What Do Symbols and Icons Mean on Instagram

The Instagram user interface has a variety of symbols and icons. When you’re new to Instagram, it can be difficult to figure out what each icon means. Don’t be concerned. We’re here to assist you. A list of Instagram symbols and their meanings may be found here. Please keep in mind that the position of the symbol on your device may differ. This is due to Instagram’s constant repositioning of icons. The meaning, however, stays the same. Let’s start with this guide.

List of Instagram Symbols and Icons

Let’s take a look at what the different symbols and icons on an Instagram post, stories, Reels, and bio imply. You can also Create and Use Linktree on Instagram to Showcase Links.

1. Instagram Post Symbols Meaning

Below provided are some symbols used on Instagram posts.

Heart Symbol

The like button replaces the heart sign. It will become red and add a like to the photo if you tap it. You can also like a photo by double-clicking on it. Learn how to see all of your favorite photographs. Learn how to hide likes on your Instagram photos as well.

Chat Bubble

This symbol denotes a comment. To see the comments under a post or to leave a new comment, tap on it. Learn how to access all of the Instagram comments you’ve made.

Paper Plane Icon

Think of it as a send button. It allows you to send the post to your Instagram friends via Instagram messaging or to add it to your Instagram story.

Bookmark

You can use this symbol to save or bookmark the article in your collections. Open your Instagram profile screen and tap the three-bar symbol at the top to see the saved posts. Select Saved from the drop-down option. Saved posts are private and may only be viewed by you.

Person Icon

When you see a person icon on a post, it implies that someone has been tagged in it. Tap on the post to see the tagged person’s username.

Three-Dot

Other options include sharing outside of Instagram, turning on post alerts, and more when you click the three-dot icon on a post.

2. Instagram Home Screen Symbols Meaning

Symbols given as under are used on the Instagram home screen.

Add (+)

Create a new post, story, live, or Reels video using the add or plus icon.

Messenger

At the top, there’s a symbol that looks like Facebook Messenger. This will lead you to your Instagram inbox, which is now linked to Facebook Messenger; however, you can unlink Facebook Messenger from Instagram if you wish.

Search Icon

The Explore feed is accessed using the search icon. You will be alerted to new material as it becomes available. If you’re looking for something specific, use the search bar at the top to enter your search term.

Reels

This symbol will take you to the Reels section of the website. Swipe up to see the latest Reels.

Heart

It will display your Instagram alerts if you tap on it.

Profile Picture

To access your profile, tap this symbol. If you have numerous Instagram accounts, you can long touch this icon to view and switch between them.

3. Instagram Profile Page Icons Meaning

These symbols rendered below are used on Instagram Profile Page.

Profile Tabs

There are several tabs on the profile or bio screen. Posts, Reels, IGTV, and tagged posts are among them. To switch to it, tap on it.

Arrow Icon Next to Username

You’ll notice a small down arrow next to your username at the top of your bio screen if you’re browsing your own bio. If there are many profiles, tap on it to switch between them. If you notice a red dot, that signifies there are unread notifications on one of the other accounts.

Bell Icon

A Bell icon will appear when you are viewing someone else’s profile. Tap it to receive notifications when that person posts a story, Reel, IGTV video, or other content.

Arrow Icon Next to Following

You can mute, restrict, unfollow, or add the individual to your Close Friends list by clicking the small arrow next to the Following button.

4. Instagram Story Symbols Meaning

Icons and symbols used on Instagram while updating or publishing stories are mentioned below.

Paper Plane

The Paper aircraft icon can be found while viewing stories. You can send or share the tale with others by tapping on it.

Send a Message

Tap the Send message button to send a message to the story’s creator. You’ll see smileys that react quickly. Tap it to send a smiley or the GIF icon to send a GIF as a reply. In the Send message box, you can also type your response.

5. Instagram Reels Symbols Meaning

Similar icons to those found on a post may be found on Instagram Reels. The heart button, conversation bubble, and paper plane icon are all represented in this way. They all have the same meaning as the title of the article. Aside from that, there is the Sound icon. It will take you to the audio page for the sound used in the video if you tap on it. You’ll also notice a Camera icon at the top of the screen, which allows you to start a new Reel.

Here are the 7 Best Instagram Sticker Searches for Stories.

