Snapchat Reverts to Classic Design After User Backlash

Snap Inc. has decided to abandon its recent three-tab redesign of Snapchat, opting instead to trial a refined five-tab layout following significant user outrage. The simplified version, which removed the Snap Map and Stories tabs in favor of Chat, Camera, and Spotlight, was met with criticism from long-time users who found the changes disruptive. 

CEO Evan Spiegel acknowledged that the new design created friction for those who heavily relied on the removed features, stating, “We found it difficult, especially for power users, to adopt the three-tab design.” ​

Snapchat is heading back to a five-tab layout

In an attempt to appease the dissatisfied consumer base, Snap is now trialling a proposed five-tab layout that retains key features like Snap Map and Stories. The new layout is expected to enhance the visibility of Spotlight, Snapchat’s short-form video hub, as apps like Instagram and TikTok continue to climb the popularity ladder.

Despite the user complaints, where the platform saw a decline of 1 million daily active users, Snap reported a 14% year-on-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, reaching $1.36 billion. Experts are calling this peak a result of better advertising tools and a rise in Snapchat+ subscriptions. Globally, daily active users rose to 460 million, up from 453 million in the previous quarter.

As Snap continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these experiments and adjustments sit with long-term users. Snapchat has always been a popular app, especially with a younger audience; these efforts to improve the app interface comes with the goal of boosting new user engagement as the platform’s competitive standing in the social media landscape shifts with trends.