Testing: TikTok's profile redesign

TikTok is testing an Instagram-like Profile redesign shifting focus from accounts' follow count.

The new TikTok profile redesign is strikingly similar to Instagram's current profile layout. The new interface focusses more on the Profile name and bio with followers and the following count placed below.

TikTok's revamped Profile attempts to improve user experience. Although, visually it looks more cluttered now with decreased white space.

In a statement given to The Verge, a TikTok spokesperson mentions, "We are currently testing profile designs and functionality to ultimately give users more ways to personalize and engage with their profiles".

Also Read: TikTok may soon launch ‘For You’ with better UX to attract advertisers

We may expect a few more versions of redesigns being tested before a full-scale rollout. The revamped attempts from the platform come in at the time while TikTok is thriving globally, especially in India.

India holds the second-highest number of users globally with an estimate of 73 million users. Although, TikTok’s growth in India is turning out to be threatening for Instagram.

TikTok has exploded in India in 18 months; from January 2018 to August 2019 it has managed to penetrate 30% of all Indian smartphones. TikTok also tops the ‘Most Time Spent by Indians on a Social Media app’ list with 34.1 minutes. Instagram is third on the list with 23.8 minutes.

The redesign being tested rakes in mixed reviews by a few users. Some say the change doesn't seem appropriate as it looks like a mock-up of Instagram and it's different from the design that got the app popular in the first place. Few seem to like the redesign better.

Screenshot Courtesy: Taylor Lorenz