TikTok* has grown from a simple video-sharing app into a global phenomenon, with more than 1.5 billion estimated monthly active users as of early 2025. The popular social media platform has transformed how people create and consume content, turning everyday creators into overnight sensations and shaping trends in fashion, entertainment, and culture.
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok’s music note logo has become a recognizable social media symbol. While the design hasn’t changed much, its subtle refinements reflect the platform’s evolution.
Here, explore the story behind TikTok’s logo design.
The history of the TikTok logo
2016: The beginning as A.me and Douyin
TikTok’s visual identity began in 2016, when ByteDance launched A.me, an app that let users create and share short videos. Within three months, the company renamed it Douyin (抖音) for the Chinese market.
2017: International launch and Musical.ly acquisition
In 2017, ByteDance took its first steps toward global expansion by launching TikTok internationally. That same year, the company acquired Musical.ly, a popular lip-syncing video app with a US presence. ByteDance saw an opportunity to grow by incorporating Musical.ly’s features into TikTok and leveraging its established US user base.
During this period, an uncredited designer created TikTok’s original logo—a simple “d” shape that resembles a musical note. The logo appeared in black on white and white on black, with cyan and fuchsia accents creating a sense of movement. When TikTok launched globally, the company added the app name below the logo as two separate words: “Tik Tok.”
2018 to present: Refining the wordmark and ongoing consistency
In 2018, TikTok refined its visual identity by updating the wordmark. It also introduced a new custom font—the basis for what would eventually become TikTok Sans—which better matched the logo’s aesthetic. Once again, cyan and fuchsia on the “o” created visual harmony between symbol and text. This version of the logo remains in use today.
Although many companies rebrand early on, TikTok has maintained its core design, chosing to refine rather than reinvent its logo.
Unpacking the TikTok logo meaning and design elements
Rather than hiring an agency, ByteDance took a different approach, assigning an in-house designer who loved concerts and rock music to create their logo.
Inspiration from the stage: The concert concept
The designer drew inspiration from live performances—specifically the contrast between a dark arena and bright stage lights. This inspired the logo’s black core surrounded by vibrant colors.
The musical note and “shaking sound”
The musical note shape serves several purposes: it represents “Douyin” (which means “shaking sound” or “shaking music” in Chinese) and doubles as a lowercase “d” to reference the English spelling of the Chinese app’s name.
Color psychology: Black, white, cyan, and fuchsia
Thoughtful use of color psychology is an important feature of the TikTok logo. Black and white provide a stark, modern base, ensuring the logo stands out on various backgrounds and remains legible even at small sizes—crucial for an app icon. Vibrant cyan and fuchsia accents create a 3D-like effect, evoking a sense of movement, energy, and electricity, evoking a live performance.
Typography: The role of TikTok Sans
While the TikTok symbol hasn’t changed, the typography associated it has evolved. In May 2023, TikTok introduced a bespoke typeface, TikTok Sans. The font was designed for readability and to reflect the company’s diverse community of users, featuring larger x-heights, clearer strokes, and more open letterforms. While the original 2018 wordmark update introduced a custom font to harmonize with the logo symbol, implementing TikTok Sans across brand communications—from in-app text to marketing materials—ensures a consistent look and feel, reinforcing brand identity at every touchpoint.
Resource: TikTok for Business: Step by Step Guide for 2024
Comparing the TikTok logo to rival social media logos
TikTok’s logo stands out from its competitors in several key ways:
Simple yet distinctive design
TikTok’s straightforward, bold design helps it stand out among competitors with complex logos. While detailed designs often need updates to keep up with trends, TikTok’s simple approach has staying power.
Strong brand recognition
The minimalist, bright logo is easy to spot even on small screens. This consistency has helped build strong brand recognition.
Dynamic visual elements
TikTok’s logo captures movement and sound—core elements of the platform’s short, music-driven videos. Its cyan and fuchsia gradient creates a sense of motion, while the black background ensures the colors pop.
Resource: TikTok Shopping: Everything You Need To Know To Start Selling
Why the TikTok logo is effective
A memorable logo is a crucial component ofdigital branding, enhancing awareness and enabling companies to establish a strong brand identity. TikTok’s logo succeeds because of:
- Smart use of psychological design and color theory: The logo combines bold black and white with vibrant cyan and fuchsia accents. These eye-catching colors create depth and movement, similar to anaglyph 3D images.
- Distinctive design: The musical note shape, concert-inspired color scheme, and clean typography work together to create intrigue and immediate recognition.
- Consistent branding: Maintaining its core design since launch has helped TikTok build strong brand recognition.
- Reflection of youth culture and dynamism: The logo’s vibrant, modern, and slightly edgy feel captures the dynamic nature of the content shared on the platform. It reflects a fast-paced digital environment that thrives on trends, creativity, and authenticity.
Learn more:
- A Beginner’s Guide to How To Use TikTok
- How To Go Live on TikTok: A Guide for Business Owners
- How To Repost on TikTok: Benefits of Reposting
Create a logo inspired by TikTok’s success
Now you understand what makes TikTok’s logo effective, you can apply these principles to your own brand. A well-designed logo grabs attention and builds recognition for your business.
Ready to create your own logo? Get started with Shopify’s logo maker—no design experience needed.
*The TikTok name and logo featured herein are trademarks owned by TikTok Inc. and/or its affiliates. For more information, please visit www.tiktok.com
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TikTok logo FAQ
Is the TikTok logo trademarked?
Yes, TikTok has trademarked its name and logo. You can find more details in TikTok’s intellectual property policy and on the US Patent and Trademark Office website.
Can I use the TikTok logo in my own designs?
No, you need written permission from TikTok before using their logo. According to its design guidelines, the company’s graphics, icons, symbols, and designs all fall within this policy.
Why did TikTok change its logo?
TikTok has kept its core logo design since 2016. The company made minor updates to the font and colors in 2018 after merging with Musical.ly, aiming to create a more timeless look that aligns with current design trends.
What font does the TikTok logo use?
The TikTok wordmark has evolved since its initial launch. While the 2018 logo update featured a custom font designed to match the symbol’s aesthetic, TikTok unveiled its own bespoke typeface called TikTok Sans in 2023. This font is now used across the platform for a cohesive brand identity. The logo’s wordmark is designed to be harmonious with this overall brand typography.
