Venmo is implementing its largest redesign since 2021, aiming to make the app more useful, social, and easier to navigate, as PayPal prepares to restructure Venmo into a stand-alone business unit.
Timing and Strategic Moves
The redesign comes as PayPal, which owns Venmo, is restructuring to spin Venmo off as its own entity. This decision is seen as a strategic move potentially leading to a sale, with Stripe reportedly interested in acquiring PayPal. The redesign could therefore be viewed as an enhancement to attract potential buyers.
New Features Rolling Out
The rollout begins this week, with additional features arriving over the next few months. By fall, the redesign will be available to all users. The revamped feed is one of the first noticeable changes, featuring a wider variety of visuals and larger images. Users can respond to payments with reactions and quick action buttons like “Pay Again” and “Say Thanks.” Personalized cashback offers and product suggestions will also be included.
Users will soon be able to endorse local businesses directly through the app. The new “Give a Shoutout” button under payments in the feed allows users to show support for their favorite merchants.
User Engagement and Social Proofing
Alexis Sowa, Venmo’s senior vice president and general manager, highlighted the desire from younger users to support local businesses. “With this feed redesign, we’re giving an opportunity for them to share what we call social proofing,” Sowa told TechCrunch.
Two new tabs, “Send” and “Money,” will launch soon. The Send feed will display frequent contacts as profile icons, making it easier to split bills with up to 30 people. The Money tab will help users manage expenses and access Teen Accounts and Crypto.
Enhancing User Experience
A new Rewards tab will be introduced, consolidating limited-time offers. This includes Venmo's Stash program, launched last November, which offers up to 5% cash back for purchases made with a Venmo Mastercard Debit Card.
Sowa noted that the redesign stems from a year of user research, revealing that many users were unaware of the app's existing features. The update aims to transform Venmo from a utility tool into a social platform, aligning with trends seen in apps like Verse, Daylight, and Revolut.
Venmo's core audience increasingly desires to see and share financial activity like any other social feed, a shift the app is embracing ahead of possible new ownership.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/11/venmos-biggest-makeover-in-years-comes-at-a-very-interesting-time/
