It‘s Instagram‘s 10th birthday, and to celebrate, Instagram has released an exciting new feature allowing users to customize their app icon! As an industry expert who has helped many large brands manage their Instagram presences, I was eager to access this long-awaited capability for myself and explore the creative potential it unlocks.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to change your Instagram icon in just a few easy steps. I’ll also share my insight on why you may want to change your icon and some best practices to make sure your new icon properly represents your brand.
A Brief History of Instagram‘s Icon
Before we dive in, let‘s briefly explore how the Instagram icon has evolved over the years. When Instagram launched in 2010, they used a stylized retro camera design:
This set them apart with a playful, vintage aesthetic. Over time as the app and brand modernized, their icon gradually became flatter and simpler:
Most recently in 2016, the rainbow gradient background was removed to further refine their look:
This constant evolution reflects Instagram‘s growth. As capabilities expand into shopping, messaging, and more, expect their branding to continue advancing as well.
Understanding this background gives us context on why users can now also modify icons. Personalization and customization are major priorities going forward to differentiate in a competitive landscape.
Why Change Your Instagram Icon?
So before actually changing your icon through the new Easter egg feature, let‘s discuss why you’d even want to switch it up in the first place:
Customization
Changing your icon lets you personalize Instagram to better reflect your preferences and taste. The ability to make the app feel more "yours" is a huge draw for creative users hungry for customization options.
Over my years working in Social Media Marketing, I‘ve learned the importance of tailoring brand experiences to connect with target audiences. Adding seemingly small personal touches like an icon change helps strengthen that vital emotional engagement.
Novelty
Simply put, modifying your icon can be fun for its own sake! Variety breathes new life into your Instagram scrolling. My clients are always thinking of playful ways to surprise followers and keep things interesting.
Users spend 2+ hours per week on Instagram on average. Leveraging novelty keeps your content from going stale over that extensive time. A vibrant new icon signals the start of more surprises in your Stories, Reels, and more to come.
Branding & Awareness
For business accounts, changing your icon to match branding can boost memorability. Connecting your logo, name, bio, content style, and now icon as well establishes instant familiarity and awareness when users spot any of those elements.
With a harmonized brand identity across touchpoints, your messaging and value become clearer at first glance without explanation needed. But be sure to check Instagram‘s terms first regarding logo usage rights depending on your account type.
Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Icon
Ready to refresh your icon? Here’s exactly how to access the new Easter egg feature and make the switch in just a few easy steps:
1. Update to the Latest Instagram Version
Since icon changing was launched alongside Instagram‘s 10th birthday on October 6th 2020, you’ll need the latest app version to find the feature.
To check your version on iPhone, go to your Profile > Menu > Settings > General > About.
On Android, go to Profile > Menu > Settings > About.
If needed, update your app via the App Store or Google Play Store. Look for Version 162.0 or higher.
2. Open Your Instagram Profile
Now open your Instagram app and tap your profile icon to access your profile page. This is the starting point to reach the icon customization option.
3. Navigate to Profile Settings
From your profile, tap the menu button (3 horizontal lines) at the top-right corner, then tap “Settings”.
This will open your various account settings options.
4. Pull Down to Refresh 3 Times
Here comes the fun part! On your settings screen, slowly drag down with your finger at least 3 times, as if you‘re refreshing your feed.
On the third downward swipe, continue holding down as a celebratory face emoji pops up, followed by colorful confetti.
Once the confetti finishes, you’ll be redirected to the “Choose New Icon” page.
It may take a few tries to trigger – just be patient. This is the special konami code-esque Easter egg unlocking the icon changer.
5. Select Your New Icon
You‘ll now see a grid of 13 custom icon options. Tap any you want to preview it large.
Once you’ve picked your favorite, tap “Done” to confirm and apply your chosen icon.
After confirming, your new icon will now appear across the app! Feel free to change it back anytime by returning to Profile Settings > Choose New Icon.
