Infinite scroll
A list that loads more items automatically as you reach the bottom, so it never seems to end.
What it is
With infinite scroll, the app fetches the next batch of items as you near the end of the list. There are no page numbers; you just keep scrolling.
It suits feeds where people browse casually: social posts, image galleries, news. It's worse for lists where people need to find a specific item, return to a spot, or reach the footer.
A middle ground is a "Load more" button at the bottom, which keeps the feel but gives people control.
How to ask for it
“Don't make people click through pages, just keep showing more.”
“Use infinite scroll on the activity feed: load 20 items at first, then fetch the next 20 when the user is within 300px of the bottom, with a small spinner while loading and an "You're all caught up" message at the end.”
"Keep showing more" doesn't define batch size or the end; "infinite scroll" names the pattern and the prompt covers both.
You've seen this in
- IInstagram and TikTok feeds
- PPinterest boards
- XX's timeline