Features
Users can choose from a traditional home page set-up, which they can personalise in appearance and content, or select a slideshow of recommended videos, news updates and stream of messages from friends. A third option offers a grid magazine-like layout with tiles of info and media that are constantly updated.
To hook in young users pronto, Myspace plans to reward active users who develop a following and contribute lots of content in the future, receiving ‘badges' to show they are a ‘taste maker'.
Importantly, the new Myspace recognises other social networks and users can bring in a load of content from outside sources like Facebook and Twitter with a two-way feed.
The firm will roll out the site worldwide in November and is also releasing a mobile beta version ‘soon' accessible on any browser and an Android and iPhone app will follow ‘later this year'.
MySpace fell behind Facebook in the network popularity stakes back in May 2009, according to ComScore, losing around $350m last year, Bloomberg reported.
Its new strategy seems intent on hooking in teens who want more freedom than Facebook offers and a more media-rich experience. Myspace's Jones reportedly said the revamped site should appeal to 13-35 year olds, particularly as network ‘separate from parents and other adults' who are on Facebook.
MySpace reportedly averaged 57.7m US visitors in September, a quarter less than at its peak of 75.9m in December 2008, according to ComScore data, which compares to Facebook's 500m users.
Here is a screenshot of the re-designed website.
