The Evolution of the WhatsApp Logo

In the world of digital communications there’s perhaps no platform or app that’s more well known than WhatsApp. 

The company provides its users with a safe messaging and communication platform. But that’s not the only reason that WhatsApp has grown into the world renowned messaging service it is today. 

The company’s logo and branding has always played a massive role in making sure that people everywhere recognize the app and what it stands for. 

In the following article we take a deep dive into the famous WhatsApp logo to help you understand why it’s such a great emblem. We will also provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to design your own logo that’s just as iconic.

From A Humble App To A Noble Communications Service

WhatsApp was created by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009. They had a simple idea which was to create a communication application that used in-built encryption software. This extra layer of protection would make it so users wouldn’t have to worry about data breaches or being hacked. 

And to help users recognize the app and its branding the founders chose a speech bubble icon with a telephone inside of it. Which in our opinion is pretty much the perfect logo for a communications platform. 

Pro Tip 

You don’t have to overthink your logo. Sometimes a simple idea like using a phone and speech bubble for a messaging app will be the perfect symbol for your brand. You don’t have to choose an abstract or intricate design. Simple logos are often more apt and easier for people to remember.

WhatsApp’s Logo – The Birth Of An Icon 

Over the years WhatsApp may have grown and changed but one thing has always stayed the same… Its iconic brand speech bubble logo. This design is truly a great choice that perfectly captures the service the company provides and what its user can expect from downloading and using the app. 

So the symbolism is on point. But using green in the logo was another excellent choice from the brand. Green feels friendly. It’s also welcoming and refreshing. So it was yet another way this logo takes things up a notch. 

Ultimately this is a lesson that shows you how brands don’t always need to change their logo just because the company has grown or changed in any way. When you’ve got a logo that’s perfectly on point there’s no need to change it. 

The Meaning And Symbolism Behind The WhatsApp Logo 

We have now explained why the WhatsApp logo is such a perfect icon for the company. But now we dig into the meaning and symbolism behind the logo. 

Communication 

A speech bubble and a phone… Are there really any better symbols to display what this app offers? In one small logo viewers can automatically tell that this is an app that allows them to communicate with others and make phone calls. 

A User-Friendly Messaging Platform 

Simple imagery… Friendly and inviting colours… Messaging and communication safety… If nothing else WhatsApp’s logo communicates that this is a platform built for everyone. 

Accessibility 

The WhatsApp logo is also accessible even for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Because the icon is so simple it is easy to recognize and understand no matter what. So it really is an inclusive icon choice. 

Pro Tip 

Your logo should be meaningful and symbolic if possible. It should represent your brand. But it should also reflect your brand heritage, where it came from, the backstory, its core values and its products or services. Sounds like a tall order? That is because logo design isn’t all that simple. 

What We Learned From WhatsApp 

Now let us take a minute to sum up everything we can learn from the WhatsApp logo. 

• Symbolism – Choosing the right symbol for your locals is important. As mentioned above it needs to represent your brand as a whole. So it’s not just about choosing a symbol or image that you like. It needs to represent what your business stands for. 
• Universality – The WhatsApp logo is a universal design. So whether you live in America, Europe or China you can still see the logo and understand that it is a communications app. 
• Brand evolution – Companies often go through changes that require their logos to be recreated. However when you’ve got a design that’s perfectly on point for your business, even if your business grows or changes you may not always need to redesign it. 
• Simplicity – The WhatsApp logo is simple. It perfectly captures what the brand offers and there’s really no questioning whether or not it’s a messaging app when you see the logo. 

Adaptability – Because of the logo’s simplistic design it can easily be adapted to marketing materials of all kinds. It works as a small icon on a website or social media platform but can also be blown up to bigger sizes without the design being distorted.

5 Simple Steps To Design Your Own WhatsApp Type Of Logo 

As you can tell the WhatsApp logo really is a great design. And here at GraphicSprings our goal is to make it easy for brands like yours to design world class logos just like it. 

So if you’re thinking about creating your own communications logo make sure to follow these 5 simple steps. 

1. Brand research – The first step is to look at your brand from the inside out. Consider its values and identity. Knowing these helps you make better and more informed design choices. 
2. Symbolism – Once again choosing a symbol or icon for your logo isn’t just about picking something you like. Your logo needs to reflect your brand and whatever products or services it provides to the world. 
3. Fonts – The font or typography you choose for your logo also needs to be aligned with your brand persona. So it’s often good to avoid fancy or cursive fonts unless you operate a high end or luxury brand. 
4. Colours are everything – Just like icons and fonts, colours can have a massive influence over how people feel when they see your logo. 
5. Keep it simple – You also don’t want to overthink your design. Designs should never include too many elements which make them look messy. Choosing a simple design helps ensure your logo is recognizable. 

Ready to design your own logo? GraphicSprings offers custom logo services and an easy to use logo maker tool that allow you to design perfect brand logos in seconds. Try it today and find out just how easy elite logo design can be.