Some Instagram users feel cheated of the new feature as the photo and video sharing app announced the release of custom icons on Wednesday, but only for teenage users.
Teens can now choose from a set of custom icons that turn the traditional Instagram logo into a new variation that can be used as the app’s icon on their phone’s home screen. Access this option by tapping the Instagram logo at the top of your home feed after opening the app.
Custom icons currently include six representations of the Instagram logo in styles such as neon, clear glass, fire, flowers, and green slime.
Responses to the X announcement pointed out that adult users also want to customize their home screens, and users overwhelmingly disagreed with the idea that such features should be age-restricted. Some accused Instagram of going after Snapchat with this feature. (Snapchat requires a paid Snapchat+ subscription to change the app icon.) Some said it gave them a “MySpace vibe.”
Launched in 2024, Instagram’s Teen Accounts have additional restrictions and built-in protections for minors, including content restrictions to PG-13 material. Earlier this year, the company began using AI technology to identify teens who lie about their age on social networks and enroll them in more restrictive teen accounts.
By using custom icons, the company is trying a different approach. In other words, they use carrots instead of sticks to make teen accounts more appealing. Reached for comment, Instagram told TechCrunch that it added the icons because it found that teens love customizing their Instagram experience. The company said it has no plans to expand access to the icons to older users or paid members.
Younger users have overwhelmingly embraced the iPhone home screen customization trend, gaining new interest in 2020 when Apple introduced widgets with the release of iOS 14, so they’re a natural target for customization options. Apple has also improved app shortcuts to make it easier to customize icons. More recently, Apple simplified the process with colored icons in iOS 18, which was updated in iOS 26.
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Although the majority of teens in the United States use iPhones, Android users have had these kinds of customization options for a long time.
Updated with Instagram comment.
