Snap Inc. has shelved plans for a simplified version of its flagship app, reverting to its traditional five-tab interface following user testing that yielded mixed results, according to the company’s Q1 2025 investor letter, released on April 29.

User Testing Shows Divided Preferences

The company had been testing a streamlined Snapchat interface designed to help new and casual users better navigate the app. While the simplified design showed promising engagement metrics for casual users, Snap’s most engaged users consistently preferred the familiar five-tab layout.

“Our most engaged Snapchatters consistently demonstrated a preference for a five-tab layout, favoring the familiarity of tile-based content discovery and a dedicated Map tab,” the company stated in its investor letter.

Hybrid Approach Moving Forward

Rather than fully abandoning the simplified approach, Snap is now testing a “refined five-tab interface” that combines elements from both designs. The new layout will bring more Stories to the messaging experience, while also providing easier access to Spotlight content, which will be placed directly to the right of the Camera tab.

“We have begun testing a refined five-tab interface that combines the best of both approaches: bringing more Stories to the messaging experience and adding easier access to Spotlight,” the company explained.

Community Growth Continues

The design testing comes as Snap reported reaching 460 million daily active users in Q1, a 38 million increase year-over-year. The company also surpassed 900 million monthly active users, moving closer to its goal of reaching 1 billion monthly active users.

Q1 revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $1.36 billion, while the company posted $108 million in Adjusted EBITDA and $114 million in Free Cash Flow.

Focus on Visual Communication

Snap emphasized that its core strength remains in visual communication between friends and family. In Q1, the company launched features designed to boost creative expression, including streamlined group creation for messaging and the ability to replay Snaps sent to friends.

“Snapping with friends and family is the core of our service and the primary driver of the continued growth and long-term retention of our global community,” the company stated.