Instagram New Logo 2026: A Designer Breaks Down the Redesign

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Instagram just changed its wordmark for the first time in about ten years, and the Instagram New Logo is already getting mixed reactions—especially that controversial R that some people think looks like a Z.

In this video, I break down the redesign from a graphic designer's perspective, why Instagram kept pieces of its script heritage, and what aspiring designers can learn from the larger brand identity system. Whether you love it or hate it, there are some valuable branding lessons hidden inside this redesign.

🎓 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

► Why Instagram's new R looks so unusual
► How Instagram combined modern and script-inspired letterforms
► Why keeping brand personality matters during a redesign
► How Instagram expanded the redesign into a larger identity system
► Why logo designers should think beyond just the logo

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Instagram's controversial new logo
00:16 Old logo vs. new logo
00:42 Why the R looks like a Z
00:57 Why Instagram kept its script heritage
01:26 Keeping brands human in the age of AI
01:37 The problem with overly simplified logos
01:53 Why Instagram didn't go full sans serif
02:14 Instagram's larger brand identity system
02:53 The bigger logo redesign lesson
03:08 Final thoughts on the redesign
03:21 Watch my logo redesign project

What do you think of the redesign—do you love it, hate it, or can you even read that R? Watch the video and let me know your take in the comments.

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🍿 WATCH NEXT

► Graphic Design Fundamentals Course
https://youtu.be/apmfczSOHjM?si=H9rFrqfun6Yk2Znv/

► Photoshop for Beginners — Full Course
https://youtu.be/M888EFXvhsQ

► Adobe InDesign Course for Beginners
https://youtu.be/89LLXnncncA?si=WZWnjcSttJKQL9qN

► Full Logo Design Process
https://youtu.be/NdTTyk3KJBM?si=Va2y4m2uKfWvU157

► Create an Ad Design in Adobe InDesign
https://youtu.be/r0-NjNg-T0U?si=ZNJZEuYwzCxrMXH-

👋 ABOUT CRYESTUDIO

Hi, I'm Kellie Crye Ward.

I'm a graphic and web designer with 20+ years of professional experience, and I help beginner and intermediate graphic designers build real-world design skills with confidence.

On this channel, you'll learn graphic design fundamentals, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, branding, logo design, typography, layout, and creative workflows through practical, step-by-step tutorials.

My goal is simple: help you understand why good design works so you can create better work, faster.

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