Metacafe was an Israeli video-sharing website launched in July 2003 that specialized in short-form video entertainment across categories including movies, video games, sports, music and TV.[1] The platform’s visual identity is documented through its vector logo, credited to designer Uri Ar, who also served as Director of User Experience and VP Creative at Metacafe Inc.[2][3]
Design and History
The Metacafe logo uses a warm palette of red, orange and gold tones, with the wordmark rendered in a gradient treatment. The vector version of the logo, designed by Uri Ar, is documented as the brand’s actual and active mark.[2] The color scheme includes red (#EF4135), orange (#F58426), gold (#FAB177) and a dark near-black tone (#140F06), along with lighter accent shades.[4]
During its operational years, the platform underwent at least one documented visual event. On the night of March 31 into April 1, 2008, the Metacafe logo appeared upside down on the site for several hours before returning to normal, an April Fools’ Day prank noted by observers at the time.[5][6]
Metacafe was acquired by Collective Digital Studio in 2012, and redesign concepts for a “Metacafe 1.5” platform were later produced to emphasize new content brought in through that partnership.[7] These were presented as concepts rather than confirmed official releases. The website became inactive in August 2021.[1]
Meaning and Symbolism
The brand’s slogan, “The Video Entertainment Engine,” appeared alongside the site during its active years, indicating the platform’s positioning around video entertainment.[8]
Typography and Design
The Metacafe logo is a wordmark-style identity with a gradient color treatment rather than a standalone symbol. The vector format was produced in Adobe Illustrator by Uri Ar, who served as VP Creative at Metacafe.[2][3]
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