The TikTok experience is improving for desktop users.

      TikTok is enhancing the experience of watching viral short-form videos on desktop. The company claims it is introducing a modular layout to its web app, featuring a full-screen LIVE video stream and a floating player that is unique to desktop viewing. The navigation bar's placement has been altered as part of this redesign, with TikTok stating that the new look facilitates a more immersive experience and improved content discovery.

      On the left side of the screen, there is a persistent pane featuring essential controls like For You, Explore, Messages, profile settings, account suggestions, and LIVE, among others. Unlike the mobile version, where features require swipes or taps, everything is conveniently organized on the TikTok desktop client's Home Screen. Engagement tools such as likes, comments, and sharing features are located on the right side of the video display.

      To further enhance the desktop experience, TikTok will allow users to create custom categories for saving videos, making it easier to revisit them later. This feature resembles Instagram's collection function, where users can create personal collections or share them with friends.

      Content creators can also start live videos in both landscape and portrait orientations on the web version. Mobile users can easily switch their phone's orientation to view these live streams natively. Inspired by the picture-in-picture mode found in web browsers, TikTok's web app will also have a floating media player. “This versatile floating window keeps TikTok visible above other applications, enabling multitasking without missing favorite content,” the company explains.

      Currently, this floating window feature is exclusive to the Chrome browser, and it remains uncertain if TikTok will expand it to other web browsers, especially those using the Chromium engine like Microsoft's Edge.

      TikTok recently returned to the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store in the US after a short hiatus. However, the possibility of a ban still looms over the platform, despite receiving a temporary extension from an executive order.

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      TikTok is no longer available in the US following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold a law aimed at banning the app. In response, the social media platform voluntarily ceased operations in the country, along with several other applications owned by ByteDance. Apple and Google have removed TikTok from their App Store and Play Store, respectively, meaning no new downloads or updates (including security patches or feature enhancements) will be available.

      The U.S. Supreme Court has confirmed a law that would lead to TikTok's ban in the country effective January 19. The platform has issued an official statement indicating it will close unless it receives urgent relief from the outgoing president. "Unless the Biden Administration promptly provides a clear statement to reassure essential service providers regarding enforcement, TikTok will regrettably be required to shut down on January 19,” the company stated following the court's ruling.

      As of now, there has been no official clarification on what TikTok's “going dark” entails. Speculation abounds regarding how the app or website will appear once TikTok ceases operations in the US.

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      The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against TikTok on Friday, effectively initiating a ban on the social network in the country starting January 19. Reports indicate that this decision was unanimous, with a 9-0 vote. This ruling requires U.S. operations for TikTok to halt this weekend to comply with a law signed by President Biden in 2024 that mandates Chinese-based networks to cease operations in the U.S.