WebProNews

MySpace is launching a global redesign next week with better navigation and search capabilities in an effort to increase user engagement and broaden the social networking site's demographic.

The News Corp- owned Web site is set to roll out the first phase of the relaunch on June 18, which will be the first major redesign of the site since it launched in January 2004.

Changes include improved navigation, profile editing, search functions and a redesign of the homepage and MySpaceTV Flash player.

The MySpaceTV player will have new features that make it easier for MySpace members to embed and share videos.

The new search functions will allow MySpace members to navigate through a set of tabs to search personal profiles, music profiles, the MySpace site, and videos on MySpaceTV.

"This is more than a facelift; we're changing the way people interact with the site and with brands," MySpace said.

As part of the relaunch a major advertiser, yet to be named, will take over the U.S. homepage of MySpace on the first day of the relaunch.

The relaunch, which has been in the works for more than six months, has had input from focus groups, user surveys and other research about what consumers and advertisers want from MySpace.

MySpace had 4.7 million visitors in April, down more than 30 percent from last year, according to Nielsen Online.