Instagram's latest typographical update sparks widespread user frustration
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Instagram's latest addition, a handwriting font named Rosalía, has sparked a heated response from users. The font, inspired by the handwriting of Spanish pop star Rosalía, has been introduced in Instagram Stories and Reels [1].
The font, with its inky, all-caps handwriting style, was designed by Meta to inspire creativity and risk-taking [2]. However, the response from users has been mixed, with some finding it hard to read and visually unappealing [1][4]. The font's bold style has divided opinion strongly, with some users loving it, while others dislike its look and feel, claiming it ruins the visual experience on Instagram Stories [1][4].
The backlash against the font has been significant, with some users comparing its use to the "next pandemic" of annoyance on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram itself [1]. A viral TikTok video with over 2M views expresses displeasure with the new font [3].
Despite the negative response, the font's popularity and the marketing push behind it have not gone unnoticed. Meta also announced a feature to share what you're listening to on Spotify directly in Notes on Instagram [2]. The company aims to make features like Close Friends, Stories, Notes, and more more lightweight for creative use [6].
In summary, the Rosalía font is bold, handwritten, all caps, and based on artist Rosalía’s actual handwriting [1][5]. Users criticize it for being ugly, hard to read, and overused, generating a negative emotional reaction [1]. This backlash includes viral content mocking the font’s appearance and the feeling that it is intrusive or annoying on the platform [1].
However, some users have embraced the font enthusiastically, showing that opinions are divided [4]. The negative response to Instagram’s Rosalía font mainly arises from its aesthetic boldness and the emotional impact bad typography can have, polarizing Instagram's user base.
For daily design news, reviews, how-tos, and more, subscribe to the Creative Bloq Newsletter [7].
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/16/22779800/instagram-font-rosalia-backlash [2] https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/16/22779800/instagram-font-rosalia-backlash [3] https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenmilan/video/7096327981976533507 [4] https://www.themuffreport.com/2021/11/instagram-new-font-rosalia-sparks-backlash-from-users/ [5] https://www.themuffreport.com/2021/11/instagram-new-font-rosalia-sparks-backlash-from-users/ [6] https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/16/22779800/instagram-font-rosalia-backlash [7] https://www.creativebloq.com/news/subscribe-to-our-newsletter-10321255
- The newly introduced Rosalía font on Instagram, with its distinctive handwriting style, is a creation of Meta's designer team.
- The UI and typography of the new font have been meticulously designed to inspire creativity and risk-taking within the Instagram community.
- The logo for Instagram Stories and Reels now features the prominent, all-caps Rosalía font, adding a creative touch to the platform.
- The color choices in the Rosalía font were strategically made to complement the overall layout and design of Instagram.
- Some creative art directors and designers have admired the bold choice in using the Rosalía font, while others have criticized it for being visually unappealing and hard to read.
- The backlash against the Rosalía font has led to a wave of drawing and design projects focused on parodying and mocking its appearance on social media.
- Despite the mixed reactions, the Rosalía font and its associated features continue to grab attention in the world of technology and design, with subscribers to the Creative Bloq Newsletter expecting regular updates on its impact and subsequent developments.
