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 and Yahoo Messenger.
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.
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