The social network MySpace is revamping its home page. It’s looking a little more like its more popular and populous rival, Facebook, even as it attempts to set itself apart.
In simplifying its user home page, MySpace is making users’ stream wider and more prominent. The stream is the constantly updated flow of status updates and shared content, much like the news feed that is front and centre in Facebook.
MySpace also is consolidating recommendations, such as games, events and “people you may know,” into one section instead of scattering them around the page. And users’ photos, videos, music and events will be combined under a “My Stuff” section on their home page.
The redesign is part of a broader overhaul of MySpace, as the site works to stay relevant to its current audience and draw in new users, including those who haven’t visited in years.
In setting itself apart from Facebook — which in just a couple of years dethroned MySpace as a media darling and Internet favourite — MySpace is focusing on attracting younger users and helping them discover new things.
That has been the site’s forte since its heyday, when teens flocked to MySpace to find out about new music and design their often flashy, jumbled home pages. Facebook, meanwhile has become especially popular with the over-35 crowd.
MySpace President Mike Jones said the latest changes are in preparation for a big overhaul in the fall, “so as we turn on the full relaunch it’s not a shock to the system.”
