New Snapchat redesign makes the app look just like TikTok – and it could come to your phone any day now
SNAPCHAT is testing a new explore feature that could make it a lot more similar to TikTok.
Examples of the trial feature have appeared on Twitter and were confirmed by Snapchat.
There is a video of the update (sorry for the bad quality I record it with my phone) pic.twitter.com/gFZXlMFBBJ
— Arthur(@artb2668) July 13, 2020
A spokesperson for Snap told TechCrunch: “We’re always experimenting with new ways to bring immersive and engaging content to our mobile-first Snapchat community.”
However, the publication said Snap wouldn’t offer specific details about the feature besides saying it was only being tested for a small number of users.
Screenshots of the feature were shared by social media consultant Matt Navarra, who cited a post from Twitter user @artb2668.
One photo being shared online shows a pop-up explaining the new way to navigate Snapchat.
Wtf is this ??? $snap @mtatsis pic.twitter.com/mKLekcZC0r
— Arthur
TikTok users will notice that the interface being trialled looks familiar.
The new swiping gestures are very similar to how users navigate through TikTok.
They are being tested for the Discover page where you can see public content.
The existing navigation method for most users is swiping horizontally between videos.
Users of the new feature will have to swipe vertically because horizontally takes them out of the content.
This feature is currently in its early stages of testing so there has been no confirmation on when it will be rolled out more widely.
Snapchat – what is it?
Here's what you need to know...
- Snapchat, or Snap, is a multimedia messaging app available around the world
- It was created by former Standford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown
- The first version of Snapchat was released in September 2011
- The main feature of Snapchat is the ability to send self-deleting photos, videos and messages
- These digital missives will wipe themselves from a recipient’s phone after a short time
- Snapchat also offers “Stories”, which allow users to share content visible to multiple users – but that vanishes after 24 hours
- As of 2019, Snapchat has around 190million daily users
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In other news, WhatsApp users are being warned about modified versions of the app that could leave them vulnerable to hackers.
Fortnite mega-star Ninja has ditched TikTok over issues with the way the controversial app handles user data.
And, Tinder has started testing a new ‘virtual dating’ feature that will let you video chat with your potential lover.
How often do you user Snapchat? Let us know in the comments…
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