Netflix unveiled a new icon on Monday that was confused as a completely revised logo for the popular streaming service. The folded "N" emblem appeared on the company's Facebook and Twitter accounts, and looks like something that would come from Google's Material Design team. It's a shift away from the flat, clean logo that Netflix switched to back in 2014, for sure. But the company's Twitter team was quick to clarify that the primary logo (seen below) isn't going anywhere.
@nikhilwad Not a new logo! The N is an icon and a new creative element to live with our logo. The current Netflix logo is here to stay :)
— Netflix US (@netflix) June 20, 2016
"We are introducing a new element into our branding with an N icon," a spokesperson told The Verge. "The current Netflix logo will still remain." The company is still using that full "Netflix" word mark for press materials and teasers around shows like Orange is the New Black, and the Netflix website (and mobile apps) are sticking with the primary one for now. But the N icon will be appearing there in some cases. "The icon will start to be incorporated into our mobile apps along with other product integrations in the near future," a spokesperson said.
@J_Mendoza8 We just got a new 'do- keeping it fresh. Our logo isn't going anywhere, the icon is just a new piece of our overall look.
— Netflix US (@netflix) June 20, 2016
So it seems like this is just something that'll be used occasionally — perhaps in instances where "Netflix" simply doesn't work or feels a little boring. At least it's not another Instagram debacle.
Netflix's 2014 - 2016 logo