And that’s all there is to it! With just over 30 seconds of easy swiping, you can unlock a personalized Instagram style.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you followed the steps exactly but still don‘t see the icon changer appear, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Close and re-open the Instagram app
- Ensure you‘re on the latest 162.0 version
- Log out and back into your Instagram account
- If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall Instagram
For optimal performance, maintain your app and phone software updated. Refer to Instagram‘s help articles for more on troubleshooting tricks.
Third-Party App Alternatives
Using Instagram‘s built-in Easter egg method is the simplest way to change your icon that I recommend. But some third-party apps also enable icon editing capabilities:
Shortcuts App (iOS Only)
Apple‘s Shortcuts app lets you create custom workflows, including swapped icons, for any app on your iPhone home screen. While powerful for advanced personalization, manipulating app data this way does violate Instagram‘s terms in some cases.
If This Then That (IFTTT)
This popular automation platform connects various apps and devices. An Applet can be created to switch up an chosen app‘s icon automatically. But IFTTT usage also risks access termination if detected.
Jailbreaking
Fully jailbreaking your iPhone gains root access for total customization freedom. But this complex process requires exploiting security barriers, basically hacking your own device. Instagram may ban such accounts if identified.
While quick and easy third-party options exist, I advise sticking with Instagram‘s official icon changer for peace of mind. Reliably works as intended without terms violation or stability risks.
If you still want to explore alternative icon ideas though, this template helps you mockup concepts first before implementing.
Expert Predictions for Instagram Customization
As someone who has guided many brand expansions on Instagram over my 8-year career, I‘m thrilled to see this incremental step towards personalization.
The ability to modify even minor touches like your icon symbolizes Instagram embracing user creativity that fueled its initial rise. I anticipate more features like this to come based on Instagram‘s demonstrated interests.
Some future predictions:
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More Icon Choices: 13 options is a solid start, but seems small given the scope of Instagram‘s audience. We‘ll likely see periodic icon pack updates with seasonal themes.
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Stickers & Filters: Instagram could allow stickers and AR effects to further customize icon backgrounds. Filters that tint/stylize the icon itself also seem plausible.
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Animated Icons: Simple icon animation effects may come one day, similar to Apple‘s Dynamic Island. Subtle pulsing or color transitions could make icons feel more vibrant.
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Algorithm Personalization: Beyond visual changes, I foresee Instagram eventually tailoring feed content and recommendations to align with your expressed style preferences like chosen icon themes.
Time will tell which additional personalization levers Instagram might activate to empower user creativity at scale while maintaining brand consistency. This initial icon customization sets an encouraging precedent though!
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing your Instagram app icon that I‘ve seen:
How do I switch my icon back to the original?
Simply re-enter the Choose New Icon menu in your Profile Settings, then select the classic white Instagram icon option at the top of the grid.
Can I create my own custom icon to use?
Unfortunately no – you‘re limited strictly to the color variations Instagram provides in the icon selection grid. No uploading your own images or logos at this time.
What are the best practices for brands choosing new icons?
I advise business accounts match their selected icon color theme to existing brand guidelines. Consistent visual identity strengthens recognition. But also feel free to get creative with on-theme choices!
Are these new icons permanent options?
The icon changer is considered an unofficial Easter egg feature that Instagram can revoke at any time. It seems intentionally tied to their 10-year anniversary celebration. The feature may be removed in a future app update.
Why has the Instagram icon changed automatically before?
Instagram has evolved their brand imaging through minor icon redesigns over the years. Flattening and simplifying the logo reflects their growth from photo-sharing app to broader social media platform.
Take Your Profile to the Next Level
Changing your Instagram icon offers an exciting new avenue showing the app‘s commitment to personalization and customization. As barriers fall, creators have more tools than ever to make their Instagram presence their own.
Hopefully this guide gave you everything you need to change your Instagram icon in just a few taps! Let me know which icon you chose over on my Instagram profile. I‘m always exploring new ways brands and profiles can stand out while remaining authentic.
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