MSN Logo PNG
The MSN logo represents the ease with which users can find online content in different categories. After all, this website contains a huge collection of Windows applications that make it easier to interact with the Internet.
MSN: Brand overview
Initially, it was a portal with a limited list of Internet services, but the MSN brand was used for a wide range of Microsoft products as it expanded. The website has been translated into many languages and is available worldwide, although it is still based in the US and registered in the .com domain zone (since 1998).
In 1995, Microsoft launched its online service, MSN (Microsoft Network), to compete with the then-popular AOL and CompuServe. The formal launch of MSN on August 24, 1995, coincided with the introduction of Windows 95. Initially, MSN was a closed web service requiring specialized access software, providing users with news, chat, email, and other content.
Recognizing the potential of the open Internet, Microsoft began refocusing its online service on web technology in 1996. The company introduced a new website featuring sports scores, news, and weather content. This marked the beginning of the transition from a closed online service to an open web portal accessible through any browser.
1997 was significant for the platform, as Microsoft acquired the Hotmail service for $400 million. This acquisition quickly made it one of the largest free email providers in the world. Hotmail became a key service that attracted users to the web, and it was swiftly integrated into the broader ecosystem.
1999 the company launched Messenger, which became a crucial part of its ecosystem. The instant messaging service quickly gained popularity, particularly among young people. Messenger offered text messaging and voice communication, which was innovative then.
In 2000, Microsoft introduced Explorer, which combined a web browser, email client, and messenger into a single application. This was an attempt to unify various internet technologies into one platform for easy online access.
Throughout the early 2000s, the service continued to add new features. A music service was launched as a competitor to Apple’s iTunes. Its compatibility with other Microsoft products, especially Windows XP, was also enhanced, reflecting Microsoft’s efforts to build a unified online service ecosystem.
Between 2003 and 2004, the platform underwent rebranding and restructuring. Microsoft began to differentiate its brands and online offerings more clearly. As services like Hotmail and Messenger grew more independent, the web portal was positioned primarily as a central hub for content.
In 2005, Microsoft introduced a mapping tool, later rebranded as Bing Maps, to enhance its standing in internet technology and broaden its online offerings.
From 2006 to 2007, the platform continued developing its content portal, enhancing sports, entertainment, and news sections. Microsoft also experimented with social features to compete with emerging social networks.
2009, Microsoft replaced its search engine with Bing, a new search engine. Although Bing became its brand, it remained closely associated with the web portal, signaling Microsoft’s intent to strengthen its position in the search engine market.
From 2010 to 2011, the service integrated more with social networks, adding features to share content on Twitter and Facebook. The portal was also redesigned to be more modern and user-friendly.
In 2012 and 2013, Microsoft partnered with major publishers and media companies to enhance the platform as a content aggregator. As mobile web usage grew, the mobile experience was also improved.
In 2014, the service underwent a major redesign, shifting its focus to providing a personalized experience for each user. Integration with other Microsoft services, such as Office and OneDrive, was also strengthened.
The platform focused on mobile users in the following years by improving its iOS and Android apps. The portal also expanded its video content section in response to the growing popularity of online videos.
As of 2023, the service remains a popular web portal, offering users access to various online services, entertainment content, and news. While its role within Microsoft’s ecosystem has evolved, it remains a crucial part of its strategy to deliver content and services to a broad internet user base.
Throughout its history, the platform has faced challenges, including changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market competition. However, by continuously innovating and adapting to shifting circumstances, the service has remained relevant and a key player in the online services industry.
Meaning and History
First, there was the online service Microsoft Network, which provided access to the Internet. It had its own Microsoft Internet Start portal. It acted as the start page in the Internet Explorer browser and contained useful content. In 1998, it was moved to a new domain and, at the same time, renamed, reducing the long two-word name to the short abbreviation MSN. The range of services united under this brand has been actively expanding. This is where the Bing search engine, the Bing Maps mapping service, and many Windows applications come from.
The branding guide states that the current MSN logo contains a wordmark and a graphic image (butterfly) that cannot be separated. Moreover, this is the only place where the portal’s name is written in lowercase – in all other situations, the letters must be capitalized. The copyright holder also notes that he is not obliged to use a registered trademark mark except in certain cases. This is not the first MSN logo: the web service has had many other identifying symbols in various configurations.
What is MSN?
MSN is a shorthand for “Microsoft Network.” This is the name of a website that hosts a collection of Windows software. There is also online content in the categories “News,” “Sports,” “Health,” “Entertainment,” “Cars,” “Travel,” “Weather,” and so on.
1995 – 1996
The debut wordmark consisted of the letters “m,” “s,” and “n” in lowercase. A big round dot was at the end of the abbreviation as if it were part of the domain name. The “n” before she stood out noticeably in shape and color. First, it was red, while the remaining elements were black. Secondly, the designers made it bolder than the “m” and “s,” so the logo used two different fonts. The “m” and “s” typeface resembles Wiescher-Design’s Franklin Gothic Raw Book, Manfred Klein’s Nonserif Regular, or Suomi Type Foundry’s TeeFranklin Medium. The lowercase “n” style is reminiscent of Sky Sans Bold by Aviation Partners, Acumin Pro Semi Condensed Black by Adobe, or Mr. Eaves XL Modern Narrow Ultra by Émigré.
