Instagram Logo
The worst thing you want to hear about your design work is “boring” or “unmemorable”. The Instagram logo designers drew on the power of simplicity and still relevant. The current Instagram logo also reflects the brand values like diversity.
However, in the Instagram logo evolution, the 2016 redesign was a bit of a bummer for users. Some felt like the retro old-school logo was much better in terms of detailing and nostalgic feelings. The most common criticism the 2016 gradient logo faced was users feeling like it was too generic.
However, we still feel like the gradient brought about a connection to the filters users are used to. Additionally, having the gradient was a smart move at a time when Instagram had a UI upgrade.
It was a bold move to dissolve the rainbow strip into a gradient background. Ian Spalter, the Instagram designer, confirmed that it was to help with minimalism while maintaining “warmth and energy”.
You have to commend Instagram as one of the companies that have remained consistent with their brand values. The Instagram logo still captures the inspiration details like the Polaroid Camera.
However, being a big brand, we have interacted with the icon too many times and we are used to it now.
Also read: Famous Logos With Hidden Meanings
Final Thoughts : Instagram Logo History
The Instagram logo history reflects the brand’s growth. The first logo, it set sail on establishing a memorable logo in 2011.
Cole Rise’s concept was the most loved and relevant in the entire Instagram logo history. The depiction of a camera made sense for a photo-sharing app and stood out among other social media apps.
This is why they have retained the design all through, and we don’t think it is going away any time soon. We hope you enjoyed this Instagram logo story.
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