Bluesky is testing ‘live’ features to take on X

Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, has announced significant developments in its 2026 roadmap aimed at challenging established players like X. The company is focusing on enhancing user experience by making the app feel more "live" and interactive, particularly during real-time events. This strategic shift signifies a move towards more dynamic content consumption and engagement within the social networking space. Key to this evolution are plans to introduce new features that will make feeds more timely and responsive, moving beyond static scrolling. Bluesky is actively exploring innovative interactions within feeds designed to foster a sense of community and immediate connection, akin to "hanging out." These improvements are intended to differentiate Bluesky by offering a more engaging and relevant experience for users during live events and in general. The implications of these planned enhancements are substantial for both users and the broader social media landscape. By prioritizing "live" features, Bluesky aims to attract users seeking more dynamic and less passive social interactions. This could potentially influence how other platforms develop their own real-time engagement strategies, contributing to a more competitive and feature-rich environment.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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