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Social media is a major part of almost all our lives. We use it to stay connected with our aunt who lives across the country, to creep on a potential new love interest, and sometimes, to follow brands and companies.

This is why it’s important for businesses to mind the rules and know what they can and can’t do with the distinct logos for these platforms.

How can your business use social media logos? What are the rules? Finish that status update and get ready to learn more about printing social media icons.

Facebook

Facebook
Do

  • Keep enough space around the logo so it’s legible and uncluttered
  • Maintain the proportion of the logo
  • “Facebook” should be in the same font and size as the surrounding text on your website
  • Capitalize “Facebook,” even if it’s part of the web address
  • Include a call-to-action such as “Like Us,” “Follow Us,” etc.
  • Print the logo side by side with other social media platforms
  • Link directly to your Facebook page when using the logo online
  • Be consistent with the font and size of the rest of the content
  • Request permission for use in film or television broadcast through the Brand Permissions Request Form
  • Pay mind to Facebook’s Terms and Policies

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Facebook brand either directly or indirectly
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Facebook
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with Facebook
  • Combine Facebook’s name with your brand name
  • Use “Facebook” as a verb
  • Use the logo in place of the word “Facebook
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Make the logo the most prominent feature of what you’re creating
  • Use the “Like” or “Thumb” icons in Facebook Ads
  • Use the “Thumb” icon alongside any other Facebook symbols
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About Facebook Rules

Instagram

Instagram
Do

  • Link directly to your Instagram page when using the logo online
  • Balance the Instagram logo with your brand’s logo
  • Make sure only 50% or less of your content is dedicated to Instagram
  • Be consistent with the font and size of the rest of the content
  • If your app uses Instagram’s APIs, specify that your app is “for Instagram” or “on Instagram”
  • Print alongside Facebook and its companies
  • Capitalize “Instagram,” even if it’s part of the web address
  • Request permission for use in film, television broadcast, or any advertising larger than 8.5 x 11 inches through Permission Requests
  • Pay mind to Instagram’s Terms of Use

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Instagram brand either directly or indirectly
  • Make the logo the most prominent feature of what you’re creating
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with Instagram
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Instagram
  • Combine “Insta” or “gram” with your brand name
  • Translate the word “Instagram” into other languages
  • Use a hashtag that contains “Insta” or “gram” on any other social media platforms
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About Instagram Rules

Twitter

Twitter
Do

  • Only show the logo in Twitter’s blue or white
  • Pair the blue or white Twitter logo with the username and hashtag in black
  • Scale the hashtag to be 100% the height of the logo
  • Use any typeface for your hashtag
  • Keep empty space around the logo to at least 150% the width of the logo
  • Size the logo at 16 pixels wide or larger
  • Maintain the integrity of the logo’s form
  • Use the white logo when placing on an image
  • Apply a 10-20% black tint to white logo when on a light background
  • Try and keep the logo out of a container, but if needed use a circle, square, or square with rounded corners
  • Print the icon alongside other social media icons at the same size
  • Include this disclaimer when using Twitter trademarks: “TWITTER, TWEET, RETWEET and the Twitter logo are trademarks of Twitter, Inc. or its affiliates.”
  • Pay mind to Twitter’s Terms of Use

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Twitter brand either directly or indirectly
  • Make the logo the most prominent feature of what you’re creating
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with Twitter
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Twitter
  • Surround the logo with other birds or animals
  • Refer to the Twitter logo as a bird
  • Accessorize the logo
  • Put the logo into a speech bubble
  • Personify the logo
  • Use old versions of the logo
  • Incorporate Twitter marks or its name in your brand
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About Twitter Rules

Snapchat

Snapchat
Do

  • Only use the official Ghost logo with a yellow background or black or white
  • Display the Ghost logo side-by-side with other logos and keep it the same size as the others
  • Keep the empty space around the logo 150% the width of the logo
  • Size the logo at 18 pixels wide or larger
  • Publicize your Snapcode on your website, printed materials, and social media
  • Always pair usernames with the Ghost logo
  • Include a call-to-action such as “Add us on Snapchat,” “Snap us,” etc.
  • Present your snaps in the way they were created and include your username on the top left corner and the ghost icon on the right corner
  • Use your Snapcode on product packaging
  • Capitalize “Snapchat,” even if its part of the web address
  • Be consistent with the font and size of the rest of the content
  • Request permission to use on TV, film, books, or plays by emailing the marketing team at branding@snapchat.com
  • Pay mind to Snapchat’s Terms of Use

