In an effort to challenge YouTube’s supremacy, TikTok is redesigning its desktop platform with new features targeted at improving the user experience. The social network behemoth unveiled these changes on Thursday, revealing a revamped web layout that closely resembles its mobile app. The new features include a modular layout, an updated For You feed, a new Explore tab, immersive full-screen LIVE game broadcasting, and a floating player.

Enhanced desktop layout for a seamless viewing experience

TikTok’s new desktop style aims to provide a more immersive and distraction-free experience. The redesigned navigation bar makes it easier for users to navigate, with a more streamlined appearance that resembles the TikTok mobile app. The idea is to make desktop browsing as entertaining as mobile browsing, contributing to TikTok’s dominance in short-form content creation.

The ability to stream in both portrait and landscape modes is a valuable feature for content providers. Mobile users can rotate their phones to watch in landscape mode, however, desktop users will see a horizontal view. This development enables TikTok to compete directly with Twitch and YouTube in the gaming streaming area, where both have previously been dominant.

New Collections Feature: Organize Favorite Content

TikTok is also releasing a “Collections” feature, which will allow users to organize their favorite videos into personalized categories. This function is comparable to YouTube’s “playlists,” which allow users to save and instantly revisit content. TikTok Collections will make it easier for users to organize material by topics like recipes, DIY projects, and exercise regimens. It offers a more simple way to organize and access videos over time.

Floating Player for multitasking

TikTok is launching a floating player for desktop users, which will only be available on Google Chrome. The floating window enables users to keep TikTok visible above other windows, making it easier to watch videos while working or browsing.This feature is identical to the picture-in-picture technology that is already available on YouTube, making TikTok even more user-friendly.
The introduction of the Explore tab on desktop provides users with a curated collection of information based on their interests, a feature that has proven successful on the mobile app. It lets users find new producers and content based on their tastes, so improving the overall user experience.

TikTok’s Focus on Long-Form Content and Growth

While TikTok is primarily a mobile application, these upgrades represent a significant step in improving the desktop experience. The site continues to evolve as it competes with YouTube and Twitch, particularly in the long-form content category. TikTok has already increased the length of its videos from 60 seconds to 10 minutes, and the site has tested features such as video scrubbing thumbnails and horizontal full-screen mode on mobile. These modifications demonstrate TikTok’s commitment to expanding its audience and staying current with the shifting world of digital entertainment.

TikTok has surpassed one billion users worldwide, and the platform is committed to evolving to satisfy the requirements of its varied community. TikTok is establishing itself as a major player in both short-form and long-form video content by adding new features to its desktop platform. The continual developments illustrate TikTok’s approach of challenging established giants such as YouTube and Twitch, with a focus on flexibility and engagement.

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