Red Dot: A red dot adjacent to your name indicates unread messages across your other accounts.
Video Camera Icon: Tap this icon to initiate a new video call.
Pencil Icon: Utilize this icon to commence a new personal or group chat.
Camera Icon next to message thread: This icon enables you to dispatch a standard or vanishing photo directly to the user from the chat list.
Bell With a Slash: Signifies that the chat is muted.
Pin Icon: Indicates that the chat is pinned to the top of the list.
Icons Within an Instagram Chat
Phone Icon: Initiates an audio call with the individual.
Video Camera Icon: Commences a video call.
Paper Plane Icon: Forwards the image or video to another Instagram user.
Bookmark Icon: Saves the photo or video to a collection, creating a folder for preferred posts or reels within each chat.
Camera Icon: Sends a picture or video to the user.
Microphone Icon: Initiates a voice note.
Gallery Icon: Sends a picture from the phone’s gallery.
Sticker Icon: Dispatches an avatar, sticker, or GIF in a chat.
4. Instagram Profile Page Icons Meaning
Icons for Your Own Profile Page
Arrow Icon Next to the Username: Tap to view and switch between multiple accounts, if applicable. A red dot indicates unread notifications in one of the other accounts.
@ Icon: Represents Threads, Meta’s new app. Tap to navigate there or install it.
+ in a box: Tap to create a Reel, Post, Story, Highlight, or Live.
Three-bar Icon: Tap to access Instagram Settings.
Person with + Icon: Tap to explore and discover new people to follow.
Icons under the Edit Profile button
9-grid icon: Displays all your Instagram posts in a grid layout.
Reel icon: Accesses all your published Reels.
Person Icon: Navigates to your tagged posts. Tap to switch to this view.
Icons on Another Person’s Profile
Bell Icon: Tap to receive notifications for the person’s story, Reel, IGTV, etc. A checkmark appears when notification types are enabled.
Three-dot icon: Access options like Block, restrict, hide story, copy URL, etc.
Arrow Icon next to the Following Button: Mute, restrict, unfollow, or add to Close Friends list.
Down Arrow Icon: Provides additional contact options and suggests accounts.
5. Meaning Behind Instagram Story Symbols
While viewing stories
Send a message box: Tap the “Send message” button to reply to the story creator. You’ll find quick reaction smileys—tap to send one or use the GIF icon to send a GIF. Alternatively, type your reply in the message box.
Heart Icon: Tap to like the story. The like won’t be sent in the DM.
Paper Plane: Use this icon to send or share the story via Instagram or other apps.
Icons that happen while creating stories
Two Arrow Icon: This icon shifts the story tools to either side of the screen.
Lightning Icon: It toggles the flashlight between On, Auto, and Off modes.
Settings Icon: Use this to adjust camera settings for stories, reels, or live videos.
Two Curved Arrows at the bottom: Tap to switch between the front and back cameras.
Icons Show Up When Editing Stories
Two Arrow Icon: Adjust photo zoom.
Aa Icon: Insert text.
Smiley Icon: Attach stickers.
Three Stars: Apply effects.
Music: Include music.
Three-dot: Access menu.
Arrow Icon (At the bottom): Tap to share the story, add it to close friends, or send in a message.
Icons In the Text Tool
Four Lines Icon: Adjust text alignment (right, left, or center).
Color Palette Icon: Select text color.
A with two stars: Add background color to text.
A with two lines: Animate the text.
6. Instagram Reels Symbol Meanings
On Instagram Reels, you’ll encounter familiar icons with the same functions as those found on posts:
Camera Icon: Create your own Reel.
Heart Icon: Like the Reel.
Chat Bubble: Comment on the Reel.
Paper Plane Icon: Share the Reel.
Three-Dot Icon: Access the Menu for sharing, content preferences, remixing, etc.
Sound Icon: Navigate to the audio page of the sound used in the video.
7. Icons in Instagram Live Video
Number at the top: Indicates the current count of viewers watching the live video.
+ Plus Icon: Opens a menu, revealing another + icon within a video camera. Tap it to request to join the live video.
? Question Mark in a Chat Bubble:
Paper Plane Icon: Allows you to share the live video with others.
Heart Icon: Like the video by tapping this icon.
Last thoughts
In wrapping up, exploring Instagram symbols and icons is like decoding a secret language of sorts. Whether it’s the basic heart symbol or the fancy emoji combos, each one tells a unique story about online culture. When we get what these symbols mean, we can chat more clearly and connect better with others on social media. So, next time you’re on Instagram, remember: those little icons aren’t just for show—they’re keys to understanding and expressing ourselves in this digital world.
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