Bluesky Update: Reactions & Explore Page - A Twitter Alternative?

Bluesky Introduces New Features Inspired by X

The social network Bluesky is currently deploying a software update that incorporates functionalities previously enjoyed by users of the platform formerly known as X. However, this update does not include an edit button. Instead, the open social network is enhancing its direct messaging capabilities with support for chat reactions and redesigning its search page as “Explore,” providing access to trending topics, account recommendations, and Starter Packs.

Chat Reactions Emulate X’s Functionality

This feature draws inspiration from X, which first enabled emoji reactions to direct messages in 2020. X subsequently broadened this feature, allowing users to utilize any emoji for reactions, moving beyond a predefined set.

Bluesky now mirrors this functionality. Users can now react to messages by clicking the emoji button positioned next to the sender’s message. An initial selection of frequently used emojis, such as a heart, thumbs-up, eyes, sad face, and laughing face, is readily available.

Users also have the option to access a wider range of emojis through a three-dot menu, mirroring the experience on X. This allows for more personalized and expressive reactions.

Revamped Search: Introducing “Explore”

The Bluesky search functionality is becoming significantly more valuable with this release, now facilitating connections to trending conversations on the network. When Bluesky was a smaller platform, a feature of this type may have been less impactful.

However, with a growing user base exceeding 34 million, identifying emerging trends within the platform’s numerous discussions is now more feasible. Current trends include discussions surrounding timely events, such as Trump’s tariffs and their consequences.

Other trends highlight popular communities within Bluesky, like BookSky for readers. Trends are also labeled with indicators such as “New,” “Hot,” or the time since they began trending, for example, “5h ago.”

Personalized Content Discovery

The new Explore page empowers users to input their interests, thereby personalizing the content displayed on Bluesky. It also provides account suggestions across diverse categories, including Art, Sports, Music, Comics, Politics, Science, News, Animals, Books, and Video Games.

Furthermore, the app recommends Starter Packs – curated lists of users that new users can easily follow with a single click. Custom feed suggestions, such as NFL+, connecting users interested in American football, are also offered.

Design Contributions Highlighted

Bluesky’s CTO, Paul Frazee, recently acknowledged the contribution of Darrin Loeliger, a recent hire, to the updated Explore page. He emphasized the value of bringing a designer onto the team.

Easing Transition for Former X Users

These updates, while incremental, aim to make the transition smoother for users migrating from X. They will find familiar tools for engaging with contacts and discovering relevant discussions, individuals, and interests.