Twitch is a popular live-streaming platform that lets users watch and interact with their favourite streamers, gamers, and content creators. A stylized wordmark and a symbol of a glint make up the distinctive logo of Twitch. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and variations of the Twitch logo in detail.
History of the Twitch Logo
Twitch launched in 2011 as a spin-off of Justin. tv, a general-purpose live-streaming platform. Therefore, the name Twitch reflected the fast and frenetic nature of video game streaming. A freelance graphic designer named Colin Niederkorn designed the original logo of Twitch. It featured a wordmark in a custom font with sharp edges and angles. A symbol of an eye with a pupil shaped like a glint accompanied the wordmark. The eye symbol expressed the idea of watching and being watched on the platform. The logo adopted a purple colour scheme which is the colour of Justin. TV’s logo inspired.
In 2014, Amazon acquired Twitch for $970 million. As part of the acquisition, Twitch decided to update its logo to reflect its growth and evolution. An in-house team led by Byron Phillipson, the creative director of Twitch, designed the new logo. The team wanted to create a logo that was more modern, versatile, and expressive. They also wanted to retain some elements of the original logo, such as the purple colour and the glint symbol.
Twitch unveiled the new logo in 2019 as part of a major rebranding campaign called “You’re already one of us”. The new logo featured a wordmark in a bold, blocky font that drew inspiration from the previous logo of the platform. The wordmark also had a slight slant that gave it a dynamic and energetic look. The eye symbol was replaced by a simpler shape that looked like a glint or a sparkle. It consisted of two triangles and a line that formed an abstract letter, T. The symbol represented the idea of streaming, broadcasting, and shining on the platform. The new logo also used a slightly darker shade of purple that was more vibrant and distinctive.
Design of the Twitch Logo
The design of the Twitch logo is based on several principles and concepts that reflect the identity and values of the platform. There are following concepts:
Simplicity:
The logo has a simple and minimalistic design, with no unnecessary details or embellishments. It is easy to recognize and remember.
Versatility:
The logo adapts to different variations for different purposes and contexts. Various media and platforms, such as web, mobile, print, merchandise, etc. can use it.
Expression:
The logo shows expression and playfulness, with a range of colours and gradients that can convey different moods and emotions. Moreover, users and streamers can also customize and personalize it to reflect their own style and personality.
Community:
The logo focuses on community and inclusion, with a slogan that invites everyone to join the platform. Moreover, the diversity and creativity of the Twitch community, with different types of content and genres.
Variations of the Twitch Logo
Twitch has several variations of its logo for different purposes and contexts. Some of these variations are:
Round version:
This version contains only the symbol inside a circle which is used as an app icon or a favicon.
Square version:
This version contains both the wordmark and the symbol in a compact layout which is used as a social media icon or a profile picture.
White version:
This version uses white as the primary colour for both the wordmark and the symbol which is used on dark or colourful backgrounds.
Black version:
This version uses black as the primary colour for both the wordmark and the symbol which is used on light or monochrome backgrounds.