How to Handle Loading States UI Effectively (with Shimmer UI)

Users expect instant feedback when interacting with an app. A slow or unresponsive UI causes frustration and drop-offs. A well-designed loading state keeps users informed, engaged, and confident that the app is working as expected.

Good loading states reduce perceived waiting time and build trust in your product.

Traditional Approaches to Loading

Spinners or Loaders

• Simple indicators like rotating circles or bouncing dots.

• Pros: Easy to implement.

• Cons: Don’t show what is loading. Lack context.

Skeleton Screens

• Placeholder shapes that mimic the final layout (e.g., gray boxes).

• Pros: Better than spinners in showing content structure.

• Cons: Static and not visually engaging.

What is Shimmer UI?

Shimmer UI is an animated form of skeleton screen that uses a moving gradient to indicate loading. The shimmering effect gives a subtle illusion of loading progress, even though no actual data is loaded.

It was popularized by apps like Facebook and LinkedIn, which show shimmering gray boxes for posts or comments before actual content loads.

Shimmer UI = Skeleton UI + Animated Gradient Effect

Benefits of Shimmer UI

• Improved Perception: Gives the illusion that something is actively loading.

• Visual Feedback: Mimics the structure of the real content.

• Modern Feel: Polished look that users associate with top-tier apps.

• Lightweight: Doesn’t require heavy dependencies.

Implementing Shimmer UI in React

Here’s a basic example using React and CSS:

1. Create the shimmer effect CSS

1.shimmer {
2  background: linear-gradient(
3    to right,
4    #eeeeee 8%,
5    #dddddd 18%,
6    #eeeeee 33%
7  );
8  background-size: 1000px 100%;
9  animation: shimmer 1.5s infinite linear forwards;
10  height: 100px;
11  border-radius: 8px;
12  margin-bottom: 12px;
13}
14
15@keyframes shimmer {
16  0% {
17    background-position: -1000px 0;
18  }
19  100% {
20    background-position: 1000px 0;
21  }
22}

2. Build a skeleton placeholder

1const ShimmerPlaceholder = () => {
2  return (
3    <div className="shimmer" />
4  );
5};

3. Use it conditionally during data fetch

1const ArticleCard = ({ loading, data }) => {
2  if (loading) {
3    return <ShimmerPlaceholder />;
4  }
5
6  return (
7    <div className="article-card">
8      <h2>{data.title}</h2>
9      <p>{data.summary}</p>
10    </div>
11  );
12};

This simple pattern can be scaled for entire sections or lists.

Final Thoughts

Loading states are more than just indicators — they're an opportunity to show polish and care. Shimmer UI is a modern, user-friendly way to keep users engaged and reduce bounce rates.

Investing in good loading UX sets great apps apart from good ones.