Snapchat Redesign Test Appears to Have Stalled

A Snapchat redesign test seems to have come to a halt after power users expressed their disapproval of the "simplified" layout. The new version of Snapchat was intended to assist new and casual users in navigating the app, according to Snap’s Q1 investor letter, which was released on April 29. As reported by TechCrunch, the revamped app removed the Snap Map and Stories tabs, and instead, featured a proposed new three-tab navigation bar focused on chat, the camera, and Spotlight, Snapchat’s equivalent to TikTok.

Reconsidering the Redesign

For the time being, Snap appears to be reconsidering its redesign plans. The company stated in its investor letter that its most engaged users consistently preferred a five-tab layout. Although it does not explicitly state that it is ending tests of the simplified version, Snap notes that it has begun testing a refined five-tab interface that combines the best of both approaches. Engadget reached out to Snap for comment on whether this layout is no longer being deployed to users, and we will update this article if we receive a response.

A History of Redesign Issues

Snap has a rather tumultuous history with redesigns. In 2017, the company attempted to reorient its flagship app around separating friend-related posts from media content. However, in the year that followed, Snapchat lost three million daily users in a span of three months. Additionally, there were well-documented issues with the Android version of the app at that time.

Current User Trends

The latest earnings report revealed that Snap lost one million users in North America in Q1, dropping to 99 million from 100 million in the previous quarter. Despite this decline, the global Snapchat community grew to 460 million in Q1, representing an increase of 7 million daily active users quarter-over-quarter.