Looks like the new TikTok font isn't going down well with users

By Daniel Piper
published

(But we have a feeling they'll get used to it.)

TikTok font
(Image credit: TikTok)

When your app is used by over 30M people daily, not even the tiniest design changes will go unnoticed. TikTok has just introduced a new app-wide typeface, called TikTok Sans – but if the response on Twitter is anything to go by, it isn't going down a treat.

The new bespoke typeface, created with type foundry Grilli Type, features simplified characters with bigger openings and clearer strokes, is designed to optimise legibility across the platform. But, surprise, surprise, it seems users are proving resistant to change. (Looking for typographical inspiration? Check out the best free fonts.)

@tiktoknewsroom

Introducing TikTok Sans 🎉 Let your creativity and authentic moments shine with our new bespoke typeface ✨

♬ original sound - TikTok Newsroom

TikTok says the new typeface is "designed to reflect our diverse community of creators, visionaries, and storytellers, TikTok Sans complements the personality of our platform - from our roots in entertainment to inclusivity and self-expression."

Compared with the previous Proxima Nova typeface (see the TikTok logo history), TikTok Sans is said to improve readability, thanks to an overall height line increase, and improved letter spacing devised using a "special formula".

TikTok font

The new typeface features bigger openings (Image credit: TikTok)

But as you might expect, TikTok users aren't loving the new look (for now, at least). A cursory search on Twitter for 'TikTok font' brings up a whole bunch of complains, most of which seem to include the word 'ugly'.

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Of course, any design change within such a well-used app is bound to cause some controversy – and hey, at least TikTok didn't change the app icon (remember Amazon's disastrous icon debacle?). We have a feeling that once TikTok users get used to the new look, they'll forget all about it. And, you know, enjoy the increased legibility and accessibility that the new typeface brings.

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Daniel Piper
Daniel Piper
Senior News Editor

Daniel Piper is Creative Bloq’s Senior News Editor. As the brand’s Apple authority, he covers all things Mac, iPhone, iPad and the rest. He also reports on the worlds of design, branding and tech. Daniel joined Future in 2020 (an eventful year, to say the least) after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more. Outside of Future, Daniel is a global poetry slam champion and has performed at festivals including Latitude, Bestival and more. He is the author of Arbitrary and Unnecessary: The Selected Works of Daniel Piper (Selected by Daniel Piper).

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