A few weeks ago we reported that Instagram was testing a new black-and-white design for it’s mobile app. Yesterday, the company actually launched this “new look” as well as a redesigned version of its app icon.
The new “simpler” black-and-white look that Instagram has adopted as of yesterday, allows more focus on the content but nothing changes in terms of how users use the app itself. So, the only colour in the app is in the content and the notifications at the top and bottom of the screen.
Engagement on Instagram has fallen in the past year and this could be a concern especially since the company is also testing an algorithmic timeline.
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With Instagram wanting to increase ads on the platform, both could become a problem. So, it is looking for ways to increase engagement – in this case, emphasising on the colours within the content – and simplifying any other visual stimuli within the app.
As Instagram explains in its announcement,
[quote]The simpler design puts more focus on your photos and videos without changing how you navigate the app.[/quote]
In its announcement the company explains that the change was inspired by the Instagram community,
[quote]The Instagram community has evolved over the past five years from a place to share filtered photos to so much more — a global community of interests sharing more than 80 million photos and videos every day. Our updated look reflects how vibrant and diverse your storytelling has become.[/quote]
Along with the new design for the app, Instagram is introducing a much more colourful app icon for the main app, as well as new icons for Layout and Hyperlapse.
The update is rolling out on iOS first (as is usually the case) and should be coming to Android devices today as well. This is the first major redesign for Instagram in a very long time, but judging from the recent tweaks the company seems to be working on different ways to create more engagement with users.
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So, what do you think of Instagram‘s “new look”?
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