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Cover image for SwiftUI Shimmer Loading Animation: Complete Implementation Guide
Karan Pal
Karan Pal

Posted on • Originally published at Medium

SwiftUI Shimmer Loading Animation: Complete Implementation Guide

#swiftui #ios #mobile #programming

SwiftUI Shimmer Loading Animation: Complete Implementation Guide

Hook

Ever wonder why Instagram and LinkedIn feel so much faster than other apps, even when they're loading? It's not magic - it's shimmer animations.

The Problem

Traditional spinning loading indicators make users anxious. They communicate uncertainty: "Is this broken? How long will this take? Should I close the app?"

But shimmer loading placeholders? They're psychological wizardry. They show users exactly what's coming while keeping them engaged during the wait.

What You'll Learn

  • Why shimmer beats traditional loading (hint: it's all psychology)
  • Step-by-step SwiftUI implementation with zero dependencies
  • Creating Instagram-style story placeholders
  • Building LinkedIn-style feed card loaders
  • Performance optimization tricks
  • When NOT to use shimmer (yes, there are times!)

Code Preview 

struct ShimmerModifier: ViewModifier {
    @State private var startPoint = UnitPoint(x: -1.8, y: -1.2)
    @State private var endPoint = UnitPoint(x: 0, y: -0.2)

    func body(content: Content) -> some View {
        content
            .overlay(
                LinearGradient(
                    colors: [
                        Color.gray.opacity(0.25),
                        Color.white.opacity(0.8),
                        Color.gray.opacity(0.25)
                    ],
                    startPoint: startPoint,
                    endPoint: endPoint
                )
                .mask(content)
                // Animation magic happens here...
            )
    }
}
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Real Impact

These small UX details are what separate amateur apps from professional ones. Users won't consciously notice good shimmer animations - they'll just feel like your app is faster and more polished.

Ready to Level Up?

This isn't just about pretty animations. It's about understanding user psychology and creating experiences that feel responsive, even when they're not.

Read the full implementation guide: https://medium.com/swift-pal/swiftui-shimmer-loading-animation-complete-implementation-guide-ccfca9e01c8d

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