{"id":283144,"date":"2025-07-28T02:34:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T02:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/loading-screen\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T17:08:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T17:08:44","slug":"loading-screen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/loading-screen\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Loading Screen Matters: How to Improve UX During Loading Time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-block-id=\"755ia\">The seconds a user spends on the loading screen are far more critical in <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/role\/ux-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UX design<\/a> than most people realize. Even a minimal delay in page-load time can affect the overall <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/product-experience\/\">product experience and<\/a>, in turn, adoption and retention rates. Session replays full of rage-clicks are never a good sign.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"4j1c5\">However, sometimes the longer waiting times are inevitable. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s key to design loading screens that reassure users about progress, make the wait bearable, or even engage and delight.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"819pl\">In this article, I&#8217;ll explore why the loading screens shouldn&#8217;t be overlooked and how to optimize them for the best user experience.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"daib9\" data-block-id=\"daib9\"><strong>Why does your loading screen matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-block-id=\"8tr95\">A loading screen is an interface that appears when a user needs to load an app or perform a data-heavy task. Think of running a report, opening a heavy dashboard, or activating a Chrome extension.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pinterest-loading-page-800_cf1f15d9c68240950cd830c8ad56fa01_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pinterest-loading-page-800_cf1f15d9c68240950cd830c8ad56fa01_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pinterest-loading-page-800_cf1f15d9c68240950cd830c8ad56fa01_800.webp\" alt=\"loading screen example\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>An example of a simple loading screen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-block-id=\"f141p\">The biggest mistake I see product teams make is treating the loading screen as an afterthought.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"10mjv\">However, any moment when a user starts thinking \u201cshould I refresh?\u201d or \u201cdoes this work?\u201d instantly creates <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/user-friction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">user friction<\/a> and leads to frustration. Even a brief delay can impact a user&#8217;s perception of your product&#8217;s speed and reliability.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"5a4rg\">On the other hand, a loading screen with a strategic design turns a potential negative experience into a positive or at least neutral part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/user-journey-map-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">user journey<\/a>. It can show loading progress to reassure the users, entertain them to keep their attention, or educate them about your product.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Interactive Loading Screen Quiz --><\/p>\n<div id=\"userpilot-quiz-container\">\n<div id=\"up-progress-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"f1bta\" data-block-id=\"f1bta\"><strong>What should a loading screen include? Ideas and examples<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-block-id=\"4hoht\">I\u2019ve categorized the most essential elements you can add to a loading screen into two sections:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Progress signals.<\/li>\n<li>Engagement tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-block-id=\"cjumb\">I&#8217;ll walk you through which ones are the most suitable for your product and how to combine them.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ao3ln\" data-block-id=\"ao3ln\"><strong>Managing expectations with progress signals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-block-id=\"1a1fg\">The most basic elements of a loading screen signal the progress. Think of a simple loading bar or a text that reassures users they aren\u2019t stuck.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"a1h5q\">While sometimes these <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/progress-bar-ui-ux-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">progress bars<\/a> don&#8217;t perfectly reflect real-time data transfers, <strong>they can help manage expectations. <\/strong>For instance, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/progress-bar-psychology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">psychology behind progress bars<\/a> shows, a loading indicator can enhance perceived speed.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"4s4fp\">Here are the progress signals I use the most often:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Progress indicators: <\/strong>This includes spinners, loading bars, or percentage counters. They communicate to the user that progress is happening and may give them an idea of how long they need to wait.