An example of a buddy icon in Windows Live Messenger.
A buddy icon is a small image associated with an instant messaging (IM) account. AOL Instant Messenger was the first IM program to use buddy icons, but now several other popular IM programs do, including MSN Messenger (now known as Windows Live Messenger), Trillian, GAIM and Yahoo! Messenger.
Buddy icons for AOL Instant Messenger can be in GIF or JPEG formats. Maximum file size of buddy icon image is 7 KB while its dimensions are 48x48 pixels.
Buddy icons for Google Talk were added in April 2006, and are in BMP format.
Depending on the program, sometimes buddy icons are also referred to as avatars (Yahoo!) or display pictures (MSN).
Buddy icons and advertising
Buddy icons have been used by entertainment companies, such as record labels or movie studios, as a form of word of mouth advertising. Buddy icons advertising the releases of films or albums are available through instant messaging software or company/band websites.
See also
- Buddy profile
- Emoticon
- Jabber IconSet Packages
- Kaoani
- Free Icons
External links
- AOL Instant Messenger
- MSN Messenger
- Yahoo! Messenger
- Google Talk
- Iconator buddy icons and avatars
- Buddy icons for AOL Instant Messenger
- Avatarweb.eu - Avatars, buddy icons and display pictures
- Dragid.com animated buddy icons
- More buddy icons
- Yahoo! Buddy icons directory
Categories: Instant messaging | Software stubs