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Snapchat brand either directly or indirectly
  • Make the logo the most prominent feature of what you’re creating
  • Incorporate anything related to Snapchat in your logo, domain name, trademarks, etc.
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with Snapchat
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Snapchat
  • Copy the Snapchat look and feel
  • Surround the logo with other characters
  • Use old versions of the logo
  • Refer to any other product than Snapchat with the Ghost logo
  • Use Snapchat as a verb, plural, or separate it into two words “Snap” and “Chat”
  • Use the Ghost logo in place of the word “Snapchat”
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About Snapchat Rules

TikTok

TikTok
Do

  • Take advantage of TikTok advertising opportunities which includes in-feed ads, hashtag challenges, and brand takeovers, which are full-screen ads that appear when a user opens the app
  • Report copyright infringement if you believe it has occurred on their platform
  • Review TikTok’s Terms of Use
  • Follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the TikTok brand either directly or indirectly
  • Emulate the “look and feel” of TikTok
  • Incorporate anything related to TikTok in your logo, domain name, trademarks, etc.
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with TikTok
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
Pinterest

Pinterest
Do

  • Use only the Pinterest badge without the name “Pinterest”
  • Always include a call-to-action
  • Display your Pinterest URL when displaying the badge
  • Make sure the logo is proportionate to the call-to-action text
  • Print the most updated version of the logo
  • The Pinterest logo should be smaller in scale than your logo
  • If using the Pinterest interface, make sure the web version and mobile version are properly represented
  • Include a clear link back to your profile when using the logo in broadcast media
  • Request permission to use on TV, film or video at least 10 days in advance
  • Pay mind to Pinterest’s Terms of Service

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Pinterest brand either directly or indirectly
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Pinterest
  • Combine “Pin,” “Pinterest,” or any variation to your brand name
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with Pinterest
  • Add a call to action without your Pinterest URL displayed
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About Pinterest Rules

Reddit

Reddit
Do

  • Use the “Snoo head” logo with the name “Reddit” whenever possible
  • Print accurate Reddit logo colors: (HEX #FF4500,, PMS 172 C)
  • Link to Reddit with their logo graphic using either the round, square, or silhouette icons
  • Capitalize Reddit’s name
  • Align the wordmark with the Snoo logo horizontally
  • Leave enough space between the Reddit logo and name and other image assets
  • State when content is pulled from Reddit
  • Properly use Reddit terminology
  • Take advantage of Reddit’s logo assets, which can be downloaded directly
  • Use Reddit’s content templates when displaying a post
  • Embed Reddit posts directly into your website to ensure proper attribution
  • Get permission from the original poster if you’re looking to include a specific post or comment
  • Submit proposed use of the Reddit logo to press@reddit.com
  • Contact licensing@reddit.com if you have additional questions

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the Reddit brand either directly or indirectly
  • Incorporate anything related to Reddit in your logo, domain name, trademarks, etc.
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with Reddit
  • Print the Reddit logo any smaller than 24×24 pixels
  • Alter the post or comment’s title, text, or meaning
  • Screenshot Reddit content
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
LinkedIn

LinkedIn
Do

  • Use 0.25 in. between the name LinkedIn and the logo in print
  • The minimum size on screen should be 21 px
  • Always include the Registered Trademark or Trademark symbol
  • Write LinkedIn as one word
  • Use the IN logo to link to your profile, company, or group
  • Words next to the IN logo should be in a different font and color
  • Include a call to action such as “Follow us,” “Join our group,” etc.
  • Use screenshots from LinkedIn for instructive, educational, or illustrative purposes
  • The logo stands alone and has enough space from other graphics or textual elements
  • Use the logo in color for online use unless the color version isn’t practical
  • If LinkedIn requests you to stop using their logo, you must comply in no more than seven days after the request
  • Request permission to use in film, TV, media, books or any other printed materials by filling out this form
  • Pay mind to LinkedIn’s Terms of Service

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Attempt to replicate the LinkedIn logo
  • Assert rights over the LinkedIn brand either directly or indirectly
  • Make the logo the most prominent feature of what you’re creating
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with LinkedIn
  • Incorporate the LinkedIn name or logo into your brand
  • Use the IN logo as a word
  • Make LinkedIn plural or possessive
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with LinkedIn
  • Use LinkedIn in the title of a blog post
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography, gambling, or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About LinkedIn Rules

