- Instagram launches a new wordmark after 10 years without changes, with a cleaner and more modern design.
- The typography combines cursive and print, and the letter 'r' is confusing: many read 'Instagzam'.
- Adam Mosseri announces the change on Instagram and Threads, while users show mixed opinions.
- The camera icon remains unchanged; the redesign only affects the application name.
Instagram has unveiled a new logo for its name, a change that hasn't occurred in a decade. The Meta-owned platform has decided to abandon the italic font that had characterized it since 2016 in favor of a cleaner, more modern typeface, though not without controversy. The announcement was made by its director, Adam Mosseri, via his social media accounts, and has already generated a flood of reactions from users.
As Mosseri explained, the wordmark at the top of the app hadn't changed in ten years, so it was time for a refresh. The new design combines handwritten strokes with more conventional shapes, striking a balance between tradition and contemporary style. However, the unusual shape of the letter 'r' has led many to read 'Instagzam' instead of 'Instagram,' sparking a wave of comments on social media.
A design that blends cursive and print
Instagram's new typographic logo abandons the pure cursive style used since May 2016 and adopts a hybrid solution. Some characters, like the 'r', retain a cursive stroke, while others are straighter. According to Mosseri, the goal was "cleaner and more modern, with references to the original and the simplicity and craftsmanship that have always characterized Instagram." The company has not changed the iconic camera icon, which remains the app's primary identifier.
The change only affects the wordmark, that is, the written name of Instagram. The camera logo with the purple, pink, and orange gradient remains unchanged, at least for now. This has led some to wonder if the company plans to modify the icon as well, but Mosseri has made no mention of it. What he has confirmed is that the redesign aims to "modernize" the platform's identity without losing its essence.
Users' anger: 'Instagzam'?
The reactions were swift. In Mosseri's Instagram and Threads posts, dozens of users pointed out that the new font looks like it spells 'Instagzam' or 'Instaguam'. The letter 'r' has been the main focus of criticism, as its cursive form resembles a 'z'. One comment with over 300 likes read: 'Is it just me or does it read Instagzam?' Others have compared the change to Jaguar's redesign in late 2024, which also generated considerable controversy.
However, there are also positive voices. Some users have praised the new design, calling it 'fresh and modern,' and have pointed out that the reference to the original logo is a good move. Social media expert Matt Navarra commented: 'I actually like it. Fresh, modern, true to the original. Although some say it looks like Instazzam.' The division of opinions is clear , and it seems Meta will have to decide whether to keep the design or modify the 'r' to avoid confusion.
A change in a context of controversial redesigns
This isn't the first rebranding Instagram has undergone. In 2016, the platform removed the classic camera from its icon, replacing it with the current multicolored gradient. Now, the wordmark refresh comes at a time when major brands are opting for minimalist and generic designs, as Jaguar did. Meta's decision has been criticized by some as 'unnecessary' and 'lacking personality,' while others see it as a natural step to adapt to changing times.
In short, Instagram has unveiled a new logo for its name after a decade of continuity, a design that blends cursive and print styles and has generated a strong division among users. The 'r' looks like a 'z' to many, leading to the misreading of 'Instagzam,' but there are also those who applaud the modernity and fidelity to the original. The change only affects the wordmark, not the camera icon, and Mosseri hasn't given details about when it will be officially rolled out. What is clear is that, once again, a brand redesign has managed to get half the internet talking.
