Bluesky Adds Group Chats to Compete with X

Bluesky has launched support for group chats, a new feature designed to foster community interaction on the platform. This update allows groups of up to 50 people to communicate privately, marking a significant step in Bluesky's strategic shift towards community-centric experiences rather than solely public broadcasting.

The introduction of group chats, which are included in the latest app version (v1.124), follows Bluesky's earlier integration of messaging services. While media sharing is not yet supported pending further safety and moderation system development, users can manage chat participation and generate invite links.

This development comes as Bluesky aims to differentiate itself from larger competitors like X, which has a much larger user base. Bluesky's head of product, Alex Benzer, outlined plans to create smaller, more focused community spaces within the app, allowing users to connect over shared interests.

These communities will feature unique handles and offer privacy options similar to other social platforms, with Bluesky betting on users seeking more controlled online experiences away from dominant tech players. A QR code profile sharing feature has also been added.