Why You Can’t Always Use Trademark Logos

If you have a website, printed material, or other promotional item intended for your business, beware that you can’t always include trademarked logos from social media sites. Each has their own set of rules and regulations regarding use of their logo designs and keep to them strictly. Even if you have an account with one of the social media giants or up and comers, their logos still have restrictions.

Facebook Logos

Facebook logos are allowed to be used to link to a site’s Facebook account. You can use them on your website or in promotional materials to let customers know they can find your business there. However, you can’t use their logos to:

• Imply that you or your business is affiliated with Facebook
• Combine the Facebook logo design with your own logos
• Use Facebook logos as part of your company’s logo design
• Modify the Facebook logo in any way

To get more details on what you can and can’t do with Facebook logos, check out their Brand Resources page (link to https://www.facebookbrand.com/).

Twitter Logos

Another social media giant, their logo design was initially created from three circles. Those who wish to advertise they are on Twitter can only use the blue and white logos. Logos using black, purple, or any other color may not be used. Other restrictions on Twitter logos include:

• Implication that you or your business is affiliated with Twitter
• Logo designs that use speech bubbles or other forms of words around the bird
• Animation of any of the logos
• Even the Twitter name and use of the term “tweet” are restricted

To get more details on what you can and can’t do with Twitter logos, check out their Brand Assets page (link to https://about.twitter.com/press/brand-assets).

YouTube Logos

If you wish to post promotional videos of your business and its goods and services, YouTube is a great, free resource. However, it also has restrictions on its logos and how they are used. The restrictions on YouTube logo designs include:

• Implication that your business is affiliated with YouTube
• They have several logos that may be used including the traditional white and red logo, different colors, the phrase “powered by YouTube,” and even their Play icons
• You may not modify the logo designs to include different colors
• You may not display the logos as the most prominent design (this is a common social media restriction)
• YouTube logos may not be used to promote or link to adult content

To get more details on what you can and can’t do with YouTube logos, check out their Branding Guidelines page (link to https://developers.google.com/youtube/branding_guidelines).

And these are just for the major sites. If looking to use logos from others such as LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, and others, it is important to consult a professional graphic designer to ensure that your website and all your materials are compliant with each social media platform.

To learn more about how Catdi can help with your social media logo designs and other related services, give us a call or check out our website (link to Home page).