Instagram's new typography elicits criticism: an analysis of the controversy

Instagram has made a bold move by introducing a new font named after Spanish pop sensation Rosalía. The font, which mirrors Rosalía's handwriting and is inspired by her unique style, is part of a wider push by the social media giant to make things more fun and creative.

The new font, however, has sparked a divide on the internet. While some users, particularly Rosalía fans, are expressing their appreciation for the font, others have raised concerns about its readability and accessibility. Award-winning journalist Liam O'Dell has been at the forefront of these discussions, questioning the font's readability, especially for blind and visually impaired users.

Meta, the company behind Instagram, has yet to comment on these accessibility concerns.

Instagram boss Adam Mosseri wrote that people value lightweight ways to be creative with features like Close Friends, Stories, Notes, and more. The introduction of the Rosalía font is a testament to this commitment, as it is designed to enhance brand identity and user experience by reflecting modern, dynamic aesthetics. Instagram plans to continue expanding its font offerings to provide more personalized and expressive options for users in the future.

The reaction on TikTok has been less enthusiastic, with some users calling the font hard to read and even labeling it hideous. Francesca (@francescabongi) on TikTok asked if there is something she doesn't know about the font and if there is an upside to using it.

In addition to the new font, Instagram is also introducing a way to share what you're listening to on Spotify directly in Notes. This new feature aims to further enhance the creative and expressive capabilities of the platform.

As the debate around the Rosalía font continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing creativity with accessibility in digital design. Whether you love it or find it hard to read, one thing is certain: Instagram is committed to making its platform a dynamic and creative space for its users.