what does share button look like

2025

3 min read 31-03-2025

Meta Description: Confused about what a share button looks like? This guide explores the various designs and locations of share buttons across different platforms and websites. Learn to identify them easily and share your favorite content! We cover social media, email, and more, with examples and tips for a smoother sharing experience.

The humble share button. It's the tiny icon that connects your content to the world. But with so many variations, it can be tricky to identify at a glance. This guide explores the many faces of the share button, helping you become a sharing pro.

Understanding the Purpose of Share Buttons

Before diving into the visuals, let's clarify the purpose. Share buttons allow users to quickly and easily distribute content across various platforms. This boosts reach, engagement, and overall visibility for websites and content creators. They're a vital element of online sharing.

Common Visual Representations of Share Buttons

Share buttons rarely follow a strict standard. The design varies wildly depending on the platform and website. However, some common visual cues indicate a share function.

The Universal Share Icon:

Often, you'll see a generic share icon resembling an arrow pointing upward and outward, possibly within a square or circle. This suggests the ability to spread the content.

Social Media Icons:

The most recognizable share buttons are those featuring the logos of social media platforms. You'll find:

Facebook: A white "f" on a blue square.
Twitter: A blue bird.
LinkedIn: A blue-and-white "in" logo.
Pinterest: A red "P" on a white background.
Instagram: A multicolored camera icon.

These are generally instantly recognizable. They're often grouped together for easy selection.

Email Share Buttons:

These usually display an envelope icon, symbolizing email correspondence. Clicking initiates a new email with the content's link pre-populated.

Other Share Button Appearances:

Beyond social media and email, the share button might appear as:

A text link: "Share this post" or similar phrasing.
A plus sign (+) within a circle or square: A less intuitive, but sometimes used symbol.
A stylized upward-pointing arrow: A more abstract representation of sharing.
Generic "Share" button with an unspecified icon: This typically accompanies a dropdown menu showing options like Facebook, Twitter, and email.

Location of Share Buttons

Where you find share buttons also varies. Common locations include:

End of articles/posts: A frequently used spot, often near the comments section.
Sidebars: On blogs and websites, they often occupy a sidebar column.
Social media pop-ups: Some sites utilize pop-ups offering sharing options when a user performs an action (like finishing an article).
Embedded in the content: Share buttons can be found mid-article to encourage sharing at various points.

How to Identify Share Buttons

If unsure, look for these cues:

Visual cues: Icons, text links, or other symbols related to sharing.
Contextual clues: Look for them in logical areas like the end of content or in a dedicated sharing bar.
Hovering/clicking: If you're unsure, hover your mouse cursor over the button. A tooltip may appear confirming its function.

Examples Across Different Platforms

To illustrate further, let's look at examples:

WordPress Blogs: Often use plugins offering customized share button layouts. These can be grouped as social media icons, or integrated into the theme's design.
Medium: Features a prominent share button bar at the end of articles, with popular social media platforms listed.
News Websites: Commonly display share icons at the top and bottom of articles.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Sharing

While the visual appearance of share buttons lacks universal standardization, their overall goal remains the same. By understanding common icons, locations, and alternative forms, you can easily locate and use them to amplify your online reach. Learn to recognize these cues, and you'll be sharing content effectively in no time!