Iconography

In the context of social media, iconography refers to the visual language and imagery used to convey specific thoughts and feelings fast and effectively—often through the use of icons, symbols, and representative graphics—that form an essential part of user interfaces, branding, and communication strategies on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To some degree, the terms icon and symbol can be used interchangeably, but there are differences between them. An icon is a more specific representation of something, sometimes showing it in a key, simple form.

The more common term 'symbol' may refer to anything that represents, stands in for, or points to something else. Both icons and symbols are used on social media to help convey messages as clearly and quickly as possible. Icons and symbols used for communication on social media platforms can be seen in two different ways, depending on how a viewer interacts with the platform.

Users can either interact and engage with its content directly (as most people do) or indirectly, with a live feed of content that is perceived but not interacted with (as is often the case with people who aren't active on a platform but still view its content, such as potential employers).