Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has unveiled plans to introduce a suite of new features, including direct messaging (DMs), video uploads, and enhancements to its Custom Feeds. The company, which launched publicly in February, has experienced rapid growth, escalating its user base from 40,000 to over 5.6 million in just one year.
Bluesky Introduces DMs and Video
One of the most significant additions to Bluesky is the integration of direct messages. This marks a pivotal development for the platform, as all posts have been public up until now. The forthcoming DM feature will allow for private communication between users, with customizable settings to control who can send messages.
Initially, the messaging service will be limited to one-to-one interactions, with options for users to receive messages from everyone, only from followed users, or to disable direct messaging entirely.
Video content is also on the horizon for Bluesky. The platform is planning to support video uploads, allowing users to share clips up to 90 seconds long.
New Features To Expect from Bluesky
Custom Feeds, another unique aspect of Bluesky, are set to receive substantial updates. These enhancements aim to improve how users discover and interact with content, including the ability to curate submissions and adjust algorithmic preferences to show more or less of certain types of content. Bluesky is also introducing OAuth, paving the way for users to log in with their Bluesky credentials on third-party websites and platforms.
Moreover, Bluesky continues to focus on building robust anti-harassment tools and improving moderation within the platform, signaling a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for its users.
While these updates have been announced, Bluesky has not yet provided specific release dates for the new features. The platform’s expansion and innovation continue to draw attention in the tech community, especially following the recent departure of Jack Dorsey from its board of directors. Dorsey’s exit marks a significant shift for Bluesky, as he was instrumental in its initial backing and development.
As Bluesky moves forward with these updates, it distinguishes itself further from competitors, building on its successful model as a decentralized alternative to mainstream social media platforms. The addition of these new features is likely to enhance user engagement and attract a broader audience, cementing Bluesky’s position in the competitive social media landscape.
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