1996 – 1998
After the redesign, the logo acquired a complex configuration. The base was a black vertical rectangle. Most of the space was occupied by the letters “M,” “s,” and “n,” lined up in columns one below the other, with the “M” being capitalized. In the lower-left corner was a yellow ball with a gradient, which probably symbolized the global nature of the service. On the right (on the very edge) was the phrase “The Microsoft Network,” inverted so that the beginning was at the top and the end was at the bottom.
1998 – 2000
In 1998, the portal was moved to the .com domain and officially became known as MSN. Naturally, this was reflected in his logo. The designers converted the acronym to lowercase and used bold italics, roughly similar to CheapProFonts’ Familiar Pro Black Oblique. The white letters were set against an orange ellipse at about 45 degrees. Because the “n” didn’t fit entirely inside the shape, it had its orange base. “Microsoft” was written in a sans-serif typeface from the Segoe UI subfamily in the lower right corner.
2000 – 2010
In 2000, MSN launched a logo created by the joint efforts of McCann Erickson, FutureBrand, and Everbrand. It was launched at the beginning of the year (in February); the main developments were carried out in 1999. The designers removed the orange background and made the abbreviation dark blue. They used the grotesque Franklin Gothic Bold Italic to decorate the letters. The word “Microsoft” was removed because it interfered with the new element – a flying butterfly with multi-colored wings of green, blue, red, and yellow. The insect was in the upper right corner. Its wings were translucent so that mixed shades were obtained at their connection points: green plus blue and red plus yellow. The butterfly seemed voluminous due to the gradient and light highlights, casting a light gray shadow.
2010 – 2014
A decade later, MSN decided on another redesign, recognized as one of the worst (according to Brand New). The portal started implementing the new logo on December 29, 2009, and completed the process in March 2010, although the website was originally scheduled to be redesigned in autumn 2009. As a result of the changes, the butterfly has become much simpler. Both wings on the left side were scaled down and repainted orange with a gradient, while blue and green were used for the right side. The difference in size was supposed to reflect the tilted flight of the butterfly.
The designers changed the font, making the letters straight, thin, and light gray. It was similar to Artegra Sans Extended Regular by Artegra or Chinger Regular by Bud White, with the tops of the vertical strokes at “m” and “n” cut off.
2014 – today
The 2014 MSN logo was significantly simplified compared to previous versions. The most distinctive feature of the new design is the black butterfly, now positioned in the upper left corner. This symbolism emphasizes a sense of lightness and connection to the internet and technology, as butterflies are often associated with movement and freedom.
The shape of the wings has changed slightly, with one wing now having a sharp angle, giving the emblem a modern, even technological appearance. The butterfly’s black color adds a sense of seriousness while also making it neutral and versatile. Here, black symbolizes professionalism and stability, crucial for a brand that delivers news and services.
Along with the butterfly, the “MSN” text is now black. The font used is Segoe UI, a typeface associated with Microsoft, which owns MSN. With its smooth and clean lines, this font conveys modernity and accessibility. It’s the same font used in other Microsoft products, adding consistency and reinforcing the connection with the parent company.
The logo features no complex elements or bold colors—the composition has become minimalist. This was reflected when many major brands transitioned to simpler, more streamlined designs, aiming for functionality and modernity in their visual identity.
2022 – today
The new MSN logo stands out for its simplicity and conciseness. It’s an example of how minimalism can preserve a brand’s identity while making it more modern.
The black butterfly remains unchanged, symbolizing lightness, mobility, and speed—perfectly reflecting MSN’s concept as a news and service portal.
However, the “msn” font has undergone the most change—in the new version, it is bolder, making the text more prominent and easier to read. This font looks stronger and more substantial compared to the previous version, where the text was thinner. This adds more confidence to the logo, which is important for a brand with a long-standing history.
Font and Colors
The butterfly is MSN’s signature symbol, but how does it relate to the website’s history? This is likely a beautiful element that symbolizes beauty, rebirth, and immortality. In Native American culture, she represents positive change, joy, beauty, and transformation. There is no hidden connection with the functions or heritage of the web portal here. The butterfly was originally a joint fantasy between McCann Erickson, FutureBrand, and Everbrand. This image was so memorable and vividly represented MSN that it was decided to be kept in all subsequent versions of the emblem. By the way, the Illuminati has one little-known symbol – the monarch butterfly. It represents mind control.
The current MSN logo is set in the humanistic grotesque Segoe UI. It belongs to a family of fonts created by typographer Steve Mattson in 1994, specifically for Microsoft. This typeface is used in all American company products for a uniform text display. Remarkably, all letters are lowercase in the MSN wordmark, while in other cases, they must be uppercase. Previously, the abbreviation was painted in the corporate color of the portal – blue Pantone 3005. After the redesign, both the butterfly and the brand name became black.
