TikTok is testing “Clear Mode” for distraction-free viewing. When activated, the feature—spotted by users and highlighted by social media consultant Matt Navarra(Opens in a new window) removes usernames, captions, audio information, and buttons that can clutter the screen.
TikTok confirmed to TechCrunch(Opens in a new window) that the trial is currently in limited testing with select users, who can access the option by tapping and holding the app screen. Look for “Clear Mode” under the “Add to Favorites” menu button, and click to trigger a more serene viewing experience.
There’s no word on when or if Clear Mode will roll out more widely; TikTok did not immediately respond to PCMag’s request for comment. It would likely be a welcome addition for users who can feel overwhelmed by visual stimuli, as well as those who simply prefer a more streamlined experience as they scroll. As TechCrunch pointed out, it could also prove handy in situations when a username or caption covers important parts of the video.
Folks might even stop asking creators to re-upload a cropped clip they can easily screenshot without icons obstructing the view. Clear Mode comes on the heels of TikTok’s new Live Subscription invite-only beta test, which launched last month to give creators another avenue for monetizing content by offering fan perks like membership badges, custom-designed emotes, and exclusive chat.
TikTok is currently testing a number of new changes for its platform, as it was recently revealed that the company is further investing in HTML5 games. It appears TikTok is also working on a LIVE mobile gaming feature that would allow creators to better engage fans while livestreaming. TikTok Clear Mode has also started testing a way for users to identify comments that they think are irrelevant or inappropriate via a private dislike button. Once a user dislikes a comment, the dislike won’t be public and commenters won’t be notified that their comment has been disliked. The social network has been testing a number of quality-of-life improvements recently, including a dislike button, a way to find clips previously scrolled past or lost in a page refresh, and the ability for creators to directly tag, mention, and credit videos.
Source: This news is originally published by pcmag