Bluesky Gains Twitter-Like Message Reactions and New Search Page

[MacRumors]

Bluesky is rolling out a new update introducing features that might ease the transition for social media users coming over from X (Twitter).

First up, version 1.100 adds emoji reactions to Bluesky's direct messaging system. Users can now respond to messages with quick emoji reactions by holding down on a message and selecting from common options like hearts, thumbs up, and laughing faces. For those wanting more expression, the three-dot menu provides access to a full emoji keyboard.

The app's search page has also been completely revamped and renamed "Explore." This new discovery hub prominently displays trending topics labeled with tags like "Hot" or "New," along with timestamps showing when topics started gaining traction.

Beyond trends, the Explore page now recommends accounts to follow across various interest categories such as Art, Sports, Music, and Politics. Users can also personalize their experience by selecting specific interests that inform what appears on their Explore page.

Meanwhile, for newcomers, Bluesky has added curated "Starter Packs," or pre-made lists of accounts focused on specific topics that users can follow with a single tap.

The features are designed to make the transition easier for users migrating from other platforms while improving content discovery within Bluesky.

Bluesky has over 34 million active users, according to the company. That's still a lot less than Meta's Threads in total users, but the platform continues to gain popularity as an alternative to X. The update is available now on the App Store [Direct Link] for iPhone users running iOS 15.1 or later.

Article Link: Bluesky Gains Twitter-Like Message Reactions and New Search Page

 

[Parowdy]

Waiting for the network called Touchgrass, a just as stupid name.

 

[it wasnt me]

Today on MacRumors: A platform run by a few billionaires looks more like a platform run by a billionaire now. Hilarious.

 

[Ctrlos]

Today on MacRumors: A platform run by a few billionaires looks more like a platform run by a billionaire now. Hilarious.

The CEO of Bluesky is worth about $5m. She and the rest of the staff are a bunch of ex-Twitter software engineers who span off at the behest of ex-CEO Jack Dorsey to look at creating a federated platform. The company is ran as a public benefit and not purely for shareholder gain.

Its also a nice breezy social networking platform

 

[it wasnt me]

The CEO of Bluesky is worth about $5m.

Oh, sorry. Millionaires.

The company is ran as a public benefit and not purely for shareholder gain.

Mastodon is run as a public benefit. I'm sure Bluesky's venture capitalist funding will have to paid back some day.

 

[wanha]

Today on MacRumors: A platform run by a few billionaires looks more like a platform run by a billionaire now. Hilarious.

it's okay to admit you don't get it.

Just because they look similar and offer similar functionality, does not mean they are, in fact, the same.

Unlike Twitter, Bluesky puts the user in the center. It doesn't de-boost links, it provides great moderation tools, and you get a chronological timeline instead of being forced into algorithmic engagement-bait.

Importantly, it's designed from the group up to not be controlled or censored by billionaires because it's created on an open protocol which means you can take your users with you if someone with nefarious intentions.

Put it all together and Bluesky is well on its way to fulfilling the promise of what Twitter could and should have been, and I'm personally grateful that it exists and hopeful for the future.

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

I never used Twitter/X. Not going to use this thing. The world does not need another social media dumpster.

It will be gone in a couple years at most.

 

[it wasnt me]

you get a chronological timeline instead of algorithmic engagement-bait.

Both Bluesky and Twitter have a "Discover" tab. In both Bluesky and Twitter, you can just use the chronological tab.

it's entirely created on an open protocol which means you can take your users with you if someone with nefarious intentions.

Where can I find a second Bluesky server? Unlike Mastodon, Bluesky basically has exactly one server, making it a walled garden.

 

[DrRadon]

Oh, sorry. Millionaires.



Mastodon is run as a public benefit. I'm sure Bluesky's venture capitalist funding will have to paid back some day.

Imagine taking part in a Apple discussion forum and complaining about capitalism.

And Bro. Everyone is a millionaire these days. If you are capable of building a product that 35 million people use it’s ok that you can buy a house and go out for dinner. That’s perfectly within reason of wealth generation.

 

[DrRadon]

Where can I find a second Bluesky server? Unlike Mastodon, Bluesky basically has exactly one server, making it a walled garden.

You do realize this is a board for Apple, the most successful walled garden offering company of all?

 

[it wasnt me]

Everyone is a millionaire these days.

I am not.

 

[wanha]

Both Bluesky and Twitter have a "Discover" tab. In both Bluesky and Twitter, you can just use the chronological tab.

It isn't what's available, the question is what the default is, because that's the feed the majority of users will end up scrolling through.

 

[navaira]

You might wish to fix ‘App Store [Direct Link](#)’

 

[it wasnt me]

the question is what the default is

I have already experienced a few times that I called up bsky.app and was taken directly to ‘Discover’.

 

[Ctrlos]

I have already experienced a few times that I called up bsky.app and was taken directly to ‘Discover’.

Unless you want to engage directly with people, I'd recommend replacing the default app with Tapestry. It aggregates all your fediverse apps(Mastodon, Bluesky etc) together with RSS, Youtube channels, Podcasts etc into one chronological super-feed. You can isolate different elements, bookmark posts and generally tidy up the chaotic nature of our digital lives. Its by Iconfactory who made the wonderful Twitterriffic back in the day.

 

[it wasnt me]

Unless you want to engage directly with people

That’s the whole purpose of social networks.

Its by Iconfactory who made the wonderful Twitterriffic back in the day.

Ah, I really loved Twitterriffic!

 

[BornAgainMac]

I downloaded it but was disappointed no iPad app.

 

[Ctrlos]

That’s the whole purpose of social networks.

I only ever used Twitter as a ground-level newsfeed of what was going on in my city. As a PSA system is actually had value.

 

[it wasnt me]

I see. Makes sense, in a way. Personally, I use social media for social stuff and RSS feeds for news.

edit: Sorry, I haven't seen your post @Paradoxally - I agree!

 

[it wasnt me]

which is better iOS or Android.

Try to have an "iOS vs Android", "Vim vs Emacs" and/or "Windows vs Linux" discussion in social media. I dare you.

 

[Tanax]

I prefer Mastodon.

 

[tethead]

I'm glad that Macrumors has an account, but you need to verify your own domain please - it really helps with authenticity on the platform, and takes a matter of minutes. Your news posts don't even have share buttons to Bluesky - only Twitter and Facebook - that should be an easy fix as well!

 

[richpjr]

it's okay to admit you don't get it.

Just because they look similar and offer similar functionality, does not mean they are, in fact, the same.

Unlike Twitter, Bluesky puts the user in the center. It doesn't de-boost links, it provides great moderation tools, and you get a chronological timeline instead of being forced into algorithmic engagement-bait.

Importantly, it's designed from the group up to not be controlled or censored by billionaires because it's created on an open protocol which means you can take your users with you if someone with nefarious intentions.

Put it all together and Bluesky is well on its way to fulfilling the promise of what Twitter could and should have been, and I'm personally grateful that it exists and hopeful for the future.

Ironic to talk about great moderation tools and the lack of censorship in the same post.

 

[wanha]

Ironic to talk about great moderation tools and the lack of censorship in the same post.

Fostering kindness and preventing harm is a higher good than freedom of speech

 

[Lsutgr]

X has become really good. Don't see the reason for Blue Sky's existence.