The LinkedIn logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the business and professional networking world. As one of the largest professional networking platforms, LinkedIn has established itself as a go-to site for making business connections, finding jobs, promoting brands, and more. With its distinctive blue and white colors and sans-serif font, the LinkedIn logo isfamiliar to its millions of users worldwide.
But has the LinkedIn logo always looked the way it does today? Or has it changed over time since LinkedIn was founded back in 2002? Let’s take a closer look at the history and evolution of the LinkedIn logo.
LinkedIn Logo History
LinkedIn was founded in December 2002 and officially launched on May 5, 2003 by Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, and Jean-Luc Vaillant. The original LinkedIn logo featured a more retro, bubbly font compared to the sleek logo we know today. The letters were rounded and displayed in a deep blue color against a tan background. A human figure was incorporated into the logo to represent the focus on networking between professionals.
This early version of the LinkedIn logo was used from 2003 up until 2007. In 2007, as LinkedIn was rapidly expanding, a new logo was introduced. This logo maintained the blue and white color scheme but transitioned to a flatter, crisper aesthetic. The font changed to Myriad Pro, a clean sans-serif typeface. The figure was removed to create a more minimalist look.
Minor changes were made to the logo between 2007 and 2019, like adjustments to the thickness of the letters and symbols. In 2019, LinkedIn rolled out a brand new logo and branding. The logo was simplified even further, with softened angles and thicker letters. The shade of blue also became slightly brighter. This most recent logo iteration represents LinkedIn’s continued brand evolution and aim to create a more modern, seamless experience.
Why Did LinkedIn Change Its Logo?
There are a few key reasons why LinkedIn has chosen to change its logo over the years:
- To maintain a contemporary, sleek brand image as digital design trends evolve
- To reflect changes in the company’s mission and identity
- To commemorate major company milestones and rebranding initiatives
- To optimize the logo for different platforms and contexts, like mobile devices
Design sensibilities have shifted significantly since LinkedIn first launched in the early 2000s. LinkedIn aims to keep its visual identity modernized to align with current aesthetic preferences. Simplifying and paring down the logo creates a sleeker look that appeals to today’s professionals.
Additionally, LinkedIn has undergone changes in its core goals and priorities over the past two decades. Updated logos mirror LinkedIn’s updated ethos. For example, removing the human figure placed more emphasis on the LinkedIn name rather than the networking aspect.
Major milestones have also spurred logo redesigns, like reaching 100 million members in 2011. LinkedIn has leveraged logo updates to signify company growth and new eras. Staying contemporary while preserving brand recognizability is key.
LinkedIn Logo Specifications
The current official LinkedIn logo contains the following details:
- Deep blue company name “LinkedIn” in customized thick sans-serif font
- Lighter blue “in” symbol
- Padding on all sides of logo for legibility
- SVG format ideal for retention of crispness on any device
To maintain brand consistency, LinkedIn provides specific logo guidelines for third parties referencing the logo. This includes the proper proportions, spacing, color codes, and usage permissions. Some key specifications per LinkedIn’s branding guidelines include:
Element | Specification |
---|---|
Font | Custom LinkedIn Sans |
Blue (Wordmark) | R0 G51 B102 |
Blue (Symbol) | R36 G95 B156 |
Padding | At minimum the height of the “L” |
Usage of the logo requires written approval for third party sites and materials. The logo may not be altered or distorted in any way that may imply endorsement or partnership. LinkedIn aims to protect brand integrity through proper logo usage.
Examples of LinkedIn Logo Misuse
To avoid misuse, LinkedIn does not permit:
- Stretching, skewing, or altering proportions
- Cropping or obstructing any part of the logo
- Adding your own text or elements
- Changing the colors
- Rotating or flipping the symbol
- Applying unapproved background colors
These examples would be considered misuse:
Type of Misuse | Example |
---|---|
Stretching / Skewing | ![]() |
Cropping / Obstruction | ![]() |
Altering Colors | ![]() |
Adding Extra Elements | ![]() |
Proper use of the LinkedIn logo strengthens brand consistency and identity across the web. Following the guidelines ensures the logo is displayed as intended.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn logo has evolved through several iterations since the company’s founding in 2003, with the most recent redesign unveiled in 2019. Key changes have included using a flatter, sleeker aesthetic, simplifying the font and shape, and modernizing the coloring. These changes reflect LinkedIn’s desire to keep its brand contemporary, underscore major company milestones, and highlight shifts in mission and priorities.
LinkedIn provides specific instructions for proper logo usage, such as maintaining the correct spacing, proportions, and color codes. Examples of misuse involve distorting, obscuring, or modifying the logo in unauthorized ways. By understanding both the history and standards for using the LinkedIn logo, we can appreciate the thoughtful brand identity LinkedIn has cultivated.