Key Points
Instagram icons guide users toward key features and functions. Understanding what these icons represent is essential for effectively navigating the platform. However, interpreting their meaning isn‘t always intuitive.
In this comprehensive guide, we decode the most common Instagram icons by category. We explain icons on the home page, profile page, when posting, under posts, and in site navigation. Our goal is to help you navigate Instagram confidently.
Home Page Icons
Let‘s start by breaking down key icons on the Instagram home page.
House Icon
The house-shaped icon in the bottom navigation bar takes you back to your Instagram feed. This is where you view content from accounts you follow. Tapping it refreshes your feed.
Magnifying Glass Icon
The search icon shaped like a magnifying glass brings you to Instagram‘s Explore page. The Explore page serves up content you may like based on your interests and activity. It‘s also where you can search accounts, hashtags, and more using the search bar at the top.
Plus Sign Icon
To create a new post, tap the plus sign icon. This takes you to the post editor where you can snap a photo or select images and videos from your camera roll to share.
Reels Icon
The Reels icon, which resembles a vintage movie clapper board, directs you to Instagram Reels. Reels are short, entertaining videos. Tapping the icon lets you both create and discover Reels.
Profile Picture Icon
Your circular profile picture, typically a headshot, is in the bottom right. Tapping it takes you to your profile page where you can view your posts, followers and follows.
Heart Icon
The heart icon at the top right represents notifications. Tap it to see activity updates like new followers, tags, likes and comments.
Paper Airplane Icon
Next to the heart, the paper airplane icon opens your Instagram direct messages. DM individuals or groups here.
Post Editor Icons
Creating an Instagram post? These icons allow creative flexibility:
Stack of Photos Icon
The stacked squares let you create multi-image posts with up to 10 photos or videos, arranged creatively.
Camera Icon
The camera icon opens your smartphone‘s camera so you can capture original images and videos to share.
Arrows Icon
Two arrows forming a circle switches between front and back phone cameras for easy selfies.
Lightning Icon
Adjust camera flash settings like auto, on/off with this lightning icon.
Gear Icon
With the gear icon you can manage post privacy, like sharing only with close friends.
Profile Page Icons
Let‘s examine key icons on your profile.
Three Line Icon
Called the hamburger menu, these lines lead to settings, activity status, close friends list and more.
Grid Icon
View your uploaded images in a grid by tapping the icon. Like and comment on your pics.
Reels Icon
Just like on the home page, this opens Reels except it only shows those you‘ve created.
Person Icon
See posts you‘re tagged in with the silhouette icon. Untag yourself if needed.
Post Icons
These common icons appear beneath all Instagram posts:
Heart Icon
Double tap or tap the heart to like a post. The number shows total likes.
Chat Icon
Leave a comment by tapping the chat bubble icon. Read comments left by others too.
Paper Airplane Icon
Share via DM by tapping the paper airplane. Can only share public posts.
Bookmark Icon
Save posts for later by tapping the ribbon bookmark icon. Organize bookmarked posts into collections.
Navigation Menu Icons
Access key account management icons from the hamburger menu:
Gear Icon
Adjust settings and privacy controls from this main settings icon.
Threads Icon
The "@" symbol represents Threads by Instagram. Text, call and use filters with close friends.
Clock and Dots Icon
View your complete Instagram activity history here. You can even download it.
Here are more icons revealed:
Shopping Bag Icon
Purchase history from Instagram shops appears here.
Credit Card Icon
Save payment info like credit cards to your Meta Pay account for easy Instagram shopping.
Checkmark Badge Icon
The badge represents verification status. Meta verifies qualified accounts for authenticity.
Summary Table of Icons
Use this table as a quick reference guide to common Instagram icon meanings:
| Icon | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 | Home | Goes to feed |
| 🔎 | Magnifying Glass | Opens Explore page |
| ➕ | Plus Sign | Creates new post |
| 🎬 | Clapperboard | Accesses Reels |
| 👤 | Profile Picture | Goes to your profile |
And so on for all icons mentioned above…
Following Instagram Best Practices
While fun, Instagram poses risks without proper safety precautions:
Security Recommendations
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication in settings and research apps before connecting them. Avoid oversharing personal details publicly.
Community Guidelines
Keep posts positive. Bullying and harassment violates terms, potentially risking account deletion. Employers often review applicants online so post appropriately.
FAQs
How do I create an account?
Download the app and sign up with an email, phone or Facebook. Share your first post!
Can I use Instagram on my computer?
Instagram is designed for mobile but you can access a limited desktop site to browse. Posting works better via the app.
And more questions…
I aimed to create an authoritative yet friendly guide explaining Instagram icons to help readers navigate the platform confidently. Let me know if you need any clarification or have suggestions to improve the piece!