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/progress-indicators_b472c716b3c9e99945840b9eeec4a8af_800.png 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/progress-indicators_b472c716b3c9e99945840b9eeec4a8af_800.png 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/progress-indicators_b472c716b3c9e99945840b9eeec4a8af_800.png\" alt=\"loading screen userpilot retention analysis\" \/><\/picture><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Skeleton screens:<\/strong> These are preloaded assets that make the user feel like the page is getting prepared. It\u2019s particularly helpful for pages where the loading time isn\u2019t too long.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/facebook-skeleton-screen-800_7aa13250e268fcd398ced431390670a7_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/facebook-skeleton-screen-800_7aa13250e268fcd398ced431390670a7_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/facebook-skeleton-screen-800_7aa13250e268fcd398ced431390670a7_800.webp\" alt=\"loading screen facebook\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>Facebook\u2019s skeleton screen makes it feel like the feed is loading faster and gives an idea of the complete UI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Microcopy: <\/strong>These are short messages to reassure users that the progress is going well and to set the right expectations. They often inform users of the purpose of loading, which makes it easier for users to tolerate longer waiting times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/microcopy_1764cc4f1cbc63318bddffedab51f1f6.gif 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/microcopy_1764cc4f1cbc63318bddffedab51f1f6.gif 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/microcopy_1764cc4f1cbc63318bddffedab51f1f6.gif\" alt=\"loading screen microcopy\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>The information about the performed task and data volume expects a longer wait.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-block-id=\"fb3ie\">You can combine all these elements depending on how they fit your product\u2019s UI. For example, many companies use a skeleton screen combined with a loading spinner or microcopy. The more uncertainty you can remove from loading times, the better.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8rdln\" data-block-id=\"8rdln\"><strong>Turning waiting into engagement with other loading elements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-block-id=\"45ku\">Apart from progress signals, consider adding <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/increasing-feature-engagement-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">engagement elements<\/a>. They come in handy when the expected loading times are long, keeping users\u2019 attention on the product.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"7qhdn\">Here are some of the engagement elements I use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contextual tips: <\/strong>Instead of a generic message, a relevant tip about the loading feature or app usage makes the user more prepared to take full advantage of the product. It\u2019s a great opportunity for contextual <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/in-app-guidance-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in-app guidance<\/a>, since you\u2019re educating the users in the right place and right time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/contextual-tips_07f130a0732ed667156be249a63a57af_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/contextual-tips_07f130a0732ed667156be249a63a57af_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/contextual-tips_07f130a0732ed667156be249a63a57af_800.webp\" alt=\"loading screen contextual tips\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>A helpful loading screen tip that makes using the app easier.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Brief explanations: <\/strong>If the loading feature is particularly complex, a short animation or text explaining what the users can expect next <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/user-friction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reduces friction<\/a>. I&#8217;d consider turning the loading screen into an <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/in-app-tutorials-adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in-app tutorial<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/product-adoption-saas\/\">drive product adoption<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brief-explanation_d8859a8b7802f4b1627712bdd4b81d0a.gif 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brief-explanation_d8859a8b7802f4b1627712bdd4b81d0a.gif 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brief-explanation_d8859a8b7802f4b1627712bdd4b81d0a.gif\" alt=\"brief explanations\" \/><\/picture><figcaption>In TurboTax, the loading screen shows you which elements are loading and what the user will see next.