YouTube

YouTube
Do

  • Allow for safe space that is free of imagery and text
  • Use half the logo’s width to determine how much space should surround the logo 
  • Print the logo 24dp or higher in digital content; 0.125 in. in print
  • Only use YouTube’s red, white, or black
  • Use YouTube’s typeface
  • The triangle in the icon should always be white
  • Use the YouTube icon without the name only if you don’t have enough room to print the full logo at the appropriate size
  • Add a link on the YouTube icon without the name only if the destination is a YouTube channel
  • Make sure the logo is legible by using one of the different versions
  • Secure permission to use in media, TV, film, books or any other materials in print
  • Pay mind to YouTube’s Terms of Service

Don’t

  • Modify the logo’s color, size, or shape
  • Assert rights over the YouTube brand either directly or indirectly
  • Imply sponsorship or partnership with YouTube
  • Trademark anything that could be confused with YouTube
  • Change the spacing between the icon and the word “YouTube”
  • Use the logo in a phrase or sentence
  • Print the logo or name on promotional products without permission from the social media platform
  • Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
  • Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities

Click here to Learn More About YouTube Rules

Now let’s get into all the fine details! Each of these platforms has their own set of guidelines for how to go about using their logos.

Facebook

Facebook

If you have Facebook’s permission and adhere to their rules as listed in the chart above, you can print any of these trademarked logos!

Another important tip to keep in mind for Facebook is to use the right logo when appropriate.

Facebook

Use the logo with the blue box on white or light colored backgrounds.

Facebook

Use the logo with the white box on blue or dark colored backgrounds.

Facebook has many different logos and trademarks. If you’re ever unsure about how to use their icons, reach out directly to their team or read their official guidelines.

Instagram

Instagram

For the most part, Instagram follows the same rules as Facebook. Both platforms adhere to community guidelines that protect users from anything malicious, such as spam or inappropriate photography.

Instagram Bag

Like other social media platforms, you do not have permission to use the Instagram logo on promotional giveaways like tote bags or pens without getting approval via a written request.

Be sure you’re mindful of the safe, positive environment Instagram strives to create. When in doubt, ask an official for clarification on what you can print or read their official guidelines.

Twitter

Twitter

Twitter is another great avenue for promoting your business, and like other social media platforms, they have branding guidelines that are important to follow.

Aside from everything in the chart above, it’s important to remember that Tweets are created with Helvetica Neue Bold font, which is a common typeface for the brand and was even a trending hashtag in the past.

#helveticaneue

You will use this font for the following:

  • Tweets
  • Display names
  • Timestamps
  • User name

Luckily, Twitter has made it super easy to stick with their format. You can download a media kit, complete with all the logos and brand resources you can possibly need.

If all else fails, you can double check their official guidelines for more details.

Snapchat

Snapchat

You don’t want the >Snapchat ghost to haunt you for not following their rules! That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date on their branding guidelines. These change every year, but for the most part, a few main points stay the same.

  1. 1
    Snapchat

    Use only the official Ghost logo, which you can download directly on their website.

    Snapchat
  2. 2
    Avenir next

    The Snapchat brand is represented by Avenir Next font.

    a. User Name: Avenir Next Demi Bold (-10 tracking)
    b. Titles/Headlines: Avenir Next Medium (-30 tracking)

    Avenir next
  3. 3

    Snapchat has a few terms they use within their platform:

Bitmoji
A person or company’s personal emoji that can be sent to other users via a sticker in Chat and on Snaps

Collections
Brands link to their products without the users needing to swipe on the ad to make a purchase

Filter
A visual overlay that’s added to a Snap; many are customized based on location, holidays, etc.

Geofilter
Filters that appear in specific locations like neighborhood, landmarks, restaurants, etc.

Lens
Add real-time special effects and sounds to your Snaps

Memories
Personal collection of Snaps and Stories saved by the user

My Story
Compilation of Snaps posted over a 24 hour period; played in chronological order

Our Stories
Compilation of Snaps taken by users at an event or place

Publisher Stories
Collections of Snaps from publishers like CNN, Buzzfeed, Mashable, etc. that are updated every day

Shows
Original programming produced and shot for mobile

Snap
Picture or video taken on Snapchat; decorated with emojis, captions, filters, Lenses, and more

Snapcode (n.)
Unique, scannable codes that make adding new friends and opening content on Snapchat easier

Sponsored Lens (n.)
Companies create their own special Lens to represent their brand, promotional events, etc.

