Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, filled with various icons that help users navigate, interact, and share content. If you’ve ever wondered what a specific Instagram symbol means, this guide will break down all the key meaning of instagram icons.
1. Home Screen Icons
These icons appear on the Instagram home page, where you browse posts and stories.
Home Icon
Located at the bottom left, this takes you to your main feed, where you see posts from accounts you follow.
Search (Explore) Icon
Tapping this opens the Explore page, where you can search for users, hashtags, and trending content.
Create (Plus) Icon
The “+” icon allows you to create and upload a post, story, reel, or live video.
Reels Icon
This icon opens the Reels section, where you can watch or create short-form videos.
Shop Icon (May Vary by Region)
This icon (a shopping bag) takes you to Instagram Shopping, where you can browse and buy products.
Profile Icon
Located at the bottom right, this icon takes you to your profile page, where you can view your posts, followers, and bio.
2. Post and Interaction Icons
These icons appear under posts to help users engage with content.
Heart (Like) Icon
Tapping this likes a post. If it turns red, it means you’ve liked it.
Comment Icon
Allows you to comment on a post. Tapping it opens the comment section.
Share (Paper Plane) Icon
Lets you share a post via Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) or to your story.
Save (Bookmark) Icon
Tapping this saves a post to your Saved Collection, which you can access later from your profile.
3. Story Icons and Their Meanings
Instagram Stories have several icons to enhance interactions.
Your Story (Plus Icon on Profile Picture)
Appears on your profile when you haven’t posted a story. Tapping it lets you add a new story.
Colored Circle Around Profile Picture
- Red/Orange/Purple Circle: The user has an active story.
- Green Circle: The story is visible only to close friends.
- Blue Circle: The user is live.
Seen By (Eye Icon)
Appears in your story insights and shows who has viewed your story.
Repost Icon
Used to share someone’s post or story to your own story.
Music Icon
Indicates a story has music added to it.
4. Direct Message (DM) Icons
These symbols appear in your Instagram messages.
Send (Paper Plane) Icon
Sends a message or a post to someone via direct message.
Sent (Checkmark) Icon
Indicates that your message has been successfully sent.
✓✓ Delivered (Double Check) Icon
Shows that the recipient has received your message.
Seen (Eye Icon)
Appears when the recipient has read your message.
Video Call Icon
Allows you to start a video call with a user or group.
5. Notification Icons
These icons help users stay updated with activity on their account.
Notifications (Bell) Icon
Lets you see likes, comments, mentions, and follows.
Blue Dot
Indicates new activity or unread messages.
Heart Icon in DMs
Appears when you react to a message with a like.
6. Instagram Live Icons
These symbols appear when a user is broadcasting live.
LIVE Badge
Appears on a profile picture when a user is live.
Comment Icon (During Live)
Lets viewers interact with the host through comments.
Request to Join Icon
Allows you to request to join someone’s live stream.
Instagram is full of icons that enhance user experience. Whether you’re liking a post, sending a message, or watching a story, these symbols help you navigate the app easily.
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