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Storytelling:<\/strong> Depending on your branding, a mini-narrative or interesting fact related to your product can delight the users and turn waiting times into a positive <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/product-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">product experience<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"gallery regular\">\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery\">\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-preloader\" style=\"background-color: #f8f8f8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 30% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;\">\n<div style=\"background: url(data:image\/gif; base64,r0lgodlhlaasapueaodg4kurq9pt0\/j4+jubm9xv1fly8ubm5qampqenp8rkyttu1mjiyli4uoxl5ezs7kysrle3t6cgokghoehh4cpdw9vb25qamr6+vsnjyc\/pz\/hx8b29vctexmlcwra2tuli4qqqquvr666urq+vr+tk5nra2pycnj+fn\/pz8waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaach\/c05fvfndqvbfmi4waweaaaah+qqeawd\/acwaaaaalaasaaadpji63p4wykmrvtjrzbv\/yciozgmeakqubou+cewcqqdaaueekccyuv3vv6lzzmikcslsop\/qqhrkrvqvweucach5baudaaaalakafaaoaaqaaauvodjncmceqgrokbpfkhc3wctkjx2gach5baudaaaalagaewaqaayaaauiiaach2iej0qqegoaxriujwqsxjet9xktmrxljykzserucaah+qqfawaaacwiabmaggagaaafkydwznkdngiqrg\/heuzqwauqviqiu3rtglextmxh1uq\/xizyo55giqxtgqiaifkebqmaaaascaataboabgaabsqgqaeiaz5owpojansdoc5qrdoq1diajqe63er0qsh4lsfpfqiaifkebqmaaaascaauaboabaaabrogii6kseeqvzbvwkii7baf+8a2vtvjmfkaeaah+qqfawaaacwiabmaggagaaafkcagjuroggvaomlfeju6krjovc+ank1t4wrdibdqvwi+h0lbup18gbaaifkebqmaaaascaatabsabgaabtpgmfiwaj7hca6nrlzsal1qpdzp+l4luhoq1qnm+fvmh1\/qrzamxddwjfcl4uwk222pdqeaifkebqmaaaascaatabsabgaabtmgadypajpplpvnk36v+xaiwz7bsmz32con4e+0ww1nwiaragpkaacbtlcrkvxwhakhdqeaifkebqmaaaascaatabsabgaabjpaagawebqniayddgwafzojxsleujmcw0airbsdycnginl2v2hwgddwjbif6re6x2aoqmk4cil6\/0rbach5baudaaaalakaewaaaayaaauticcojecjz1lsuzssr6kucljeil4yjf8mioro1yv+giyxkhyt0ril1yrbakpcach5baudaaaalakaewabaayaaau3iccojhbk2vgohieamuawb2etaunzhqdzmpxirlcudeqyueg0kpc3vmxgqt1ypf1xttopsmdzcaah+qqfawaaacwjabmagwagaaagmccbceguwixf4uewxcafegba8gxjq4odlfm0skvi5rew3ca933bzzhrwr+\/p86xouomaifkebqmaaaascqatabsabgaabjtagxbifipexeehkzkkkxecizi8skvocoqpuhkqrivxmdbyvech+ep+dqptktpnplqxcmcqach5baudaaealaoaewaaaayaaaqommhjwxh1arkzlqhszb2nkn6qsajmtwe6bon73hkyjfuz+clbjzoiaaah+qqfawaaacwkabmaggagaaafiyagjmrpuijqkgfhhsdlqsym2quc43jujy0mreqdfh8rfsoeach5baudaaaalaoaewaaaayaaamdclrcfgo6zkoxjx2dz1hfrhvogiroul3ziqwobcuaifkebqmaaaasfaatabaabgaabixagxbifb4ow8ejobwbakpb47kshp7ukabkvgkrsqbqcruzj8igach5baudaaaalaoaewaaaayaaaygwifwscwaj8iksamadjrcegnzbbqgumr1ck0ynd2wmagaifkebqmaaaasfqataa8abgaabbhwyemrpquhnri7qwiaspddiglowcktvgqaifkebqmaaaasfqauaa4abaaabhhaghbilhe4jqqfsmqimurm0amgsovgabaaifkebqmaaaasfqauaa4abaaabrqgii6kurrgsplfdahgoravxj5gcaah+qqfawaaacwkabqagqaeaaaee3disasd7919hyfgyindr46jfgeaifkebqmaaaascgauabkabaaabbfwyemrpc7dxvsbgsco3mhoeqah+qqfawaaacwkabuagaacaaagd8cccuasgo9hordjzgokqqah+qqfawaaacwkabuagaacaaafdibwawrpnidfvspqomoiach5baudaaaalakafqazaaiaaaysqmnpaigaj0ikwqbaozjq6diiach5baudaaaalakafaazaaqaaauw4gbzq2meacpef6lu8ftarcvfoo2\/iqah+qqfawaaacwjabqadgaeaaaggcbup5mcgi9id4hgqsipbyxteyqkpuxqmqgaifkebqmaawascqauaa4abaaaag9eaqploc6webdgmq26raaaow==); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-images\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><picture style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo-loading-screen-3_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo-loading-screen-3_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0 auto 0 auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo-loading-screen-3_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><picture style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo2_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo2_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0 auto 0 auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo2_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><picture style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0;\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 100%; padding: 0; margin: 0 auto 0 auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/duolingo_708848f9b4b2c30f2a0b8301bf78284b_800.webp\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-controls\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-control-prev\" role=\"button\">\u2039<\/div>\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-control-next\" role=\"button\">\u203a<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"strchf-gallery-nav\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<div role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<div role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Duolingo always brings up fun facts, tips, and encouraging messages when it\u2019s loading a lesson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Micro-interactions: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/micro-interaction-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Micro-interactions<\/a> mostly involve animations, mouse-over effects, or other dynamic elements. They improve the <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/positive-user-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">user experience<\/a> by drawing attention, supporting the branding, and introducing an element of interactivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"8ef25\" data-block-id=\"8ef25\"><strong>How to measure and improve your loading screen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-block-id=\"c1986\">Like with any other aspect of product design, you can&#8217;t just set up a loading screen and forget about it.