Instagram Custom Icons: New Feature for Teens

Instagram's New Icons: A Feature Exclusive to Teen Users

A new feature launched by Instagram on Wednesday has sparked discontent among some users. The photo and video sharing platform introduced custom icons, but access is currently limited to teenage users only.

Customization Options for Younger Users

Teen users are now able to personalize their mobile experience by selecting from a variety of custom icons. These icons transform the standard Instagram logo into different styles for use on their phone’s home screen.

The feature is easily accessible; users simply tap the Instagram logo located at the top of their home feed after opening the application.

Icon Styles Available

Currently, six distinct icon renditions are available, including designs inspired by neon lights, clear glass, fire, flowers, and green slime, among others.

User Reaction and Criticism

The announcement on X (formerly Twitter) was met with significant pushback. Many users expressed frustration that this customization option is age-restricted, arguing that adult users also desire the ability to personalize their home screens.

Some commentators suggested Instagram is attempting to emulate Snapchat, which requires a paid Snapchat+ subscription for similar icon customization features. Others noted the feature evokes a sense of nostalgia for the early days of MySpace.

Instagram's Teen Accounts and Safety Measures

Instagram launched dedicated teen accounts in 2024, incorporating additional safety features and restrictions for younger users. These include content limitations, ensuring material is appropriate for a PG-13 audience.

Earlier this year, the company implemented AI technology to identify and transition users who misrepresented their age to the more restricted teen accounts.

A Strategy to Enhance Teen Account Appeal

With the introduction of custom icons, Instagram is employing a different tactic – incentivizing the use of teen accounts rather than solely relying on restrictions. The company explained to TechCrunch that the feature was added based on research indicating teens enjoy customizing their Instagram experience.

Instagram has stated there are currently no plans to extend icon access to older users or those with paid subscriptions.

The Trend of Home Screen Customization

Targeting younger users with customization options aligns with current trends. Teens have enthusiastically embraced the iPhone Home Screen customization movement, which gained momentum with the introduction of widgets in iOS 14 in 2020.

Apple further simplified icon customization through app shortcuts and, more recently, with tinted icons in iOS 18.

Android's Long-Standing Customization Capabilities

While Android users have enjoyed similar customization options for a longer period, the majority of teens in the U.S. utilize iPhones.

This article was updated to include a statement from Instagram.