Many users didn’t expect AOL to change its color scheme so suddenly. The exact timing of the change isn’t clear, but the new yellow design is now visible on the app. AOL’s blue theme was seen as reliable and nostalgic. Now, switching to yellow has left some users feeling confused, frustrated, or simply curious.
AOL, which played a major role in the early internet days, still has a dedicated user base. This significant color change has people questioning AOL’s reasons. Some suggest it might be related to AOL’s old “yellow running man” logo, which was an important brand symbol until 2017.
As an example, Ashlee Hightower, who has been using AOL since the 1990s, shared that the change might make her stop using AOL. She mentioned, “I’ve been a loyal @AOL user since the 90s. Most of my junior high girl drama was carried out over AIM. But AOL changing the color scheme of their app to yellow might be my jumping-off point.”
Despite the differing opinions, it’s clear that the color change has sparked a discussion about AOL’s history and relevance today.
“If you go back to ’40s and ’50s logos and trademarks, you’ll see that there’s actually quite a few men that were used − a silhouette that either had curved legs or angular legs and a round head, in addition to the ones that looked quite a bit more stylized or looked really, really human,” Lazaro told the publication. “The running man was really inspired by those.”
AOL hasn’t officially explained why they chose yellow, but experts believe it could be part of a larger strategy to modernize and attract new users. The creator of AOL’s “yellow running man” logo, JoRoan Lazaro, once said the design was inspired by old American logos that represented energy and motion. Perhaps AOL wants to revive these ideas with their new scheme.
Over the years, AOL has evolved from an internet service provider to focusing on media and content. Their purchase by Verizon in 2015 and current ownership by Apollo Global Management reflect how AOL is navigating changes in digital media.
Founded in 1985, AOL, originally America Online, was instrumental in getting many people online. By the early 2000s, it was the largest internet provider in the U.S., offering dial-up internet, email, and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).
In 2000, AOL joined with Time Warner in a $125 billion deal, but as subscriber numbers fell and technology advanced, the partnership dissolved. By 2009, AOL split from Time Warner, focusing on digital content and advertising instead.
Even with a reduced market share, AOL maintains loyal users through its email services and other long-standing products. The “AOL color scheme change” is just one of many updates as the company adjusts to the digital future.
For AOL users, the change to a yellow look is more than just a new color. It shows that the AOL brand is continuing to change. Some users welcome the modern touch, while others miss the old blue theme they were familiar with.
This update also makes people wonder about AOL’s future. As digital brands try to stay relevant, how they visually present themselves is important. With this bold, new yellow style, AOL might be aiming to ensure it remains interesting and significant in a rapidly changing market.
