A guide to media icons
Media icons for content people can control
Media icons help distinguish images, sound and video while making common playback or editing actions recognizable. A camera can identify photography, a play symbol can start a video and a speaker can represent audio output. Use these graphics in galleries, media libraries, content tools and creative presentations. Begin with the action or content type you need to describe. A microphone suggests recording or voice input, while a speaker usually suggests listening or volume. Using the same symbol for both can confuse people, particularly when a control changes what is being captured or played back on their device.
Explore video, audio and photography symbols
Search for play, pause, camera, image, video, microphone, speaker or headphones. Playback icons are useful for players and previews, while camera and image graphics can organize visual assets. For an editing workflow, try the specific action, such as crop, trim, record or upload, rather than only searching for media. A collection of content cards may need just one clear symbol for each format; a production interface may need more detailed distinctions. Compare the search results with familiar player conventions so the artwork does not suggest an unexpected action. Keep labels available for any control whose meaning is not immediately obvious.
Keep media controls legible in context
Media graphics often appear over photographs or video, so contrast can change from one frame to the next. Preview the complete control on varied backgrounds and use an appropriate surface or outline where necessary. Match the weight of play, pause and skip icons so none appears unintentionally dominant. Distinguish recording from playback with explicit wording and clear states, not color alone. For galleries and presentations, a quieter set of line icons can leave the content in focus. In all cases, check the artwork at the size it will actually be used and keep interactive targets comfortably separate from neighboring controls.
Find, customize and download
Best Icons brings 272,978 icons from 151 collections into one searchable library. The search system uses names, descriptions and related terms to help you explore possible matches. This page keeps its topic selected while you narrow the results. Switch between Line, Solid, Color and Duotone, or open Advanced Settings to choose a collection and refine the selection.
Choose the right file for your project
Use SVG for scalable interface artwork and editable vectors, or PNG when your publishing tool needs a raster image. The color controls let you try a brand color; Color icons retain their original palette until you choose a custom tint. Check the source license shown for each icon and your account’s download access before using an asset. A topic label describes visual meaning, not a certification or permission. For a coherent result, pair icons with clear text labels and check their contrast at the size people will actually see.