TikTok brings a fresh look to desktop
TikTok introduces major desktop updates, bringing a smoother experience to web users.
TikTok levels up its desktop experience
TikTok is shaking up its web platform with a fresh redesign and new features aimed at making its desktop experience as seamless and engaging as its mobile app. While TikTok has long been a mobile-first platform, this update signals its commitment to improving the TikTok experience across all platforms for its one billion users.
What’s new? Key features of the update
The revamped TikTok.com now includes popular features that mirror the mobile experience, while introducing web-exclusive features:
- Modular layout– A repositioned navigation bar reduces distractions, making it easier to browse content seamlessly.
- Immersive full-screen LIVEs– Users can now go LIVE in either portrait or landscape mode, offering a better viewing experience on desktop. Mobile users can simply rotate their phones to view horizontal mode.
- Web-exclusive floating player– Available exclusively on desktop via Google Chrome, this feature allows users to keep TikTok videos on top of other windows, perfect for multitasking while watching content.
- Collections for saved videos– Just like on mobile, users can now organise their favourite videos into custom categories, making it easier to revisit saved content.
- Refreshed ‘For You’ feed– The desktop version now offers a more personalised feed.
- A new Explore tab– A space made easier to discover trending content.
“Our users interact with TikTok in many different ways, which is why we’re excited to introduce these web app updates. By enhancing our desktop capabilities, we aim to bring TikTok’s handheld magic on desktop, providing an engaging experience with greater flexibility so you can enjoy TikTok anytime, anywhere. As TikTok evolves, we remain committed to innovating for our community and ensuring the platform is accessible for all.”
Cody Puckett, Product Manager
Is TikTok positioning itself to be more competitive?
TikTok’s move to enhance its desktop experience may be part of a larger strategy to compete with platforms like YouTube and Twitch. While TikTok dominates the short-form video space, it still falls short of YouTube’s over 2.5 billion active users.
TikTok’s new landscape mode for LIVE on desktop could position TikTok as a more viable platform for game streams and content creators accustomed to YouTube or Twitch. This update, combined with the ability to receive virtual gifts (similar to donations on other streaming platforms), suggests TikTok’s ambition to expand its presence in the live-streaming market.
Additionally, the floating web player is a feature that YouTube has offered for some time, further aligning TikTok’s user experience with the industry standard.
For creators and viewers
For content creators and industry professionals, TikTok’s desktop refresh offers new ways to engage audiences and share content. While these updates aren’t groundbreaking, they do enhance usability, making it easier to watch, discover, and interact with content outside the mobile app.
As TikTok continues to expand its presence across multiple platforms, it’s clear that the company is focused on making its experience more accessible and user-friendly for all.