Vertical video
TikTok-like vertical video feed to boost engagement and offer users a seamless, interactive video experience.
The Vertical Video Feed project emerged from increasing client requests for a TikTok-like experience to boost user engagement. I led the design for both mobile and web SDKs, developing an intuitive video feed interface. On the dashboard side, we crafted a streamlined content management system, focusing on efficient video uploads and user-friendly navigation. From research and concept design to iterative enhancements, the project aimed to deliver a seamless and engaging video experience tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients and their users.
The Challenge
Our clients wanted a TikTok-style vertical video feed experience to increase user engagement. The challenge was to design a feature that would fit seamlessly within Storyly’s existing ecosystem while offering a familiar yet distinct vertical video experience. We needed to ensure this new feature worked across mobile and web SDKs and could be easily managed through the dashboard.
Design Process
The design process began with extensive research on popular vertical video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. I collected screenshots and analyzed the user flows, placement of interaction elements, and overall video behavior. This competitive analysis helped identify best practices and common user expectations, which informed our concept designs.
For the SDK design, I created prototypes focusing on an intuitive vertical video experience. We carefully considered the placement of like, share, and comment icons to ensure a seamless interaction flow. I designed multiple variations, considering different user needs, and collaborated with the product team to choose the most effective options. Additionally, I designed the grid view for video thumbnails, incorporating key video metrics like view counts and likes to provide quick insights for end-users.
On the dashboard side, we aimed to simplify the video upload and content management experience. We streamlined the user interface by opting for a list view instead of the traditional Story group card view, allowing quick video uploads and easy CTA integration.
The sidebar navigation was critical to this redesign; we carefully refined the iconography and structure to differentiate vertical video content from Stories. We explored various icon styles and arrangements, making thoughtful adjustments to ensure clarity and ease of navigation for users.
Outcome & Impact
The Vertical Video Feed feature launched successfully, with initial adoption by a prominent global brand. User feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with clients praising the familiar, TikTok-inspired experience that drove higher engagement. As the feature was implemented across various clients, we continued to gather insights and made iterative improvements to optimize user flow and functionality. Ongoing enhancements include adding content import options and refining the experience, solidifying the vertical video feed as a key part of Storyly’s product suite.
