TikTok is testing a new feature that would allow for a distraction-free scrolling experience in the app, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The new feature, called “clear mode”, is currently in limited testing with selected users. Clear mode eliminates any clutter on the screen, such as captions and buttons, when viewing content in the app.
The new environment was spotted by users and highlighted by social media consultant Matt Navarra on Twitter. Screenshots posted by users show that once clear mode is turned on, you’ll no longer see usernames, subtitles, audio information, and more. In some cases, it seems that you can also get rid of the Like, Comment, and Share buttons to have a completely distraction-free viewing experience.
Users who are part of the limited test and have access to the delete mode will see the option when they touch and hold the screen. Once done, the “Delete Mode” settings will appear under the “Add to Favorites” button in the menu. Clicking on it will activate the distraction-free viewing experience.
If fully deployed, the new feature could be a welcome addition for people who want to get rid of clutter on the screen and just focus on the content they are viewing. Clear mode can also be useful in cases where usernames and captions end up covering important parts of a video. In addition, viewers will often comment on “clipping” in a video, indicating that they want the user to re-upload the video so that it can be captured and clipped without any subtitles or buttons obstructing the content. Clear mode activation could get rid of this problem.
TikTok said he doesn’t have much to share in the test right now. Given that the clear mode is in limited testing, it is unknown when or if TikTok plans to deploy it more widely.
TikTok is currently testing a number of new changes to its platform, as it was recently revealed that the company is investing even more in HTML5 games. It looks like TikTok is also working on a LIVE mobile gaming feature that would allow creators to better engage fans while they stream live. TikTok has also started testing a way for users to identify comments they find irrelevant or inappropriate using a private dislike button. When a user does not like a comment, it will not be public and commenters will not receive a notification that they did not like their comment.