Instagram has introduced a redesigned wordmark, the text portion of its logo that spells out the company’s name, marking its first significant visual identity update since 2016.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced the change today through both Instagram and Threads. He described the new logo as “sharper and more modern,” while still paying homage to the original design and maintaining simplicity.

At this time, the update focuses solely on the wordmark. The colourful pink gradient icon that has been on users’ screens since 2016 remains unchanged. However, the way “Instagram” appears in text, on the app, on the web, and in branded materials has been noticeably updated.

The new font features curves reminiscent of cursive handwriting, with traditional flourishes on the letters “s,” “r,” and “g.” Instagram noted that the previous version, which had been in use for a decade, had started to feel outdated, making a refresh long overdue.

The internet, in its ever-vigilant manner, quickly seized upon an intriguing detail following the recent unveiling of the app’s new wordmark. Observers were quick to note the distinctive artistic curl of the “r,” which, depending on one’s perspective, can be interpreted as a “z.”

Within hours of the announcement, the playful moniker “Instagzam” began trending, sparking a wave of discussion.

The choice of font is a deliberate stylistic decision, embodying a design philosophy that emphasises warmth and a handcrafted feel, contrasting sharply with the sleek digital aesthetic that has become ubiquitous in the tech world. This is reflected in the curve of the “s,” which one critic poetically likened to the sail of a small boat. Instagram seems to be embracing a new identity that invites a more personal connection.

As expected with any significant rebranding, the reaction has been a polarised mix. Many users celebrate the fresh, modern look and praise the thoughtful font choice, while others cling to traditionalism, resisting any form of change. Both perspectives hold validity; they simply reflect differing emotional responses to the brand’s evolution.

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Notably, Instagram has chosen to leave its iconic logo unchanged. The beloved pink gradient camera continues to grace users’ screens, indicating that this wordmark update is more subtle than it might first appear. It redefines the brand’s visual identity rather than altering the app’s familiar appearance on our devices.

As of now, Meta has not disclosed whether additional design updates are on the horizon, such as a new app icon or a broader visual refresh. For the moment, however, all eyes are on the revamped wordmark, making it the focal point in a narrative of reimagination and artistic expression.

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