Bluesky Launches Vertical Video Feed

Bluesky Launches Vertical Video Feed Amid TikTok Uncertainty

Given the ambiguous future of TikTok within the United States, prominent social media networks are actively developing and releasing new features. This effort aims to attract users who might be seeking alternative platforms.

Bluesky announced on Sunday the introduction of a dedicated feed specifically for vertical videos within its application.

New Video Features in the Bluesky App

The Bluesky mobile app now incorporates a section for trending videos, accessible through the Explore tab. Users can navigate through these short-form videos by swiping upwards, mirroring the functionality of other popular video-sharing apps.

This video feed can be pinned to the home screen for easy access, or it can be added to a user’s customized list of feeds.

“Responding to the growing demand for video content, Bluesky now offers custom feeds dedicated to video! As with all feeds, users have the option to pin these for convenient viewing or not, allowing for a personalized experience,” the company stated in a recent announcement.

Support for TikTok Alternatives

Bluesky also recognized the efforts of developers creating TikTok-like alternatives built on the AT Protocol – the decentralized protocol that underpins Bluesky itself. Examples include apps like Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue.

These alternative applications are currently in their initial development phases and are undergoing closed beta testing.

User Growth and Competitive Landscape

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok, alongside concerns about other ByteDance applications such as CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, has contributed to a surge in Bluesky’s user base. The platform recently surpassed 28 million registered users.

Other social networks are capitalizing on this situation. X, owned by Elon Musk, has also introduced a dedicated feed for vertical videos within the U.S. Furthermore, Meta has unveiled a new video editing application, named Edits, designed to compete directly with CapCut.

Bluesky’s move demonstrates a clear response to the evolving social media landscape and the potential shift in user preferences.