TikTok has updated its desktop web app to all users globally. The new update introduces a modular design, a new Explore tab, an improved For You feed, and a Floating Player exclusive to Google Chrome. 

The company claims these new features are part of their ongoing efforts to improve user experience across all platforms. "Our users interact with TikTok in many different ways, which is why we're excited to introduce these web app updates," Cody Puckett, Product Manager at TikTok, said.

Modular design

TikTok is changing its desktop app layout by introducing a modular design. The platform is “repositioning its navigation bar.” It is moving the navigation bar, where you find buttons like Home, Search, Inbox, and Profile, to a new position. 

Previously, the web app featured a search bar and shortcuts across the top, with links on the left side. Now, all these elements are organized into a vertical navigation bar on the left, allowing users to explore their feed.

For You feed and Explore tab updates

Desktop users now have access to a refreshed For You feed, which provides personalized content recommendations based on individual interests, similar to how it works on the mobile app. Additionally, TikTok’s web version will now include an Explore tab for users to discover trending content and hashtags. 

Full-screen live videos

The update introduces full-screen Live videos. Users can now watch live-streaming videos in full-screen mode on their desktop computers. They have the option to view the videos in either portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) mode. 

Previously, this feature was only available on the mobile app, but now it has been expanded to desktop users.

Web-exclusive floating player

TikTok is also adding a feature called ‘Floating Player’ that lets users keep watching videos while performing other functions on their computer. This feature works only on Google Chrome and ensures that the video stays on-screen even if the user switches between different windows or tasks. 

It’s similar to picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, where the video plays in a small, movable window while the user browses other sites or uses different apps.

New Collections feature

The platform is further introducing a new feature called "Collections." This tool will allow users to organize their saved videos into custom folders. Instead of having all saved videos in one big list, users can now categorize them based on themes, interests, or any system they prefer. The update will enable users to find and revisit saved content, similar to creating playlists on platforms like YouTube.

TikTok is known for its mobile-first approach. However, its move to enhance its desktop experience comes as competitors like YouTube, Twitch and Instagram are exploring similar expansions. Instagram for instance, is reportedly considering launching a standalone app for its Reels to better compete with TikTok's dominance in the short-form video space. 

While it remains the leader in short-form video, TikTok is still behind YouTube in overall user base. The platform is expanding beyond short-form video to challenge rivals.

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