Instagram has launched a new-look logo as it tries to move away from being seen purely as a photo app.
The updated icon is designed to reflect how “vibrant and diverse your storytelling has become”, the company says. “Inspired by the previous app icon, the new one represents a simpler camera and the rainbow lives on in gradient form.”
We’re introducing a new look today! https://t.co/U25rUBvsKk pic.twitter.com/I7stFTkOG6
— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2016
Here’s the story behind our new design https://t.co/xKcsgMqFOw pic.twitter.com/V6jXzBpuYj
— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2016
Our new look reflects our incredible community. Here’s a glimpse of the awesomeness https://t.co/zb8Qk0CV6T pic.twitter.com/HUkZHRsQf3
— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2016
Instagram has 400 million users and overtook Twitter back in 2014.
Users will also notice the familiar blue backdrop is changing to white. The simpler design “puts more focus on your photos and videos” without changing how you navigate the app.
The redesign started a year ago, Instagram tells Newsbeat. “We wanted to create a look that would represent the community’s full range of expression – past, present, and future.”
Layout, Boomerang and Hyperlapse have updated icons, too pic.twitter.com/cVaTFd69kj
— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2016
In a blog, Instagram’s designers insist the new look isn’t just “for the sake of novelty”. But they say the logo “was beginning to feel not reflective of the community”, and “we thought we could make it better”.
But it seems like people are not really happy with the new logo.
I am super impressed with all the time & hard work that went into redesigning the new instagram logo pic.twitter.com/GOjPJKWmh1
— The Female Book (@thefemaleboook) May 11, 2016
oh my god I hate the new Instagram logo
it’s so gross
— Diana Soreil@Fanime (@silencedrowns) May 11, 2016
Behind the scenes on the new Instagram logo. https://t.co/0gEMRvA9lG
— Peter Steinberger (@steipete) May 11, 2016
New instagram icon is stupid and doesn’t fit in with the look of my phone anymore. Shocker
— Mark Connor (@markconnor7) May 11, 2016
Ok seriously the new Instagram icon was such a terrible idea. #instagramupdate
— Jeremy Jensen (@bluejjensen) May 11, 2016
New instagram is so ew😧 don’t like me😱😔
— #DangerousWoman ♪ (@ImSwiftieCat13) May 11, 2016
Me after seeing the new Instagram redesign and icon: pic.twitter.com/k43Y5Nzga7
— Jake Counselbaum (@jakecbaum) May 11, 2016
There’s a New Instagram logo. Which filter brings the old logo back?
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) May 11, 2016
The new Instagram icon was definitely made in PowerPoint
— charles bronson (@dylananchors) May 11, 2016
The new @Instagram logo has us all like… pic.twitter.com/nIzRDsmm68
— ELOQUII (@ELOQUII) May 11, 2016
