Trakt Got a Makeover — But Did They Sew the Buttons on Backwards?

As a long-time movie and series junkie, my first reaction to the new Trakt design was:
“O NOOO, my eyes! I’m blind!”
Thankfully, there’s dark mode — so, phew… at least that’s one band-aid applied.

In this post, I’ll dive into what users across the web are saying about Trakt’s redesign, what problems keep popping up, and how the Trakt team is responding.
Spoiler alert: it feels a lot like one of those “updates” that somehow end up being a downgrade.

What Changed?

Trakt launched an all-new web experience under the codename Project LITE, meant to unify the design across web, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Android TV.
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They described it as a “modern and more scalable UI” — a foundation for faster future updates and improved accessibility.
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The classic Trakt site will remain online “in maintenance mode” for now, and both versions sync your data.
So yes, technically, it’s a new coat for an old favorite.

Where It Goes Wrong (According to Users)

Here’s what people across Reddit, forums, and review sites are running into — and no, it’s not just a few grumpy voices.

1. Missing or Limited Features

• Many users say the new version feels incomplete compared to the classic one.
• There are even new limits — for example, a 100-item cap on lists, which left people genuinely shocked.

  “Tried to add something to my watchlist… got a pop-up saying there’s a 100-item limit. I audibly went ‘wtf’.”
  (Reddit)

2. Performance and Usability

• Pages that used to load in 1–2 seconds now take 10–15 seconds even on gigabit connections.
• The new layout looks designed for tablets first — great for iPad users, not so great for people on a 27-inch monitor.

  “The new design must be the worst update I’ve seen … more clicks to get anywhere.”
  (Reddit)

3. VIP Pricing and Paywall Frustration

• The VIP plan got a price increase, and some users claim previously free features were pushed behind the paywall.

  “The limit for lists, without mentioning the huge recent price hike…”
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4. Community Frustration

• Trakt opened a Public Feedback Board & Roadmap, which is great in theory.
• In practice, many users say feedback doesn’t seem to change much, and responses are vague at best.

  “We hear you” is nice, but “we fixed it” would be even nicer.

What Trakt Says

To their credit, the Trakt team has been transparent about the fact that this redesign is a work in progress.
They promise better performance, reliability, and accessibility — though users argue those promises haven’t quite landed yet.
They’ve also confirmed that the classic site will stay online for now, with synced data between old and new.

So, in short: they’re listening… but the music’s still out of tune.

My Take (With a Dash of Humor)

I love Trakt. I’ve used it for years, I’ve recommended it to everyone, and I still want it to succeed.
But right now, the new design feels like trading in your trusty motorcycle for an e-scooter: less power, less control, but hey — at least it’s “modern.”

Honestly, it feels like every update these days turns into some kind of downgrade.
We lose functionality, gain lag, and call it progress.

So please, Trakt — fix this terrible iPad-app-of-a-website and give us something real again.

Bring back the speed, the clarity, and the fun of scrolling through trending lists knowing instantly what you’ve seen and what you haven’t.
Then add your shiny new features on top of that.

Recommendations

For Trakt:

1. Give users a Classic Mode toggle between old and new designs.
2. Cut those load times down — a gigabit line shouldn’t feel like dial-up.
3. Add value to VIP, don’t just take features away.
4. Communicate clearly which features are coming back (or not).

For Users:

1. Export or back up your lists — better safe than sorry.
2. Use the official Feedback Board to vote or comment.
3. If the new design isn’t for you, consider alternatives — your watch history deserves a proper home.

Final Thoughts

Trakt’s redesign was meant to push things forward, but for now, it feels like a step backward.
The intentions are good, the communication is semi-open, but the execution… well, that’s a work in progress.

As fans, we’re not asking for much — just a site that loads fast, looks clean, and doesn’t burn our retinas.

So here’s to hoping the next update actually feels like one.

— Written by Jos Visser, movie addict, tech tinkerer, and proud survivor of Trakt’s new UI.