6. What Do Symbols Mean on Instagram Direct Messages

Instagram Direct Messages (formally known as DM) can get confusing at times, especially if you are new to it. You will find a bunch of icons in the Instagram chat that may feel a bit overwhelming. We can understand might be apprehensive about hitting a symbol without knowing its effect. Not to worry. We cover all the Instagram direct message symbols along with their meanings here. Let’s start!

Writing or Pencil Icon

The pencil icon may be found at the top of Instagram Direct Messages when you open it. You can start a new message by tapping on this symbol. If you don’t already have a chat thread with someone and wish to send them a message, press this symbol, then pick the person with whom you want to start a conversation.

Video Chat Icon

The video chat symbol is located next to the new message icon. You can start a video conversation with the person you choose on the next screen by tapping this Instagram message sign.

The identical icon can also be found in a single conversation thread. If it’s a group chat, use it to video call that person or a group.

Multiple Selection Icon

Instead of the video chat button, Instagram business accounts may see the multiple selection icon. Tap it to pick numerous chats and do an action, such as deleting, muting, or flagging them.

Red Dot

In DMs, you may notice a red dot next to your Instagram username if you have numerous accounts. It signifies that there are unread notifications on another Instagram account. You may easily switch by just tapping on the username.

Camera Icon

The Disappearing messages symbol is located next to all of the chats available in the chat list. It’s an Instagram Direct message tool that, as the name implies, allows you to send disappearing images and videos.

The camera will open when you tap on it. Take a photo or select one from your collection. Filters, effects, text, and doodling can all be used to enhance the image. When you take a picture or choose one from the gallery, you have three choices at the bottom: View once, allow replay and stay in the conversation.

When the first option is chosen, the image or video can only be seen once by the recipient of the message. The communication will immediately disappear after he or she has viewed it, and neither person will be able to open it.

Allow replay allows the recipient to view the message twice before it becomes inaccessible. Finally, a message sent using the Keep in Chat option will remain in the chat until it is deleted or unsent.

A similar icon can also be found in the chat. It’s on the left-hand side of the typing area.

You’ll see the View Photo message in your conversation when someone gives you a disappearing message.

Green Dot

When a person in your chat list is currently online, you will see a green dot on their profile picture in Instagram messages. The green dot appears due to the Activity status feature. You can enable or disable it for your account by going to “Instagram settings -> Privacy -> Activity status.”

Mute

You’ll notice the mute icon (a speaker with a bar) next to someone’s name in the chat list when you silence their Instagram messages. Open the chat thread and tap on the person’s name to unmute them. Mute messages can be turned off by untwisting the toggle next to it.

Phone Icon

When you open an Instagram chat thread, the phone or calling sign appears at the top. It can be used to contact the user or to make a group call. The video call icon appears in a chat as well, as previously indicated.

Microphone Symbol

Many message icons may be found at the bottom of the chat. To send an audio message, click the microphone symbol next to the typing area. To record a message, press and hold the microphone button.

Gallery Icon

Tap on the gallery symbol to view the photos and videos available on your phone. Select an item to send to the user.

Sticker Icon Instagram

The sticker icon can also be found in Instagram discussions. Select a sticker or GIF by tapping on it. Make your talks more interesting by including them.

When you begin writing, the Camera sign transforms into a search icon. When you tap it, Instagram will display relevant GIFs and stickers based on the text content in the box.

Red Heart Emoji Symbol mean in Instagram

You can respond to an Instagram message using emojis if you like it. The red heart emoji is the default emoji. It will be displayed beneath the message. Touch and hold the message to select a different emoji.

Quick Chat

If you own a business account, you will see the Quick chat icon in your chats. Use it to send saved replies to your clients.

Vanish Mode

If a chat has disappear mode turned on, you’ll notice a symbol next to it in the chat list. Vanish mode is a peculiar messaging option. When you enable this option, the sent and received messages will be immediately removed from the chat thread when you close it.

Instagram is fully loaded with options many unique features, options, symbols and icons. While some are concealed, others are readily seen.

You may also be interested to know How to Change Font Style on Facebook.

Final Remarks: Symbols and Icons Mean on Instagram

Apart from the symbols mentioned above, Instagram messages contain a slew more iconography. You can use IG icons to their full potential now that you’re familiar with them. Learn how to add numerous photographs to your Instagram story, send disappearing messages with vanish mode, and make your own selfie stickers.

Updated on 21 February 2022