The platform rolled out a new immersive video player this week. The update will be available on iOS first, and more users will get it in the future. Its design allows one to easily watch one clip in full screen and then swipe up to watch the next clip. The change pushes the feed toward a short vertical format that many creators favor.
Product Lead Comment
Nikita Bier said the previous player needed a refresh. He said the team wanted a faster and more immersive view for mobile users. The product lead also said portrait video is the ideal orientation for the update. He added that the cropping of vertical content will stop. The team plans to stop forcing vertical clips into square frames. That step aims to reward creators who shoot for mobile first.
How it Works
Tap a video to open it up to full screen. When one is watching a clip, he or she can swipe upwards to access the next video. The motion mirrors the swipe gestures used on other short-form platforms. The change gives viewers a single hand flow for discovery and for endless playtime.
Cropped Content and Reaction
The update crops landscape clips to fit the full-screen portrait view. Some users have pushed back. They want a choice to see the original aspect ratio. The company has heard that feedback. The product team said the platform will stop cropping vertical content going forward. The team will refine the player so that portrait uploads are shown as intended.
Creator Tools and AI
The platform is building more tools for video creators. It already offers a vertical video feed and a text-to-video generator called Grok. The company added creative features and edits that help short clips look polished. The firm also plans more updates that help creators reach viewers on mobile.
Safety and Moderation
The platform has restricted some generation features recently. The change came after misuse and safety concerns. The control moves certain functions behind paid tiers to reduce abuse. That step removes some easy access to image tools that created problematic content. The team claimed that it will continue to focus on scaling moderation that is based on increased video and AI capabilities.
Competitive Landscape
Other services already center on vertical video. A leading short video app has long used swipe-up navigation. Even big streaming services have begun to test vertical feeds for discovery. The acquisition of a large player in the US redefined the market and created an opportunity for competitors. The company targets users and creators wishing to have an option that combines social posts with native video.
Mobile users get a faster viewing flow and a single gesture to watch more clips. Creators who shoot portrait video will see a clearer presentation. Users who prefer landscape content will find some new friction. The platform must balance discovery and format choice to keep both creators and viewers happy.