How Do You Print Social Media Icons?
Each social media platform has certain rules about how a business can use their logos. Before we dive too deep, here's a general overview of what does and doesn't fly when it comes to printing social media icons.
Other Lessons in This Course
Which Social Media Icons and Logos Can I Print?
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
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
- 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
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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography, gambling, or illegal activities
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
- Request permission to use in film, TV, media, books or any other printed materials by filling out this form
- 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
- Add filters, animation, effects, etc. to the logo
- Include the logo with assets associated with pornography or illegal activities
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.
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.
Use the logo with the blue box on white or light colored backgrounds.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 possible need.
If all else fails, you can double check their official guidelines for more details.
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
Use only the official Ghost logo, which you can download directly on their website.
-
2
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)
-
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.
Do you have more questions? Reach out directly to the Snapchat team by emailing branding@snapchat.com. You can also download their official guidelines for more information.
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!
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.
For other questions, you can reach out directly to the LinkedIn team at brandrequest@linkedin.com. Be sure to also check out their official guidelines!
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:
- 1. Traditional red, white, and black logo
- 2. All black logo
- 3. All white logo
- 4. Red "Play" icon
You can use any of these logos, so long as they're legible and you leave them uncluttered with other images and text.
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.
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!
Which Colors Are Used in the 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.
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
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
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
Gray
- Hex: #e1e8ed
- RGB:
225, 232, 237
Extra Extra
Light Gray
Light Gray
- Hex: #f5f8fa
- RGB:
245, 248, 250
White
- Hex: #ffffff
- RGB:
255, 255, 255
Snapchat
Yellow
- Hex: #ffc00
- RGB:
255, 252, 0
Black
- Hex: #000000
- RGB:
0, 0, 0
White
- Hex: #ffffff
- RGB:
255, 255, 255
Red
- Hex: #bd081c
- RGB:
189, 8, 28
White
- Hex: #ffffff
- RGB:
255, 255, 255
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
Red
- Hex: #FF0000
- RGB:
255, 0, 0
Black
- Hex: #000000
- RGB:
0, 0, 0
White
- Hex: #ffffff
- RGB:
255, 255, 255
Can you imagine the more muted Instagram yellow in Snapchat's logo? What about Facebook in Twitter's light blue? It's important to use the correct colors when representing any social media brand or you run the risk of changing the appearance of the logo.
You can alter the RBG color directly in Microsoft Word. Simply go to the color changer, go to "more colors," select "custom," and enter in the correct numbers.
What Are the Rules of 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!
Why Should You Be Active on Social Media?
In this digital world, your business needs to be active on social media. Why? For starters, it helps you connect directly with your audience. Not only that, but many people are accessing these platforms from their phones and using them to find deals on new products. Make sure your presence on social media is known everywhere, from your website to your advertising.
Stats for Success
2.34 billion people around the world are on social media.
71% of consumers who have a good social media experience with a brand are likely to recommend them to others.
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!
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.
References
ColorSwatches. (2018). Facebook Blue. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from https://colorswatches.info/facebook-blue
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://www.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, 2918, from https://www.lyfemarketing.com/blog/social-media-marketing-statistics/