Bluesky Unveils Custom Feed for Vertical Videos
Bluesky, the social networking platform, announced the launch of a custom feed for vertical videos in its app, marking a significant move in the wake of TikTok’s services being in the restoration phase. The app is currently unavailable in both the App Store and the Play Store, prompting Bluesky to introduce this new feature to cater to its growing user base.
**The Unveiling of the Custom Video Feed**
Users can now access a trending videos section in the explore tab on Bluesky’s mobile app. The custom feed allows users to swipe up to view more videos, similar to other vertical video apps. Additionally, users have the option to pin the feed to their home screen or add it to their list of feeds, providing a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.
In a statement, Bluesky emphasized the importance of integrating video content into its platform, stating, “We had to get in on the video action, too — Bluesky now has custom feeds for video! Like any other feed, you can choose to pin these or not. Bluesky is yours to customize.” This move reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing user engagement and satisfaction through innovative features.
**Addressing Technical Issues and Recognizing Developers**
Bluesky also addressed technical issues that some users may encounter, advising individuals who do not see the video feed to restart their app for optimal performance. Furthermore, the company acknowledged developers working on TikTok alternatives using the decentralized AT Protocol, which powers Bluesky. Apps such as Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue are currently in the early stages of development, with many participating in closed testing programs to refine their offerings.
**User Growth Amidst Industry Disruption**
Despite the ongoing chaos surrounding TikTok and other ByteDance apps like CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, Bluesky reported a significant increase in user growth, surpassing 28 million users over the weekend. This surge in user numbers highlights the platform’s growing popularity and relevance in the social networking landscape.
**Industry Response and Competition**
Bluesky’s introduction of the custom video feed has not gone unnoticed by other industry players. Elon Musk-owned X recently launched a dedicated feed for vertical videos in the U.S., capitalizing on the trend towards vertical video consumption. Similarly, Meta announced the release of a new video editing app called Edits to compete with CapCut, signaling a competitive environment in the social media space.
In conclusion, Bluesky’s unveiling of the custom feed for vertical videos underscores the platform’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. As user preferences evolve and video content continues to dominate social media engagement, Bluesky’s strategic move positions it as a key player in the dynamic landscape of social networking platforms.
