Instagram's New Wordmark Draws Mixed Reactions and Criticism

Instagram has unveiled a new wordmark, the text logo at the top of the app, replacing the cursive typeface it has used for a decade. The change was announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri on Thursday, who described it as "cleaner and more modern, with references to the original and the simplicity and craft that's always made it Instagram" Source: The Verge. The new design mixes cursive and print styles, with notable changes to the letters 's', 'r', and 'g' Source: TechCrunch.

The reaction

The redesign has sparked widespread criticism. Many users and commentators have pointed out that the new wordmark appears to read "Instagzam" due to the shape of the 'r' Source: Engadget. Gizmodo's critique is particularly harsh, calling the new logo a metaphor for tech's dehumanization: "It takes something designed to evoke a feeling of humanity and… removes the feeling of humanity" Source: Gizmodo. However, some responses have been positive, with TechCrunch noting that the refreshed design is "seeing some compliments among the complaints" Source: TechCrunch.

What's next

The wordmark change is separate from the app icon, which remains the pink and orange gradient square Source: The Next Web. Meta has not commented on whether a new app icon is coming Source: The Next Web. The redesign comes amid a busy year for Instagram, including regulatory scrutiny and legal proceedings Source: The Next Web.