Snapchat Tests TikTok-Inspired Vertical Swipe for Public Content
Snapchat is experimenting with a new navigation feature that closely mirrors TikTok’s signature vertical swipe, signaling a potential shift in how users explore public content on the platform.
Key Features of the Test
- Vertical Swipe Navigation: Users can now browse public Discover content with an up/down swipe gesture, similar to TikTok’s video feed.
- Horizontal Swipe Exit: Left/right swipes now exit the viewing experience rather than navigating between Stories.
- Private Stories Unchanged: Friends’ Stories maintain traditional tap-to-advance functionality.
Why This Matters
The move represents Snapchat’s latest effort to create more immersive content formats while capitalizing on TikTok’s proven UX patterns. For TikTok users, vertical swiping has become second nature, making horizontal navigation feel outdated by comparison.
Discovery and Implementation
Social media consultant Matt Navarra first spotted the test, sharing screenshots from Twitter user @artb2668 that demonstrate the new interface.
Snapchat confirmed the limited test to TechCrunch, stating:
“We’re always experimenting with new ways to bring immersive and engaging content to our mobile-first Snapchat community.”
The company emphasized this is an early-stage experiment visible to only a small percentage of users.
The TikTok Effect on Social Media
This development comes amid growing challenges for TikTok:
- Potential U.S. ban over data privacy concerns
- Recent expansion bans in India
- Corporate restrictions from Amazon and U.S. military
As compe*****s position themselves to capture TikTok’s potential displaced audience, we’re seeing:
- Instagram expanding Reels globally
- YouTube testing short-form video features
- Rising popularity of alternatives like Byte and Triller
Industry Implications
Snapchat’s test highlights TikTok’s growing influence on social media UX design. Ironically, Snapchat—whose Stories format was widely copied—now finds itself adopting another platform’s navigation paradigm. This reflects the rapid evolution of content consumption preferences among mobile users.
While still experimental, the feature could represent a significant shift in how Snapchat organizes and presents public content if rolled out more broadly.
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