The Reddit logo, known as Snoo, is a playful yet recognizable symbol representing the popular online platform. Created in 2005 by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Snoo is an alien figure with a rounded head, pointy ears, and a quirky antenna. Over the years, the logo has undergone several iterations, each making subtle refinements to modernize the brand's identity.

Meaning and History

Snoo was initially drawn by Ohanian in a marketing class as a spontaneous sketch. Later, he digitized it, and the alien mascot became a key part of Reddit’s identity. The mascot’s name, Snoo, is a shorthand for "what's new?", aligning with Reddit’s purpose as a site for news aggregation and discussion.

Evolution of the Logo

1. 2005 – 2017: The first version of the logo featured Snoo in a simple black and white design with orange eyes and a lowercase, rounded sans-serif wordmark.
2. 2017 – 2023: The design became more emboldened, with a brighter orange color and slightly refined typeface. The antenna and the dot above the "I" were emphasized, giving a more modern feel.
3. 2023 – Today: The current version showcases Snoo inside an orange circle, with a bold lowercase "reddit" wordmark to the right. The bright orange and white color scheme, combined with the friendly, simple design, represents the engaging, community-driven nature of the platform.

Symbolism

• Snoo’s Antenna: Symbolizes the alien nature, hinting at Reddit’s futuristic and global reach.
• Red Eyes: The striking red-orange eyes make Snoo distinctive and instantly recognizable.
• Gender-Neutral Mascot: Snoo’s androgynous appearance reflects Reddit’s inclusive and diverse community.

Font and Color

The font has evolved from bold, all-caps to a modern lowercase sans-serif typeface. The orange-red (#ff4500) color of Snoo’s eyes and the wordmark gives the logo its vibrant, energetic feel.

Overall, Reddit's logo blends simplicity with playfulness, making it a versatile and memorable representation of the platform.