Twitter Pushes Out New Logo

Visitors to Twitter this week may have noticed that the ol’ bird looks a little… different.

Yesterday Twitter released an updated version of “Larry,” the familiar blue songbird who delivers your tweets (yes, kiddos, storks deliver babies and a songbird named Larry fetches tweets — look it up, it’s science!). Initial reactions around the web have generally been positive.

The look, the messaging

What’s different? For starters, Larry got a trim up top, revealing a slicked-back hairdo. His wings were brushed into neat, evenly-spaced feathers. He appears to have lost a bit of weight. And instead of flying directly forward, he’s now angled up into the wild yonder.

A newly simplified and streamlined Larry joyfully takes flight — the message being, of course, one of unlimited growth and potential for Twitter.

The made-over Larry is meant to replace every previously existing Twitter icon iteration, such as those using the lowercase “t” and speech bubbles.

Rules and regulations may apply

Reactions to Twitter’s unusually, er, strident language and branding guidelines surrounding its precious bird have been a little more mixed. In particular, folks snickered at the lofty language Twitter used to describe the corporate revamp.

Our new bird grows out of love for ornithology, design within creative constraints, and simple geometry. This bird is crafted purely from three sets of overlapping circles — similar to how your networks, interests and ideas connect and intersect with peers and friends. Whether soaring high above the earth to take in a broad view, or flocking with other birds to achieve a common purpose, a bird in flight is the ultimate representation of freedom, hope and limitless possibility.

I’m a fan of an emotion-grabbing pitch, but saying that a logo icon represents freedom and hope? Guys, no need to oversell!

Along with the overwrought explanation, Twitter also released a detailed trademark and content policy that runs through the ways in which the new logo should and should not be displayed. It remains unclear what tragic things might befall anyone who violates these guidelines, but I shudder to think.

I’ve got to hand it to Twitter, though — they know their branding!

That’s cool, but how does this affect me?

It might not! The icon will automatically be updated on all official Twitter buttons and apps, but those using a static image may want to replace the Twitter logos on their blogs and websites.

Time to weigh in: do you love the new Larry, or do you already miss the slightly-more-schlumpy bird?