MySpace receives design facelift

For years past, MySpace has suffered through multiple faulty redesign attempts, but this time, they may have finally gotten it right. Myspace, infamous for its preteen fan base and sloppy static design, has finally gotten a successful facelift.  While many critics have anticipated this redesign to be comparable to Michael Jackson’s face after his fourth plastic surgery operation, most were in for a shocking surprise: The new Myspace looks really, really good.

In September 2012, Justin Timberlake, an unexpected investor whose only experience with a “social network” is the movie that he starred in, bought into the failing website. Justin must have a natural instinct for creative design because the new MySpace is stunningly original. The limited release MySpace pages combine elements reminiscent of the layout of Pinterest, the photo detail of Instagram, and the playlist customization of 8tracks.

MySpace execs clearly understand that they will never be a substitute for Facebook. Instead, they are working towards becoming a complement to social networking behemoth. The ace of spades that will diversify MySpace from Facebook is their focus on the one thing that has stuck with MySpace through thick or thin: music. Not only does MySpace still have their loyal music base, but Facebook has yet to corner the internet music scene on their own turf. This leaves MySpace with a perfect opportunity to capitalize on what they do best.

The “stories” a user can post are much like Facebook stories, but are presented in a staggered horizontal display rather than the single file vertical display of the Facebook wall. This look, unquestionably influenced by Pinterest, is more aesthetically pleasing and overall attractive. MySpace users can be more versatile with their page’s presentation by controlling what shows up at first glance. Want your artsy Instagram photos to show up on your homepage instead of your tagged Frat House photos? Do you still want your Frat House photos to exist so people can know you’re not a complete hipster? MySpace allows you to do that.

The new MySpace also lets you customize playlists to accompany your profile along with song and artist favorites, giving people much more room to express their music tastes- and much more content to judge others by. Lastly, in a nod to the greater social giants, you can link your Twitter and Facebook accounts to your MySpace. Don’t be scared if you’re the MySpace pioneer of your friend group; you can take your tagged Facebook photos along with you! On the twitter side, you can keep and showcase your funniest tweets while concealing your whiney, late night tweets. With all of the customization options, everyone is going to become an indie music enthusiast with an affinity for artsy photos and sarcastic humor!

The new site isn’t open to everyone yet, but interested users can add themselves to the waiting list and (fingers crossed) be asked to join the new MySpace in the near future.  MySpace executives may have missed the mark with every shot of the past decade, but through this new revamp, they may have finally hit the bullseye.