The Evolution of the TikTok Logo

When it comes to the internet, brand logos might matter almost more than anything else. Think about it! They’re on your business website, on your social media pages, emails and pretty much everywhere else where you connect with your customers. 

That’s why social media platforms like TikTok need to have distinct brand logos that users can easily identify in the heavily competitive world of online marketing. 

Below we are diving into the evolution of the TikTok logo. Our goal is to help you understand how TikTok came up with its logo design so that you too can design a high quality logo that’s just as memorable for your audience.

TikTok And Its Brand History 

TikTok was initially called Douyin and launched on Chinese markets in 2016 by its parent company, ByteDance. Their original logo was a bit different from what we see today and reflected a simpler sound wave design that was in line with the brand’s focus on short audio and video content.

Since 2018 however the app has used a stylized black music note featuring a blue and red shaded area on either side of the design. It’s still a simple design. But it is a bit more fun and colourful which really does reflect the fun and diverse content shared there.

Bringing TikTok Into The Future 

The app was eventually rebranded at TikTok and released on international markets where it was met with tons of people who just can’t get enough of the short video clips you can find on the platform. 

Over the years TikTok exploded in popularity. 

And today it is practically impossible to find young people who don’t have the app on their mobile phones. The newer logo as mentioned feels a bit more fun and playful which shows how working with professional brand designers and a PR or reputation management company can have a massive positive impact when growing or rebranding a business. 

Pro Tip

Always remember that logo colours can have a massive influence on how people perceive your design. In this case TikTok’s decision to include a splash of red and blue/green was a great way to highlight the brand as a fun and playful business. 

The Symbolism Of The TikTok Logo 

Logos aren’t just images. They’re symbols that represent a brand, its products or services and the way they want their audience to see them. So a great logo should be infused with a bit of deeper symbolism or meaning to add a special touch to the design. 

Let us take a look at some of the symbolism behind the TikTok logo. 

Creative Expression 

TikTok users are both video viewers and content creators. So it’s clear that a good portion of TikTokers believe themselves to be creative types of people. Therefore both the image and colour choice are perfect embodiments of the creative spirit of its users. 

Playfulness And Fun 

We’ve already mentioned this one. But the colours used in the logo are just fun and entertaining. They provide a hint of visual contrast which is nice to look at. And they are great for symbolising the lighthearted content you can find on TikTok. 

Dynamism 

The logo can also be a symbol of the fast-paced and dynamic environment of short form content. The blue and red outline also incorporate an element of motion which is the perfect symbol for a dynamic brand like this.

Keeping TikTok’s Logo In Line With The Times 

As with almost every brand it’s important to rethink your logo design from time to time. 

The way TikTok changed its logo when they rebranded and launched on international markets goes to show you that branding should always be rethought around major company changes. 

Had Douyin kept its original logo and not changed its name to TikTok there’s a good chance that it would not have become what it is today. 

Pro Tip 

Whether your brand has an upcoming corporate event or there’s any other type of special occasion coming up you should look at ways to even temporarily redesign your logo to create a bit of buzz around your brand. 

What We Learned From TikTok’s Logo Journey 

Now before you get started with your own logo… Let us first take a quick look at everything we’ve learned from TikTok’s logo design journey. 

• Playfulness can be important – Not every brand should be seen as fun or playful. But embracing a fun or lighthearted brand persona can be an incredibly effective choice particularly for brands that work with younger audiences. 
• Connecting globally – Douyin’s rebranding is a great example of how brands shouldn’t limit themselves to local markets. By rebranding into TikTok they allowed themselves access to international markets and attain uninhibited growth. 
• Adaptability is crucial – TikTok’s logo is simple but it can be used virtually anywhere. From small icons to larger billboards. It’s a simple and versatile design which is exactly what you want in a good logo. 
• Expressing your brand persona – TikTok didn’t just choose a symbol they liked. They chose a design that was in line with their brand, the corporate culture and their target audience. 

Creating Logos That Reflect A Generation 

TikTok’s logo design journey goes to show you that logo design isn’t as simple as it may seem. Yes you could just choose an icon, slap your brand name under it and call it a day. 

But effective branding goes so much deeper than that. Great logos aren’t just visual designs. They are emblems that represent a business as a whole. And that can be just as important as anything else a business does. 

So if you’re looking to design a new logo check out our custom logo services or use our logo maker today!