The best logo size in times of ChatGPT & AI Search

Imagine: A potential customer is searching for a solution in ChatGPT – and your logo appears right next to your competitor. It's tiny, barely larger than a pinhead. This tiny image is ... drumroll... the favicon (!) of your website.

This is exactly where the decision is made: Will your brand be recognized immediately – or will it disappear?

In times of AI search and generative search, the logo is not just a figurehead, but a strategic competitive advantage.

Why the logo format is now even more important

In the past, the world of logos was manageable:

• Website header

• business cards

• Presentations

Today, new touchpoints are being added:

• Favicons in the browser

• App Icons

• Social media profiles

• AI search systems like ChatGPT

Here, your logo will be reduced to a minimum – just 16 x 16 pixels . Remaining recognizable in this miniature format gives you a decisive advantage:

In AI Search, your brand appears alongside the competition in the same context. It has to be instantly recognizable to visually stick in people's minds.

Flexible logo use instead of rigid individual solution

A strong corporate design thrives on flexibility. Today, it's no longer enough to have a logo in just a long, landscape format.

At least:

• a variant that works in a square format

• or a unique symbol or logo icon that remains immediately recognizable even in the smallest size

This isn't just useful for favicons, social media, and AI search – it's also a sign of professionalism. It shows whether your corporate design is truly well thought out (or not).

Years ago, we explained in this video why flexibility is essential in logo design:

Today – in the age of AI Search – this insight is more relevant than ever.

Text, symbol and reduction – the right balance

Especially for new brands, it makes sense to include the full name in the logo. However, in miniature format, text is often barely legible. Therefore, the following applies:

• Primary version: Logo with lettering for website, print and presentations

• Icon or symbol: A highly simplified shape that works in small, square formats

Important: The logo must remain clearly recognizable even in a single color. We explain in detail why this is crucial in this video:

Quick tips for logos in the age of AI Search

• Integrating a favicon correctly: A must for every website (we do this for our clients, of course).

• Ensure square readability: Logos must remain recognizable even in mini formats.

• Reduce details: Less is more – clear shapes work better.

• Test in one color: Does your logo also work in black and white or in a reduced, single color?

• Reality check: Check your logo at 16 x 16 pixels. If it's illegible, you need an optimized version.

Conclusion

As customers are increasingly turning to AI search engines (such as ChatGPT) first, a logo that works reliably in all formats is needed.

A professional corporate design takes into account that the logo works

• for large, representative applications as well as

• for smallest representations such as favicons or AI search results

This way, your brand remains visible, clear, and professional even in the age of ChatGPT and other platforms – and stands out clearly from the competition.