Spotify users have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the streaming platform’s latest logo update, which replaces the familiar 2D green circle with a 3D sparkly disco ball. The redesign, part of the company’s 20th anniversary campaign titled “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” has been met with widespread criticism on social media.
User backlash
Many users took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure. “I speak for everyone when I say we prefer the old Spotify logo over the new one. The new logo is not giving the lit vibes at all,” one user wrote. Another complained, “I keep thinking the app is updating on my iPhone. So dark and pixelated I can’t even tell it’s a disco ball.”
Others noted design flaws: “It looks like there’s an outer circle and the green ball inside doesn’t fit in the confines of the circle, sloppily,” said a third. “After zooming you can see that it’s a disco ball, but it just doesn’t fit.” A fourth user demanded, “No it’s really bad. Change it back. Every single time I look at it, I think it’s downloading/updating. It is beyond awful.”
The shading, which includes two white patches to give dimension, has been compared to an incomplete App Store download. “It’s hideous,” another argued. “Looks even worse on my home screen because you can’t tell it’s a mirror ball.”
Mixed reactions
Not all feedback was negative. Some users expressed indifference or approval. “It’s fine,” one said, “better than what some other companies would’ve done, they would’ve just gone with a green circle with nothing on it.” Another praised the update: “Might be the first time in a long time a company didn’t just do minimalism and actually upgraded their logo. Take notes.” A third commented, “It’s great. The logo has a nice twist with the disco ball, which is the core of the platform.”
Spotify’s explanation
In a post on Spotify’s For the Record, Senior Director of Global Brand Lauren Solomon explained the rationale behind the temporary design. “At key moments, we adapt our logo bug and let it become an expression of culture,” she said, citing previous Wrapped campaigns as examples. She noted that the bold green colour was “a very intentional choice” to stand out in a tech landscape dominated by blues and neutrals.
VP of Product Design Nicole Burrow added that while the exact shade of green has evolved, “the idea hasn’t.” She emphasised that the colour remains vibrant and distinctive, reflecting the company’s unconventional approach.
Despite the backlash, Spotify has not announced any plans to revert the logo, which is expected to remain for the duration of the anniversary campaign.
