Bluesky Tackles Basics Amidst User Growth

Bluesky, the decentralized alternative to X and Threads, is actively developing its roadmap for the upcoming year, with a stated emphasis on enhancing the app's algorithmic Discover feed and providing users with improved recommendations for accounts to follow. The platform, which has amassed over 42 million users since its public debut in early 2024, also recognizes the critical need to refine its foundational features.

Head of product Alex Benzer acknowledged that essential basics must be robust before users will commit long-term. Key improvements planned include better handling of media uploads, extending video length support beyond three minutes, faster video uploads, and the ability to post more than four photos simultaneously. The creation of threads is also set to become more intuitive. While private accounts are a long-term goal, their implementation is dependent on the AT Protocol and is not expected imminently.

Further enhancements to the Discover feed may introduce topic tags to guide users toward content aligned with their interests. Improving "who to follow" suggestions is also a priority to foster a better user experience through higher-quality connections. Benzer highlighted the goal of imbuing Bluesky with a more "real-time" feel, particularly for live events like sports and elections, by developing curation tools for timely custom feeds.

The company is also committed to strengthening the "Atmosphere" ecosystem by boosting interoperability among apps built on the AT Protocol. Future integrations, similar to the upcoming LIVE badge for Twitch or Streamplace streamers, are planned. This focus on ecosystem growth and feature development aims to differentiate Bluesky in a competitive social media landscape.