As the decentralized social network Bluesky looks toward 2026, its roadmap reveals a dual focus: introducing dynamic new features to enhance the user experience while simultaneously doubling down on getting core functionality right. The platform, which opened to the public in early 2024 and has since grown to over 42 million users, is aiming to refine its identity as a distinct alternative to mainstream competitors like X and Threads.
Prioritizing the “Basics”
While Bluesky has differentiated itself through custom feeds and user-configurable algorithms, it has acknowledged a need to catch up on fundamental features standard on other platforms. Company leadership has indicated that solidifying these basics is crucial for long-term user retention.
Key areas targeted for improvement include the post composer, with plans to introduce support for post drafts. The platform also aims to enhance media handling, intending to support video uploads longer than the current three-minute limit, improve upload speeds, and allow users to attach more than four photos to a single post. Simplifying the process of creating threads is another priority.
The highly requested feature of private accounts was not included in the immediate roadmap. Bluesky has previously clarified that while the underlying AT Protocol is intended to eventually support private accounts, this complex implementation is not expected in the near term.
A More Dynamic and Real-Time Experience
Beyond foundational fixes, Bluesky is planning significant updates to how users discover content and connect with others. The platform’s algorithmic Discover feed is slated for an upgrade, potentially adding topic tags to better guide users toward posts aligning with their interests. Improvements are also planned for account recommendations to help users find high-quality connections.
A major strategic goal for the coming year is to imbue the platform with a more “real-time” feel, particularly around live events such as sports games or political moments. To achieve this, the company is developing internal curation tools to rapidly deploy high-quality custom feeds tailored to specific, timely events.
There is also a broader ambition to evolve the feed experience beyond simple scrolling, with the company exploring features that could make interacting with feeds feel more communal and engaging.
Growing the Ecosystem
Bluesky is also focused on expanding its broader ecosystem, often referred to as the “Atmosphere.” The plan includes improving interoperability with other applications built on the same foundational AT Protocol.
Current examples of this integration include a feature where users going live on platforms like Twitch or Streamplace automatically display a “LIVE” badge on their Bluesky profile. The company has signaled that another similar integration is on the horizon.
This forward-looking roadmap comes at a critical time. While the platform has successfully attracted a large user base, engagement levels have fluctuated, often surging in response to external events or changes on rival platforms. The competitive landscape remains intense, with well-resourced competitors like Meta’s Threads rapidly deploying new features such as direct messages, interest-based communities, and longer-form content to gain market share.
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