Twitter Rival Bluesky Takes on Threads With New Personalized Feed

In the world of social media, sites are always looking for ways to better connect with their audience. Bluesky is one such platform that has recently implemented a major update to its network’s content discovery mechanisms. Bluesky, best known for its “What’s Hot” feed, has recently debuted its “Discover” feed, which uses algorithms to curate a wider variety of content than its predecessor. The addition of algorithmic feeds brings Bluesky in line with other major social networks. In this piece, we’ll take a closer look at the new personalized algorithmic feed on Bluesky and discuss its potential benefits and drawbacks.

The idea of a personalized algorithmic feed is not new, but Bluesky’s implementation of it is. Similar recommendation systems have already been implemented by numerous social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. These algorithmic feeds provide users with content that is both trending and from accounts that are “near their social graph.” The aim is to provide each user with a feed that is both interesting and relevant to them, depending on their preferences and network.

The new “Discover” feed on Bluesky does more than just highlight the most-read articles. It makes use of algorithms to suggest material that is both popular and tailored to the individual’s tastes. According to Bluesky, the “Discover” feed will initially include content that is both trending and content from accounts the user follows as well as content from accounts within the user’s social graph. This novel method seeks to unite user favorites with tailored suggestions for a more satisfying overall experience.

Bluesky differentiates itself from the competition by placing a premium on algorithmic decision making. Bluesky gives users more control over their feeds than other platforms, which may only offer algorithmic recommendations. If a user doesn’t like a particular feed, they are free to remove it and replace it with one that more closely fits their interests. This allows users more say over the content they consume, leading to a more satisfying and satisfying experience overall.

In May, Bluesky introduced individualized feeds, letting users follow content based on a variety of parameters. These personalized feeds are similar to Twitter lists in that they can be bookmarked in the “My Feeds” section. In addition to the standard feeds, Bluesky also introduced a number of personalized feeds, such as a “What’s Hot” feed that highlights popular content and a “What’s Hot Classic” feed that highlights popular content that has received at least 12 likes. As the community expanded, users began creating a wide variety of specialized feeds, such as those devoted to science, dog pictures, gardening, and the arts, as well as those based on the user’s social network or based on their preferences.

In terms of user engagement, algorithmic feeds have been shown to perform better than reverse chronological feeds on multiple occasions. Users who saw only posts in reverse chronological order spent much less time on Facebook and Instagram, according to a study conducted in conjunction with their parent company, Meta. Through personalized algorithmic feeds, users are more likely to interact with the platform and spend more time there. Despite user demands for streamlined “Following” feeds, this success has led to the widespread adoption of algorithmic feeds across many social media platforms.

Bluesky’s approach to implementing personalized algorithmic feeds sets it apart from Twitter’s other competitors, despite the fact that it follows the trend. Users have the option of utilizing the algorithmic feed provided by Bluesky or not. Bluesky’s dedication to putting users in charge of their media consumption is on full display with this customization. By removing the Discover feed and replacing it with a user-created feed, Bluesky gives users the ability to tailor their experience to their specific tastes.

Bluesky has some novel features, but it also has some drawbacks that could slow down its widespread adoption. The platform has been criticized for the way it deals with moderation issues, such as the acceptance of racial slurs in user names. Furthermore, Bluesky is still invite-only, so it is missing out on potential users who are looking for alternatives to Twitter because of this. Threatening Bluesky’s expansion are similar apps, like Meta’s Threads, which attracted 100 million users in a short period of time. If Bluesky wants to make the most of the chance to attract disillusioned Twitter users, it must address these concerns and foster a welcoming community.

In conclusion, Bluesky has advanced significantly as an alternative to Twitter with the addition of a personalized algorithmic feed. Bluesky’s goal is to provide its users with a unique and interesting experience by combining recommended content with the latest trends. The ability to personalize one’s feed is a key differentiator that sets this platform apart from others and gives users more control over the content they see. However, there are still obstacles to be overcome, such as the need to address moderation concerns and increase its user base. Bluesky has the potential to become a significant player in the social media landscape by providing users with a different platform that provides a more individualized and interesting content discovery experience.

First reported on TechCrunch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bluesky’s new “Discover” feed?

Bluesky’s “Discover” feed is a major update to the platform’s content discovery mechanisms. It utilizes algorithms to curate a wider variety of content compared to its previous “What’s Hot” feed. The “Discover” feed aims to provide users with personalized and trending content based on their preferences and social network.

How does the “Discover” feed differ from other social media platforms’ algorithmic feeds?

Bluesky differentiates itself by placing a premium on algorithmic decision making while giving users more control over their feeds. Unlike some platforms that only offer algorithmic recommendations, Bluesky allows users to remove and replace feeds they don’t like, leading to a more satisfying experience.

What are personalized feeds on Bluesky?

Bluesky introduced individualized feeds that allow users to follow content based on various parameters. These feeds can be bookmarked in the “My Feeds” section and include options like “What’s Hot” feed, “What’s Hot Classic” feed, and numerous user-created specialized feeds.

What are the benefits of a personalized algorithmic feed?

Studies have shown that algorithmic feeds tend to perform better in terms of user engagement compared to reverse chronological feeds. The personalized algorithmic feed on Bluesky allows users to discover relevant and interesting content, leading to increased interaction with the platform.

Can users opt-out of the algorithmic feed on Bluesky?

Yes, Bluesky’s approach allows users to choose whether they want to utilize the algorithmic feed or not. They can opt for a user-created feed to tailor their content consumption experience to their specific tastes.

What are some potential drawbacks of Bluesky’s personalized algorithmic feed?

Bluesky has faced criticism for its handling of moderation issues, including the acceptance of racial slurs in user names. Additionally, being invite-only might limit its initial user base and hinder widespread adoption, especially with competition from other similar apps.

Is Bluesky a viable alternative to Twitter?

Bluesky’s personalized algorithmic feed and emphasis on user control make it a unique alternative to Twitter. However, its success will depend on addressing moderation concerns and attracting a more extensive user base.

How can Bluesky’s personalized feed benefit users?

Bluesky’s personalized algorithmic feed offers users a more tailored and interesting content discovery experience. By combining recommended content with the latest trends, users are more likely to find content that matches their interests and preferences.

Is Bluesky’s personalized feed available to all users?

As of now, Bluesky is invite-only, which means not all users have access to the platform. However, the company might expand its user base in the future.

What sets Bluesky apart from other social media platforms with algorithmic feeds?

Bluesky’s key differentiator is its dedication to giving users control over their media consumption. The platform allows users to customize their feeds and choose between algorithmic recommendations and user-created content, offering a more individualized experience.

Originally published on ReadWrite.