What is the P with a triangle button?
In most user interfaces, a P paired with a triangle icon is not a universal symbol; it generally signals a media-related action—most often a Play control or a podcast-related function—though its exact meaning varies by app, device, and context.
What the symbol commonly represents
The combination of a letter P and a triangle suggests a media control or a specialized function tied to audio or video. Here are the most frequent interpretations you might encounter.
Common interpretations
The following interpretations cover typical contexts where you might see a P paired with a triangle in a button. Each context has its own slightly different meaning or behavior.
- Play or start media: The triangle is the standard Play symbol, and the P may denote something like "Play" or the start of playback, especially in podcast or media apps.
- Podcast-related control: Some podcast apps use a stylized P along with a triangle to indicate playback of podcast episodes or a "Play Podcast" action.
- Pause/Play toggle in a compact UI: In small controls, designers may combine a P with a triangle to convey a combined Play/Pause function or to label a media control in a dense interface.
- Playback mode or speed indicators: In certain apps, a P with a triangle could indicate a specific playback mode (e.g., continuous play, recommended order) or speed-adjusted playback.
Note: There is no single universal standard for this icon, so the button's exact behavior depends on the app, device, or website where it appears. If in doubt, hover or tap to view a tooltip, consult the app's help, or check nearby icons for context clues.
How to identify its meaning on your device
To determine what this button does on your device, use these steps to infer its function from context and labels.
- Look for surrounding labels or tooltips: Many interfaces show a short label or reveal the description when you hover or long-press.
- Check the context: If the icon appears in a media player, it likely controls playback. In a podcast app, it may start or resume an episode.
- Test cautiously: If safe to do so, press the button in a non-critical session to observe the result without losing progress.
- Review accessibility text: If available, screen readers or developer tools can reveal the intended action behind the icon.
Understanding the context will usually reveal whether the button controls playback, starts a podcast, or toggles a playback mode.
Platform-specific examples
Smartphones and tablets
In mobile apps, a P with a triangle might denote the start of a podcast episode or a Play action within a media player. Look for app-specific icons or labels to confirm.
Desktop media players
On desktop software, the icon often appears in the toolbar near playback controls. The triangle hints at Play, while the P could label Podcast or Play/Pause in a compact icon set.
Web services
In web apps, the icon may correspond to a stream or podcast channel. Check the page's help or tooltip for the exact function.
Summary
There is no universal standard for a "P with a triangle" button. It almost always relates to media playback in some form—most often a Play action, Podcast playback, or a Play/Pause-like control within a compact interface. By examining the surrounding UI cues, context, and labels, you can determine its precise behavior on your device or in a given app.
Further reading
If you want more detail, consult the specific app's help center or support forums for visuals and exact icon language used in that product.
