The signature blue color used by Facebook in their logo and interface is one of the most recognizable shades in tech. With Facebook’s massive global presence, the precise Facebook blue hue has become ingrained in the minds of its over 2.8 billion monthly active users. But what exactly is this iconic color? And how did Facebook land on it for their brand?
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the Facebook blue color, examining the specific hex code and RGB values that define it. We’ll also look at how Facebook blue fits into the psychology of color and branding. Whether you’re just curious or need the official color for a design project, read on to learn all about the distinctive blue of Facebook.
Defining the Facebook Blue Color Values
So what exactly is the color code behind Facebook blue? The signature color is formally defined as:
| Hex Code | #3b5998 |
| RGB Values | R: 59, G: 89, B: 152 |
| CMYK Values | C: 61%, M: 41%, Y: 0%, K: 40% |
| HSL Values | H: 217°, S: 96%, L: 45% |
As hex code #3b5998, Facebook blue is composed of 59 red, 89 green, and 152 blue. When converted to the RGB color model, this produces the RGB values of R: 59, G: 89, B: 152.
Interestingly, Facebook blue is somewhat dark and saturated for a blue shade. It has a relatively low lightness value of just 45% in the HSL color space. The high saturation of 96% gives it a rich, deep blue tone.
These specific values result in the distinctive Facebook blue we’re all familiar with. But where did this color come from in the first place?
The Origins of Facebook Blue
Facebook blue was chosen very early on in the company’s history. According to TechCrunch, Facebook’s original website design from 2004 featured a logo with the text “TheFacebook” in white, set on a field of navy blue. This original blue was slightly darker than the current Facebook blue.
When Facebook underwent a major redesign in 2008, the navy blue was lightened and standardized to the current Facebook blue color. This shade has been their signature blue ever since.
According to Facebook’s brand resource center, the blue color was selected because blue conveys trust, security, and reliability. Given their mission to connect billions of people around the world, these traits were very important to the Facebook brand identity. Blue is also the color of friendship. So for a social media platform focused on making connections, blue was a natural choice.
Over the years, Facebook blue has become so linked to the company that it is instantly recognizable worldwide. It evokes not just Facebook, but social connection in general.
Facebook Blue in Branding and Design
Facebook blue is an integral part of the company’s branding and iconography:
- The “f” icon in the Facebook logo is Facebook blue.
- The backgrounds on their website and mobile apps are different shades of Facebook blue.
- Sponsored content on Facebook uses various tints of Facebook blue.
- The notification icons and other UI elements employ the signature color.
This consistent, prominent use of their blue shade creates strong brand association throughout the user experience.
Interestingly, Facebook blue contrasts with the red used extensively by other major social media platforms:
| Platform | Brand Color |
|---|---|
| YouTube | |
| TikTok |
The vivid red of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok makes Facebook’s blue stand out even more as a brand identifier.
Using Facebook Blue in Your Designs
Want to incorporate Facebook’s signature blue into your own designs and projects? Here are some tips:
– Use the official Facebook blue hex code #3b5998 or RGB values (R: 59, G: 89, B: 152) whenever possible for accurate color matching.
– Try lighter tints of Facebook blue for backgrounds, accents, and secondary interface elements. Darker shades can work well for text, borders, and important CTAs.
– Use Facebook blue with a clean, white background for maximum impact, similar to Facebook’s actual interface.
– Pair Facebook blue with contrasting colors like yellow, green, orange or light grays to make it stand out.
– Refer to Facebook’s brand guidelines if you plan to use their blue color and logos for promotions or integrations on Facebook properties.
Psychology of the Color Blue
Facebook likely chose blue for its positive psychological connotations that mirror their brand values. Here’s what the color blue represents:
- Trustworthiness – Blue conveys strength and reliability.
- Security – Blue feels calm, stable, and safe.
- Peacefulness – Lighter blues have soothing, serene qualities.
- Communication – Blue promotes openness and honesty in communication.
- Friendliness – Blue represents approachability and friendship.
- Knowledge – Blue projects intelligence and clear thought.
Facebook blue balances darker and lighter shades to hit the sweet spot between trustworthy/secure and friendly/communicative. This helps the platform feel open and welcoming, while still conveying strength and stability.
Conclusion
The Facebook blue color has become an icon of the social media era. Hex code #3b5998 sits at the heart of one of the world’s most influential tech brands. This shade evokes connection, communication, and community for billions around the globe.
But Facebook blue stands for much more than just a company. It represents the power of technology to bring people together, making the world feel a little bit smaller. Whether mingling with friends or interacting with brands, we’re all connected through the Facebook blue interface.
So the next time you see that branded blue “f” appear, think of all the potential it represents to forge human bonds and relationships. That’s the true power behind Facebook’s color choice.
