It’s Instagrams 10th birthday today, and to celebrate, there’s a new option that is bringing back Instagram retro icons for your phone’s home screen. This easter egg is a nice small and subtle throwback that users can appreciate.
Users that are feeling nostalgic will be happy to see the original 2010 icon, along with 12 other variants. The original icon that launched along with the app featuring a white polaroid camera will definitely jog some memories. Although the Classic and Classic 2 icons are probably the ones that users remember the most, picturing the closeup of the white polaroid camera with the rainbow at the edge.
In addition to the classics, users can choose from any of the pretty cool looking modern variants that are available. If you like the new Instagram icon, you can now have it in several different colors. The Aurora is a blue/green version of the normal icon (which is purple/pink), the Sunrise is an orange/yellow option, and there’s a fun rainbow Pride icon. If you prefer more neutral colors, the Gold, Dark, Light, and Very Dark icons are a nice touch.
This generation loves nostalgia, and Instagram is more than happy to deliver. The new options for home screen icons are rolling out starting on October 6th and will last until next month.
How to Get Instagram Retro Icons on Your Phone
This works on both iOS and Android systems. You should make sure you have the latest Instagram update in order for this to work.
First, go to your profile, then to settings. A long downward swipe should reveal the surprise. You should see some emojis and dots. Keep swiping down until the new icons reveal themselves. Here’s a video to help:
If you did it right, you should get a screen from Instagram saying, “Celebrate With Us!” and a list of the icons.
Currently, Instagram is still in the roll out phase, so some phones will get it before others. It worked for me after restarting my phone, so if you don’t have it yet, you will soon!
Celebrating Instagram’s Birthday
In addition to adding this cute easter egg for the month, Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri, promised that the next month and year will bring more changes for the app. In a blog post from Mosseri, it seems Instagram will be continuing to focus on businesses as well as adding new features.
“Over the coming months, you’ll see some updates on Instagram – like a Reels and shopping tab and a better messaging experience. We’ll share more ways to help creators make a living and small businesses sell their products,” according to Instagram’s blog. It’s not the first time there’s been talk about changing Instagram’s messaging features.
The Easter Egg Icons Won’t Last Long
It seems as though users have about a month to enjoy the various home screen icons. However, there have been hints that this isn’t the only thing Instagram plans to roll out to celebrate its birthday. Their 10th birthday. Feel old yet?
