Buddy icon
From Free net encyclopedia
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.
Buddy icons for AOL Instant Messenger can be in GIF or JPEG formats. Maximum size of buddy icon image is 8 kb.
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.