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"6mdoa\">That\u2019s why I rely on <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/product-analytics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">product analytics<\/a> to track user behavior and ensure the loading screens don\u2019t create friction. Here\u2019s what I measure:<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"c7t06\" data-block-id=\"c7t06\"><strong>Track actual loading times<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-block-id=\"7mpor\">The first performance metric you should measure is loading times.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"9u1pm\">Growing loading times can reveal issues with the product design. Additionally, knowing the average waiting time can inform the design of a loading screen that fits your product.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"8dc5i\">If the waiting is short, simple progress signals are sufficient. But if the users need to wait more than a few seconds, I&#8217;d get more creative with engaging elements.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1js2n\" data-block-id=\"1js2n\"><strong>Check session replays to see how users interact with loading screens<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-block-id=\"crc3j\">My favorite tool for improving loading screens is <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/what-is-session-replay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">session replays<\/a>. They help me see exactly how users engage with interactive elements, or monitor if they start rage clicking after a specific amount of time.<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/user-recording_38ec2b46ab8d584ef4a91b49cb925364_800.png 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/user-recording_38ec2b46ab8d584ef4a91b49cb925364_800.png 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><\/picture><\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"5npbf\">When watching replays, I learn what users are doing when the loading screen is on. This way, I can determine if the screen is doing its job and what parts of it could be improved.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"33p49\">Also, I can spot &#8220;thrashed cursor&#8221; scenes, where users hover the mouse wildly out of impatience or confusion. This often occurs as a result of <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/dead-click\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dead clicks<\/a>, but can also happen when loading times are too long and users click around out of frustration.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"57f5a\" data-block-id=\"57f5a\"><strong>Discover user sentiment with in-app surveys<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-block-id=\"9c951\">Another way to measure the effectiveness of loading screens is through <a href=\"https:\/\/userpilot.com\/blog\/in-app-surveys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in-app surveys<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"48alb\">To do this, trigger a microsurvey right after a loading screen finishes or after the user completes the related task. I&#8217;d then ask them how they feel about the waiting experience.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"edcvo\">This way, you\u2019ll be able to read how users feel about your product and validate that your loading screen is fulfilling its purpose.<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/userpilot-satisfaction-survey_8bdb7eb7043854b815ef542567f21c18.gif 1x\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-static.userpilot.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/userpilot-satisfaction-survey_8bdb7eb7043854b815ef542567f21c18.gif 1x\" media=\"(min-width: 769px)\" \/><\/picture><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3fivn\" data-block-id=\"3fivn\"><strong>Make the best out of your loading screen to boost <\/strong>the <strong>product experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-block-id=\"bndtb\">An effective loading screen is far from being a placeholder. It\u2019s an often overlooked opportunity for providing a more engaging user experience.<\/p>\n<p data-block-id=\"el0ru\">If you apply the best design principles and monitor the performance of your loading screens, you can reduce drop-offs, improve user sentiment, and even avoid churn.<!-- End strchf script --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a Product Designer, I\u2019ve found I can actively design the loading experience to make it work for us and for our users. Let\u2019s explore how to optimize it:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":283145,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[6928,52,6980,201,1491,536,864],"class_list":["post-283144","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-good-ux-inspiration","tag-loading-screen","tag-product-experience","tag-session-replay","tag-user-experience","tag-user-friction","tag-ux-design","tag-ux-designer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Loading Screen: How to Improve UX During Loading Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As a Product Designer, I can actively design the loading screen to make it work for us and for our users. 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