
In reviewing Instagram’s icon evolution over the last 12 years, we observe excellent reasoning and iteration at play. Although the slight changes to the app icon are far from provocative, they were important for Google to possess unified branding across its products.

The aim of this rebranding was to align with Google’s recent design changes, such as with Chrome’s logo, which opts for a flatter and simpler appearance. For example, a simplified logo representing your app’s function will make it easier for users to remember why they have your app installed. When designing your app’s icon or rebranding, consider how the app icon will appear on a smartphone screen. It can also appear on shortcut tabs featuring a user’s favorite apps. It’s the image that appears on home screen pages, in settings, and when searching for a new app. Post-install, your app icon serves a different yet equally important purpose. While having a quality app icon can promote brand recognition and drive installs, a poorly designed icon can discourage users from installing it, particularly if it confuses or misleads them. Some mobile games may use the image of a popular character for immediate recognition. For example, a fintech app may prioritize a design that indicates a safe and secure experience, while mobile games are more likely to prioritize the entertainment on offer. Your application’s icon design must represent your brand values.
#ADDING EXTRA ICONS TO APPICON SET INSTALL#
Its purpose within the app store is to encourage the user to install your app.Ĭheck out the following links to see platform-specific guidelines for app icons: When appearing in the app store, the icon must be sized appropriately, catch the user’s attention and be as memorable as possible. Your icon can be shown in search results, on featured pages, and in charts, category pages, personalized recommendations, and other discovery channels.

App icons in the app storeĪ user can come across your app in the app stores by several methods. However, as you’ll learn in the next two sections, your app icon serves multiple purposes, each of which must be taken into consideration. When done well, an elevated app icon can increase conversion. It provides the first impression of your brand and serves to build brand awareness. An app icon is typically the first thing someone sees when they encounter your app.