TikTok

TikTok

Launched September 2016, TikTok is a relatively new social media platform. Their branding guidelines are constantly changing and adapting to meet the user’s needs.

If you do use TikTok, you should never post any of the following:

  • Threats or imagery that implies organized violence
  • Hateful content related to an individual or group
  • Slurs or offensive terms, even if they’re used in song lyrics or a movie quote
  • Claims of supremacy over any group
  • Content that depicts physical harm or illegal activities
  • Images of self-harm or dangerous acts
  • Harassing or bullying comments or images
  • Any nudity
  • Articles that contain misinformation or fake news

TikTok has over 680 million monthly active users, and it continues to grow in popularity. Keep in mind that minors are able to use their platform, so be mindful of what your brand is posting.

Pinterest

Pinterest

People should be able to easily find your profile on Pinterest. That’s why you have to include some kind of call-to-action with the logo.

Pinterest has a list of acceptable and unacceptable call-to-actions for you to print:

Acceptable
Unacceptable

Acceptable

  • Find us on Pinterest
  • Follow us on Pinterest
  • Visit us
  • Find more ideas on Pinterest
  • Get inspired on Pinterest
  • Popular on Pinterest
    *only for high impressions

Unacceptable

  • Trending on Pinterest
  • Trending Pins
  • Using “Pin” as a verb

You have freedom to play around within those acceptable phrases, such as “Visit us on Pinterest,” “Get inspired,” etc. You also need to make sure your Pinterest URL is included. Still have more questions? Check out their official guidelines!

Reddit

Reddit

Reddit is a world of its own, and as such, the community has distinct words and phrases. Are you new to the platform? Here’s a cheat sheet of all the Reddit terminology you need to know!

Communities:
The various discussion spaces on Reddit

Front Page:
Popular feed on Reddit with aggregated content

Home Feed:
User’s personalized feed of content

Karma:
Points that Reddit user’s receive every time they participate on the Reddit platform

Snoo:
Name of Reddit’s alien mascot

Voting:
Reddit users can upvote or downvote content the community contributes. The more upvotes, the higher the content appears.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has bundled all their brand assets in a pretty package to make it easy for you to print their logo. In order for their icon to be visible, they have different versions for you to choose from, some with their full name and others with only the IN logo.

YouTube

YouTube

Similar to other social media platforms, YouTube has different versions of their logo depending on where it’s being printed. All these logos can be downloaded directly from their branding guidelines.

The options are:

YouTube Logos
  • 1
    Traditional red, white, and black logo
  • 2
    All black logo
  • 3
    All white logo
  • 4
    Red “Play” icon
YouTube Logos

You can use any of these logos, so long as they’re legible and you leave them uncluttered with other images and text.

YouTube Logos

If needed, you can also use monochrome versions of the logo for visual-heavy backgrounds. This version comes in both all-black or all-white.

youtube
YouTube Logo

Finally, you have the option to use their simple red “Play” icon. This should only be used when there isn’t enough room to print the logo with YouTube’s name. You would follow all the same rules for using this logo.

It’s always a good idea to be knowledgeable about YouTube’s rules. Feel free to reach out directly and be sure to take a look at their official guidelines to learn more!

Color Codes for Social Media Icons

Following the branding guidelines is only part of the battle. You also need to be sure you’re using the correct logo colors. The RGB color model and hex codes are used when it comes to printing images. Both rely on a mix of red, green, and blue tints to make distinct shades.

Below is a chart with the RGB color model and hex code for each social media icon.

