Meta Summary
Instagram recently introduced customizable app icons exclusively for its teen users, sparking a debate among adult users who feel left out.
Instagram Launches Custom Icons Exclusively for Teens
In a move aimed at engaging younger users, Instagram has unveiled a new feature allowing teen accounts to personalize their app icons. This initiative, however, has triggered mixed reactions as adult users express disappointment over their exclusion.
Customization for Teen Users
As of October 21, 2025, teens can select from several creative renditions of the traditional Instagram logo, transforming it into an icon that resonates with their personal aesthetics. To access this feature, users need to tap the Instagram logo located at the top of their home feed.
The initial offerings include a neon version, clear glass, fiery graphics, floral designs, and even a green slime option. This diversification provides teens with an opportunity to express their individuality on smartphone home screens.
User Reactions
Following the announcement on X, previously known as Twitter, many users took to the platform to voice their frustrations regarding the age restrictions on this feature. Numerous voices in the social media community argued that adult users should also have the chance to customize their app icons, with some comparing Instagram’s move to a similar feature on Snapchat that requires a paid subscription for customization.
Some respondents even likened the feature to the nostalgic customization options offered by MySpace, suggesting that Instagram may be chasing trends rather than genuinely catering to user preferences.
Instagram’s Approach to Teen Accounts
Instagram’s teen account initiative was launched in 2024 as part of broader efforts to protect younger users online. These accounts come with additional restrictions, including content limits to PG-13 material. Earlier this year, Instagram adopted AI technology to identify users who misrepresent their age, subsequently enrolling them in relevant account types.
By introducing customizable icons, Instagram seems to be taking a more engaging approach to make teen accounts appealing, effectively utilizing positive incentives rather than stringent restrictions. In response to criticism, the company explained that they introduced this feature specifically to enhance the user experience for teens, who are increasingly drawn to customization in their digital environments.
Customization Trends and iOS Influence
The demand for app personalization among younger users can also be linked to a broader trend influenced by Apple’s home screen customization options introduced with iOS 14. The enhancements allowed users to modify icons and fully personalize their smartphone experiences, attracting significant interest from the youth demographic. Apple took this further by streamlining the customization process in later versions, including iOS 18 and beyond.
In contrast, Android users have long enjoyed varying degrees of customization options, even as the majority of U.S. teenagers prefer iPhones. This disparity raises questions about how social media platforms like Instagram target specific demographics.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram has launched customizable app icons, but only for teen users, causing backlash among adult users.
- The new icons include several creative designs aimed at appealing to younger users.
- User feedback indicates disappointment over the age limitations of the customization feature.
- Instagram’s strategy aligns with broader trends in mobile personalization driven by platforms like Apple.
- The move aims to make teen accounts more attractive while ensuring online safety through content restrictions.
Conclusion
Instagram’s latest feature reflects ongoing endeavors to resonate with younger users, emphasizing the significance of customization in today’s tech landscape. While targeting teens, the decision also highlights the varying needs and preferences within the user base, presenting opportunities for future innovations that cater to all age groups in the fast-evolving social media sphere.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/22/instagram-rolls-out-custom-icons-but-only-for-teens/
