Instagram unveils a redesigned wordmark

Instagram introduced a redesigned wordmark on Thursday — the text-only logo spelling out the company's name. The platform explained that its previous logo had begun to feel dated after roughly a decade in use.

The update was announced on both Instagram and Threads by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who described the new design as "sharper and more modern" while still nodding to the original logo and preserving its simplicity.

Mixed reactions

As is often the case when familiar brand elements change, reactions have been mixed. Still, alongside complaints, some users have praised the fresher look and the font choice. Others have joked that the shape of the new "r" makes the word resemble "Instagzam." Even so, because "Instagram" is such a widely recognized name, most people will likely still read it correctly despite the stylistic flourishes.

The new font draws on cursive writing, adding old-fashioned curves to the letters "s," "r" and "g." This choice is notable given that younger generations largely no longer learn cursive handwriting, meaning some may not immediately recognize that the shape resembling a small boat's sail is actually an "s."

Instagram last updated its visual identity in 2016, when it replaced its classic brown camera icon with a rainbow stripe in favor of the colorful pink gradient icon still used today. Meta has not yet responded to requests for further comment on the redesign or on whether additional design changes, such as a new app icon, might follow.