Facebook
Facebook
Dark Blue
  • Hex: #0e1f56
  • RGB:
    14, 31, 91
Regular Blue
  • Hex: #3b5998
  • RGB:
    59, 89, 152
Medium Blue
  • Hex: #6d84b4
  • RGB:
    109, 132, 180
Light Blue
  • Hex: #d8dfea
  • RGB:
    216, 232, 234
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
Instagram
Instagram
Magenta
  • Hex: #cd486b
  • RGB:
    205, 72, 107
Blue
  • Hex: #4c69d7
  • RGB:
    76, 104, 215
Purple Violet
  • Hex: #8a3ab9
  • RGB:
    138, 58, 185
Red Violet
  • Hex: #bc2a8d
  • RGB:
    188, 42, 141
Red Orange
  • Hex: #e95950
  • RGB:
    233, 89, 80
Orange
  • Hex: #fbad50
  • RGB:
    251, 173, 80
Yellow
  • Hex: #fccc63
  • RGB:
    252, 204, 99
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
Twitter
Twitter
Blue
  • Hex: #1da1f2
  • RGB:
    29, 161, 242
Black
  • Hex: #14171a
  • RGB:
    20, 23, 26
Dark Gray
  • Hex: #657786
  • RGB:
    101, 119, 134
Light Gray
  • Hex: #aab8c2
  • RGB:
    101, 118, 134
Extra Light
Gray
  • Hex: #e1e8ed
  • RGB:
    225, 232, 237
Extra Extra
Light Gray
  • Hex: #f5f8fa
  • RGB:
    245, 248, 250
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
Snapchat
Snapchat
Yellow
  • Hex: #ffc00
  • RGB:
    255, 252, 0
Black
  • Hex: #000000
  • RGB:
    0, 0, 0
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
TikTok
TikTok
Black
  • Hex: #010101
  • RGB:
    1, 1, 1
Light Aqua
  • Hex: #69C9D0
  • RGB:
    105, 201, 208
Red
  • Hex: #ee1d52
  • RGB:
    238, 29, 82
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
Pinterest
Pinterest
Red
  • Hex: #bd081c
  • RGB:
    189, 8, 28
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
Reddit
Reddit
Red/Orange
  • Hex: #FF4500
  • RGB:
    255, 69, 0
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Medium Blue
  • Hex: #0077b5
  • RGB:
    0, 119, 181
Light Blue
  • Hex: #00a0dc
  • RGB:
    0, 160, 220
Black
  • Hex: #000000
  • RGB:
    0, 0, 0
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255
YouTube
YouTube
Red
  • Hex: #FF0000
  • RGB:
    255, 0, 0
Black
  • Hex: #000000
  • RGB:
    0, 0, 0
White
  • Hex: #ffffff
  • RGB:
    255, 255, 255

Rules for Printing Social Media Logos

When it comes to printing social media icons, no matter which one, there are a few key points to keep in mind. These rules work across all platforms and help ensure you’re using the logos correctly.

Here are the most important rules for printing social media icons:

• You cannot print the icons on promotional products or use in media without permission.

• Always print the logo colors in the designated hex code or RGB numbers.

• Make sure the logo is legible on what you’re printing.

• Do not modify, animate, or alter the logo in any way.

• Reach out to each platform’s designated branding team if you have any questions.

While each social media platform has individual rules, these are the ones that stay the same across the board. The finer details for each social media platform are listed above!

Stats for Success

Stats 1 icon

2.34 billion people around the world are on social media.

Stats 2 icon

71% of consumers who have a good social media experience with a brand are likely to recommend them to others.

Stats 3 icon

96% of small businesses use social media to advertise.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to social media logos, it’s important to follow the rules. Remember, you cannot print these icons on your promotional giveaways. You also have to request permission to use them in books, TV, film, or any other media. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the teams directly for more information!

ColorSwatches. (2018). Facebook Blue. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from

Schwarz, D. (2017, June 28). Fonts and Colors Used by Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and More. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from

https://www.sitepoint.com/fonts-colors-used-facebook-twitter-google/

Locke, J. (2018, August 16). Social Media Colors 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from

https://lockedownseo.com/social-media-colors/

Georgiou, N. (2016, May 24). Instagram New Logo (2016) Color Palette. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from

https://www.designpieces.com/palette/instagram-new-logo-2016-color-palette

Hainla, L. (2018, July 5). 21 Social Media Marketing Statistics You Need to Know in 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2018, from

https://www.dreamgrow.com/21-social-media-marketing-statistics/

LYFE Marketing. (2018, March 5). 30 Social Media Statistics That Will Change the Way You Think About Social Media. Retrieved November 7, 2018, from

https://www.lyfemarketing.com/blog/social-media-marketing-statistics/

Alyssa Mertes

Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.

View all posts by Alyssa Mertes

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