Snap has officially scrapped its simplified three-tab Snapchat interface just seven months after testing began. The decision was revealed in Snap’s Q1 2025 earnings report, which also highlighted a 14% year-over-year revenue increase and teased upcoming AI-driven features.
Users Reject Simplified Layout
The experimental design removed the popular Snap Map and Stories tabs, reducing the app to just Chat, Camera, and Spotlight. While intended to streamline the user experience, the redesign was met with resistance—especially from power users who regularly used Stories and Snap Map. CEO Evan Spiegel acknowledged the backlash, saying, “We found it difficult, especially for power users… to adopt the three-tab design.” He noted the company learned important lessons, but ultimately decided the redesign made navigation more difficult.
New Five-Tab Interface in Development
In response, Snap is pivoting to a refined five-tab interface that brings back all original tabs, including a dedicated section for Snap Map. The new layout also enhances visibility for Spotlight, Snapchat’s answer to TikTok, and reintroduces tile-based discovery for easier content navigation.
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AI and AR on the Horizon
Snap is continuing to invest in artificial intelligence and augmented reality. The company reported that My AI usage in the U.S. grew by over 55% year-over-year and hinted at more advanced AI and AR features launching later in 2025.
Mixed User Growth, Strong Revenue
Globally, Snapchat’s daily active users (DAUs) climbed by 38 million year-over-year, reaching 460 million. However, North American DAUs fell by 1 million, dropping to 99 million. Monthly active users now exceed 900 million worldwide.
Snap’s Q1 2025 revenue hit $1.36 billion, a 14% increase from the previous year, driven by rising Snapchat+ subscriptions and improved ad performance.
