Reducing Flicker in Split URL Testing

Created by Donald Ng, Modified on Thu, 6 Mar at 12:19 PM by Donald Ng

When running Split URL Testing in Mida, you might notice a brief flicker where users see the original page before being redirected to the variant. This can be distracting and impact the user experience. This guide covers best practices to speed up redirection and minimize flicker during Split URL Testing.

Why Does Flicker Happen in Split URL Testing?

Flicker occurs when the original page loads before the redirection script executes, causing a brief delay before users reach the test variant. This can be caused by script placement, third-party delays, or caching issues.

Best Practices to Reduce Flicker in Split URL Testing

Place the Mida script in the <head> section—as high as possible. This ensures the browser prioritizes loading it early, reducing any delays in execution. Avoid placing it in the <body>, as that can slow things down.
Avoid third-party loading—Ensure the script is not cached by any external tools or loaded through Google Tag Manager (GTM). GTM introduces additional delays, which can make the redirection feel slower and more noticeable.
Enable the anti-flicker script—This helps prevent users from seeing the original page before the redirection occurs. You can find it in the Installation Guide under the "Get Started" section of your Mida dashboard.

Final Thoughts

By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce flicker and ensure users experience a seamless transition when being redirected in Split URL Testing. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our support team.