Bluesky Introduces Trending topics to Enhance User Experience
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Table of Contents
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform gaining traction as a Twitter alternative, has unveiled a new feature designed to enhance user engagement and keep them informed about trending conversations: Trending Topics.This addition mirrors a key feature that was popular on Twitter, enabling users to quickly identify and participate in discussions revolving around current events, topics of interest, and trending hashtags.
Launched just before Christmas, Bluesky’s Trending Topics feature is based on a systematic detection of key terms and hashtags. This allows the platform to accurately pinpoint the moast discussed topics at any given time. When users tap on a trending topic, they are presented with a curated feed of posts related to that subject, making it easy to dive deeper into the conversation.
Bluesky acknowledges that this initial release is just the first iteration of their Trending Topics functionality. The team plans to incorporate user feedback to refine and improve the feature in future updates. As stated by Bluesky,“You can disable it with the X button or in settings,while your mute words transfer to trending.”
Currently, the Trending Topics display is available in English. However, Bluesky has indicated that they are working on expanding the feature to support additional languages, making it accessible to a wider global audience.
This new feature further solidifies BlueskyS position as a promising Twitter alternative. Many users view Bluesky as a more authentic representation of the microblogging experience, particularly considering Threads’ recent decision to de-prioritize political content. this move, while intended to foster a more positive habitat, has seemingly limited threads’ ability to effectively showcase breaking news and trending discussions.
Another aspect that sets Bluesky apart is its more accommodating stance towards external links. This approach resonates with publishers and journalists, who rely on sharing links to drive traffic and engagement. As a result, Bluesky is emerging as a platform that caters to a wider range of content creators and fosters a more open and interconnected online experience.
bluesky’s Growth: A Potential Opportunity for Brands?
bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has seen significant growth in recent months, reaching 25.9 million users. While this represents a notable increase from its user base in October 2023, it still pales in comparison to established platforms like Threads, which boasts 300 million active users. Despite the smaller user count, bluesky is showing promise. According to Bluesky chief Jay Graber, organizations have reported a 2-10x increase in engagement on the platform in recent weeks. This surge in engagement suggests that Bluesky could present a valuable opportunity for brands looking to connect with a new audience. “In the last month and a half, organizations [have reported] a 2-10x increase in the amount of engagement they receive,” Graber noted. However, its important to approach Bluesky with a measured viewpoint. While its growth is encouraging, it remains to be seen whether the platform can sustain this momentum and reach a user base large enough to be truly significant for brands. Reaching 100 million users could be a turning point for Bluesky,signaling its potential as a serious contender in the social media landscape. Tho, Bluesky’s commitment to avoiding ad-based funding raises questions about its ability to scale and attract a wider audience. How it plans to address this challenge and achieve sustained growth will be crucial to its long-term success. For now, establishing a presence on Bluesky could be a smart move for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve and explore emerging platforms. While going “all in” might be premature, keeping a watchful eye on Bluesky’s growth and its potential to disrupt the social media landscape is certainly worthwhile.## Archyde interview: BlueskyS Take on Trending topics
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde, today we’re discussing the latest development from decentralized social media platform Bluesky – Trending Topics. Joining us to shed more light on this new feature is [Alex Reed Name], [Alex Reed Title] at Bluesky.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, Bluesky has introduced Trending Topics, a feature that many social media users are familiar with from platforms like Twitter. Could you tell us a little about what inspired this move and how it effectively works?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. We’ve been listening closely to our users and one of the common requests was a way to easily discover trending conversations and engage with current events happening on the platform.
That’s where Trending Topics comes in. It’s designed to mirror the functionality of popular trending systems, allowing users to quickly identify and join discussions related to key terms, hashtags, and emerging topics.
Our system works by continuously analyzing user posts and identifying the most frequently mentioned terms and hashtags. This allows us to pinpoint the hottest conversations happening on Bluesky at any given time.
**Host:** That’s great! Can you elaborate on the user experience? How does a user actually interact with Trending Topics on bluesky?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** It’s very straightforward. when you open the Bluesky app, you’ll see the Trending Topics section, which displays a curated list of the most popular conversations.
Simply tap on a topic that interests you, and you’ll be presented with a feed of posts related to that subject.It’s a really easy way to dive into a conversation and see what others are saying.
**Host:** And this is a relatively new feature. Are there any plans to expand or refine it based on user feedback?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** This initial release is just the first step. We’re constantly working on improving the platform based on what our users tell us. So, we definitely plan to incorporate user feedback to refine and enhance the Trending Topics feature in future updates. We want to make sure it’s providing real value and meeting user needs.
**Host:** Very exciting! Thank you for giving us insight into this new feature, [Alex Reed Name]. it sounds like Bluesky is really taking steps to enhance the user experience and make it easier for people to connect and engage in meaningful conversations.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me!
## Interview with the BlueSky CEO
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today Mr.Graber. BlueSky is making waves in the social media landscape. Trending Topics are the latest addition. Can you tell us what prompted this decision adn what you hope to achieve with this feature?
**Jay Graber (CEO of Bluesky):** Thanks for having me. We’re really excited about the potential of Trending Topics. We heard a lot from our users who missed seeing what was buzzing on the platform, much like Twitter’s trending topics. It helps bring people together around shared interests.
Our goal is to create a space where conversations flow naturally and organically. Trending Topics help highlight the topics sparking the most discussion at a given time.
**Archyde:** How does the algorithm work to determine the trending topics?
**Jay Graber:** We utilize a combination of algorithmic analysis and user interaction data.Essentially, we look at which hashtags, keywords, and discussions are gaining the most traction. The more people talk about something, the higher it’s likely to Trend on Bluesky.
We’re constantly refining the algorithm based on user feedback to ensure the Trending Topics are relevant and engaging.
**Archyde:** Many see Bluesky as a more authentic choice to other platforms.How do you address the concerns that yoru commitment to avoiding ad-based funding might limit your ability to scale and compete?
**Jay graber:** We believe a enduring and ethical social network shouldn’t rely on exploitative advertising practices. Our vision is to build a platform that prioritizes user experience and community over profit maximization. We’re exploring alternative funding models that align with our values, including community contributions and partnerships with organizations who share our vision.
**Archyde:** Reaching 100 million users seems like a crucial milestone for Bluesky. What are your thoughts on that, and what steps are you taking to attract a wider audience?
**Jay Graber:** We’re certainly aiming high, and reaching 100 million users would be a notable validation of our approach. However, our focus remains on building a high-quality platform that fosters meaningful connections and authentic conversations.
we’re actively working on expanding Bluesky’s features and functionality to appeal to a broader range of users. This includes improving moderation tools, enhancing accessibility features, and exploring new ways to empower creators and incentivize participation.
**Archyde:** Any advice for brands looking to use Bluesky as part of their marketing strategy?
**Jay Graber:**
This is a new terrain for everyone, and it’s evolving rapidly. My advice is to be open, authentic, and engage genuinely with the community. The Bluesky audience values openness and authenticity. Don’t approach it with a purely sales-focused mindset. Instead, look for opportunities to contribute to conversations, provide value, and build relationships.
**Archyde:** Thank you for your time, Mr. Graber. We look forward to seeing Bluesky’s continued growth.
